Clindamycin Questions

What is clindamycin as well as the side effects?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat anaerobic bacterial infections. These types of infections can include dental, respiratory tract, skin, peritonitis, and skin infections. As well as being used in treatment of certain protozoal diseases such as malaria. A clindamycin solution is also a common topical treatment for acne and infections that are methicillin-resistant (MRSA). In some cases it may also be used to treat bone and joint infections.

During the course of treatment side effects can occur. More commonly clindamycin side effects such as diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis, nausea, cramps, rash, itchiness, and vomiting may occur in over 1% of individuals. Taking high doses of clindamycin may leave individuals with a metallic taste. When placed on the skin there is risk of contact dermatitis. In less than 0.1% of individuals side effects may include anaphylaxis, hepatotoxicity, and raised enzyme levels of the liver, jaundice, polyarthritis, and dyscrasia.

Clindamycin therapy complications may cause concerns. Uncertainties about proper administration or how long the effects may linger can lead to additional questions similar to those answered below by Experts.

How long does it take for clindamycin to take effect?

Typically, when using clindamycin to treat skin or other infection the effects should be noticed within 48 hours after the initial dose. If treating a skin rash infection the redness should show improvement by this time. Even though the medication will begin to work in the body within six to eight hours it still needs time to begin to kill the bacteria. In the case no improvement is seen by 48 hours, there may be a chance this is not the right antibiotic to be using.

Why should an individual not lie down for 15-30 minutes after taking clindamycin?

Individuals taking clindamycin generally should not be too reclined or lie down after taking their dose because of the risk of stomach irritation that can develop. If individuals already have gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD) this can worsen the symptoms and be painful.

Will the effectiveness of clindamycin be reduced in only taking it 5 out of 7 days?

Antibiotic treatment that is prescribed for seven days should be taken for the full duration unless otherwise directed by a physician. If clindamycin therapy is taken for only 5 days when 7 days is ordered then could be a 70-80% chance that treatment would be successful. However, if it is not successful there is risk of developing bacterial resistance to this medication. In return this could lead the body not being able to effectively use this antibiotic.

The last two days of treatment can make a huge difference in which bacteria is killed. If treatment is stopped too early, the weaker bacteria can be killed leaving the stronger bacteria to survive. These stronger surviving bacteria are the ones likely to become resistant to the antibiotic.

How long will symptoms of a rash, shakiness and flu-like symptoms reduce from taking 300 milligrams of clindamycin? Will drinking water help flush the system out?

The clindamycin antibiotic is quickly gotten rid of by the body normally within a few hours; however, the symptoms can last much longer. Clindamycin is also metabolized by the liver so drinking plenty of water will may make much of a difference when trying to cleanse the antibiotic out of the system. Most adverse drug reactions that are more worrisome will involve a fever. However, it is not uncommon to experience a rash or other side effects. If a rash becomes worse, shortness of breath, or swelling of any part of the mouth occurs then medical help should be sought out.

Is it safe to break a clindamycin capsule and take it?

Clindamycin is available in tablet form which can be easily broken up into smaller sizes for easier swallowing methods. This medication is not a time released drug which allows it to be able to be split up. However, breaking a clindamycin capsule and ingesting the “powder” may have higher risk in upset stomach issues.

Having the right kind of information about clindamycin can be helpful when face with questions about this antibiotic. Experts can help answer questions about clindamycin resistance or proper dosage amounts. Get your questions answered by asking an Expert.