Clindamycin
Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
A lincosamide antibiotic with excellent activity against gram-positive cocci (including many community-acquired MRSA strains), anaerobes, and certain protozoa (Toxoplasma, Plasmodium). Used for skin and soft tissue infections (including MRSA), bone and joint infections, intra-abdominal/pelvic infections (with gram-negative coverage), bacterial vaginosis, toxoplasmosis (with pyrimethamine), and dental infections. Also used topically for acne.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
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This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.
What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
A lincosamide antibiotic with excellent activity against gram-positive cocci (including many community-acquired MRSA strains), anaerobes, and certain protozoa (Toxoplasma, Plasmodium). NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 150-450 mg every 6-8 hours orally; IV: 600-900 mg every 8 hours; max 1.8 g/day orally or 4.8 g/day IV (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete vitamin k. This profile indexes 10 sources.
The bottom line
Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: treats skin and soft tissue infections (including ca-mrsa), treats dental and orofacial infections, treats bone and joint infections. 10 sources indexed (1991–2022), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit at the 23S rRNA of the peptidyl transferase center, preventing peptide bond formation and blocking bacterial protein synthesis. Primarily bacteriostatic, but may be bactericidal at high concentrations or against highly susceptible organisms. Notably suppresses toxin production by S. aureus and group A Streptococcus, making it useful as an adjunct in toxin-mediated diseases like necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome.
Dosing & protocol.
Well absorbed orally (~90% bioavailability). Food delays but does not reduce absorption. Take with a full glass of water to prevent esophageal irritation. Excellent penetration into bone, making it useful for osteomyelitis.
What it depletes.
Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.
Vitamin K
MildBroad-spectrum antibiotic exposure can suppress gut bacteria that synthesize menaquinones, lowering vitamin K availability in susceptible patients.
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Diarrhea (common, up to 20%)
- Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea/pseudomembranous colitis (higher risk than most antibiotics)
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Skin rash
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Esophageal irritation (if taken without adequate water)
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Meta-analyses & systematic reviews
4- 1Inducible Clindamycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains in Africa: A Systematic ReviewPMIDAssefa M · International journal of microbiology · 2022
Assefa M. Inducible Clindamycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains in Africa: A Systematic Review. International journal of microbiology. 2022
- 2Meta-analysis: randomized controlled trials of clindamycin/aminoglycoside vs. beta-lactam monotherapy for the treatment of intra-abdominal infectionsPMIDFalagas ME, Matthaiou DK, Karveli EA et al. · Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics · 2007
Falagas ME, Matthaiou DK, Karveli EA et al.. Meta-analysis: randomized controlled trials of clindamycin/aminoglycoside vs. beta-lactam monotherapy for the treatment of intra-abdominal infections. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. 2007
- 3Comment: clindamycin meta-analysisPMIDGill MA · The Annals of pharmacotherapy · 1996
Gill MA. Comment: clindamycin meta-analysis. The Annals of pharmacotherapy. 1996
- 4Meta-analysis of parenteral clindamycin dosing regimensPMIDRovers JP, Ilersich AL, Einarson TR · The Annals of pharmacotherapy · 1995
Rovers JP, Ilersich AL, Einarson TR. Meta-analysis of parenteral clindamycin dosing regimens. The Annals of pharmacotherapy. 1995
Reviews & position papers
2- 5Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel (BenzaClin): a review of its use in the management of acnePMIDMcKeage K, Keating GM · American journal of clinical dermatology · 2008
McKeage K, Keating GM. Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel (BenzaClin): a review of its use in the management of acne. American journal of clinical dermatology. 2008
- 6Clindamycin in the treatment of obstetric and gynecologic infections: a reviewPMIDZambrano D · Clinical therapeutics · 1991
Zambrano D. Clindamycin in the treatment of obstetric and gynecologic infections: a review. Clinical therapeutics. 1991
Reference material
4- 7Liu C et al. Clinical practice guidelines by IDSA for the treatment of MRSA infections in adults and children. Clin Infect Dis. 2011.Source linkedPMID
- 8Stevens DL et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the IDSA. Clin Infect Dis. 2014.Source linkedPMID
- 9Brook I. Clindamycin in treatment of aspiration pneumonia in older patients. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2005.Source linkedPMID
- 10Parks T, Wilson C, Curtis N et al.. Polyspecific Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Clindamycin-treated Patients With Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2018Source linkedPMID
Common questions.
Quick answers about Clindamycin, drawn from the data on this page.
What is Clindamycin?
A lincosamide antibiotic with excellent activity against gram-positive cocci (including many community-acquired MRSA strains), anaerobes, and certain protozoa (Toxoplasma, Plasmodium). Used for skin and soft tissue infections (including MRSA), bone and joint infections, intra-abdominal/pelvic infections (with gram-negative coverage), bacterial vaginosis, toxoplasmosis (with pyrimethamine), and dental infections. Also used topically for acne.
What is Clindamycin used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Clindamycin include: Treats skin and soft tissue infections (including CA-MRSA); Treats dental and orofacial infections; Treats bone and joint infections; Treats intra-abdominal and pelvic infections (anaerobic coverage); Suppresses toxin production in necrotizing fasciitis/toxic shock. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.
What is a typical dose of Clindamycin?
A typical adult dose of Clindamycin is 150-450 mg every 6-8 hours orally; IV: 600-900 mg every 8 hours; max 1.8 g/day orally or 4.8 g/day IV (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral capsules, oral solution, IV, topical gel/lotion, or vaginal cream. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Clindamycin?
Reported side effects include diarrhea (common, up to 20%), clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea/pseudomembranous colitis (higher risk than most antibiotics), nausea, abdominal pain, skin rash, elevated liver enzymes. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Clindamycin?
NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
Clindamycin in NutriStack.
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