Lincosamide Antibiotic

Clindamycin 150–300mg oral / 600mg IV

Brand names: Dalacin C

Clindamycin, available as oral capsules or intravenous infusion, is a lincosamide antibiotic used in bone and joint infection for its good bone penetration and activity against staphylococci, streptococci and anaerobes, often as part of combination or oral switch therapy. It is also an option in penicillin allergy.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It binds the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit to inhibit protein synthesis, giving a predominantly bacteriostatic effect against susceptible Gram-positive cocci and anaerobes.

Prescribing in practice

Clindamycin carries one of the highest risks of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea and colitis — stop promptly and investigate if significant diarrhoea develops, and avoid antimotility agents.
The intravenous form should be given by infusion rather than rapid bolus to avoid cardiovascular reactions, and oral capsules should be swallowed with plenty of water while sitting upright to prevent oesophageal irritation.
Review liver function with prolonged use and check susceptibility, as inducible macrolide-lincosamide resistance can cause treatment failure.

Monitoring

Monitor for new or persistent diarrhoea throughout and after treatment, and check liver function during prolonged courses.

Counselling the patient

Report any significant or watery diarrhoea straight away, including for a few weeks after finishing, and do not take anti-diarrhoeal medicines.
Take capsules with a full glass of water and remain upright afterwards.
Complete the full prescribed course for the bone infection even once you feel better.

Evidence & guidelines

Antimicrobial stewardship guidance highlights clindamycin among the antibiotics most strongly associated with C. difficile infection.

Reference: BSAC Bone and Joint Infection Guidelines; PHE Guidance on Antibiotic Prescribing; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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