how long is a course of clindamycin

by Dr. Elaina Renner IV 9 min read

This is to prevent the infection from coming back. A course of treatment usually lasts for a week or so, although it will be for longer than this if you are taking clindamycin for a bone infection. If you still feel unwell after finishing the course of treatment, go back to see your doctor.May 9, 2020

Precautions

Clindamycin has the potential of staying for about eleven to forty-eight hours and clears out every six hours. This is also the very reason why Clindamycin is prescribed every six hours. After the last dose of Clindamycin is taken, it persists in the body for a maximum of six hours.

How long does clindamycin stay good for?

Feb 14, 2019 · You’ll likely be prescribed a seven-day course of clindamycin for a tooth infection. On each of those seven days, you’ll likely need to take a dose every six hours or so.

How long before clindamycin works?

Sep 15, 2020 · The average elimination half-life of clindamycin is about 2 to 3 hours for children and adults and up to 4 hours for elderly people. That means this drug stays in a person’s system for anywhere from 11 to 48 hours, as it takes roughly 5.5 half-lives for the body to clear a substance. Because clindamycin doesn’t stay in your system for very long, doctors usually …

What are the adverse effects of clindamycin?

Mar 14, 2011 · Inactive 15 Mar 2011. The drug starts work right away within about 30 min - 1 hour of you taking it. This is different from how quickly you'll notice it working. Typically you should see a noticable improvement within 2 - 3 days, but this depends on what you are taking it for.

What is the difference between metronidazole and clindamycin?

A five-day course of clindamycin for strep throat. A five-day course of clindamycin for strep throat. A five-day course of clindamycin for strep throat Infection. Sep-Oct 1988;16(5):299-300. doi: 10.1007/BF01645078. Authors J N ... Clindamycin / administration & dosage*

How long should you take clindamycin?

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you have a "strep'' infection, you should keep using this medicine for at least 10 days. This is especially important in "strep" infections.Apr 1, 2022

Can you take clindamycin for 10 days?

Patients should take this medication exactly as directed by their doctor. Adults can anticipate taking 150-300 mg orally every six hours, or with a more severe infection, 300-450 mg every six hours. Treatment should last 7-10 days depending on the prescription and severity of infection.Aug 6, 2021

What is a normal course of clindamycin?

Adults—150 to 300 milligrams (mg) every 6 hours. For more severe infections, 300 to 450 mg every 6 hours.Apr 1, 2022

When can I stop taking clindamycin?

If you have a painful skin rash, blisters, red skin, fever, or body aches, stop taking clindamycin (Cleocin) and call your healthcare provider right away.Oct 19, 2021

How long does it take clindamycin to work for bacterial infection?

Once you start taking clindamycin, you'll likely notice an improvement in your symptoms after a day or two. If your symptoms aren't improving at all or seem to be getting worse after taking clindamycin for a few days, follow up with your healthcare provider.Feb 14, 2019

How long should clindamycin be taken for tooth infection?

For your tooth infection, you'll need to take a 7-day treatment course. During the treatment days, your doctor or dentist will prescribe doses 6 hours apart.Aug 15, 2021

Is clindamycin a strong antibiotic?

Is Clindamycin a powerful antibiotic? Yes, Clindamycin is a strong broad-based antibiotic doctors prescribe to treat severe infections, including the fatal MRSA infection. It has a positive effect on various bacterial infections, including those which survive without air.

What is the major side effect of clindamycin?

Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loose skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills while you or your child are using this medicine.Apr 1, 2022

What kind of infections does clindamycin treat?

What is clindamycin?
  • Skin and soft tissue infections.
  • Respiratory tract infections.
  • Bone and joint infections.
  • Pelvic infections.
  • Intra-abdominal infections.
  • Septicaemia and endocarditis.
  • Dental infections.
  • Multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum (malaria) infection.

Why does clindamycin say not to lay down?

by Drugs.com

You should avoid lying down after taking the antibiotic clindamycin because it may prolong the time it takes for the medication to move through your esophagus into your stomach, potentially irritating your esophagus.
May 27, 2021

Why can't you lay down after taking antibiotics?

Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine, to make sure the pills have gone through the esophagus into the stomach. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience painful swallowing or feel that the medicine is sticking in your throat.

What medications should not be taken with clindamycin?

View interaction reports for clindamycin and the medicines listed below.
  • Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • Claritin (loratadine)
  • Cymbalta (duloxetine)
  • Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
  • Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
  • Flonase (fluticasone nasal)
  • Lipitor (atorvastatin)

All about Clindamycin

Clindamycin is a lincomycin group of medication used for treating serious bacterial infections of lungs, skin, female reproductive organs, blood, and even internal organs. It is an advanced-stage broad-spectrum antibiotic that is specifically used to slow or stop bacterial growth.

Clindamycin use

Generally, Clindamycin is used for treating infections in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, and reproductive organs. Mostly, these are anaerobic infectious agents like staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococci, etc.

When not to use

Patients having a history of hypersensitivity reactions are discouraged to use Clindamycin. It may develop skin rashes on the superficial layer. These can worsen with time as well.

How long does clindamycin stay in your system?

Like every other medicine, when Clindamycin does not stay long in the body. This is for its comparatively short half-life of 3 to 4 hours.

Benefits

Clindamycin works perfectly on serious bacterial infections. But it has also benefited people with the following infections:

Side Effects of Clindamycin

Clindamycin is expected to initiate side effects to more or less all the systems of the body. When the clindamycin side effects after stopping start to show, it lowers the effect of the medicine.

Last words

To answer, “how long does clindamycin stay in your system”, it is easy to narrow it down to 4 hours at best. The rest of it is used or else excreted from the body.

Is clindamycin used for anaerobic infections?

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Infection. -In the treatment of anaerobic infections, parenteral clindamycin should be used initially and then patients changed to oral therapy when clinically appropriate.

Can clindamycin cause diarrhea?

US BOXED WARNING (S):#N#-Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with the use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including clindamycin and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C difficile.#N#-Because clindamycin therapy has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally, it should be reserved for serious infections where less toxic antimicrobial agents are inappropriate. It should not be used in patients with nonbacterial infections such as most upper respiratory tract infections.#N#-C difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use.#N#-Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.#N#Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

How does clindamycin work?

Clindamycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which inhibits bacterial growth. It has a bacteriostatic effect which means it stops bacteria from reproducing but doesn't necessarily kill them. Clindamycin belongs to the class of antibiotics known as lincosamide or lincomycin antibiotics. 2. Upsides.

What is clindamycin used for?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that may be used to treat a wide range of infections including those involving gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria (anaerobic means living without air). Clindamycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which inhibits bacterial growth.

Can you use clindamycin while pregnant?

Should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Animal studies do not reveal any evidence of teratogenicity and there is not enough data in humans to make a recommendation. Clindamycin is secreted into breast milk and may potentially cause adverse effects on the GI flora of breast-fed infants.

Is clindamycin teratogenic?

Animal studies do not reveal any evidence of teratogenicity and there is not enough data in humans to make a recommendation. Clindamycin is secreted into breast milk and may potentially cause adverse effects on the GI flora of breast-fed infants.

Is clindamycin good for diarrhea?

The risk of C. difficile -associated diarrhea may be higher with clindamycin compared with some other antibiotics.

Does clindamycin help with viruses?

Clindamycin does not treat infections caused by viruses, such as a cold or the flu.

Can you stop taking clindamycin?

Medicines that interact with clindamycin may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with clindamycin. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications ; however, sometimes it does.

Is clindamycin an antibiotic?

Allergic reaction. Side effects. Safety. Takeaway. Tooth infections often require antibiotic treatment. Clindamycin is a lincosamide type of antibiotic that’s used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including infections of the teeth. It’s generally given as an oral antibiotic, but you may need intravenous clindamycin for severe tooth ...

What are the side effects of clindamycin?

Taking clindamycin can cause a range of side effects, including: 1 diarrhea 2 nausea or vomiting 3 loss of appetite

How to tell if you have C diff?

Symptoms of C. diff to watch for include: 1 watery diarrhea up to 15 times per day that may contain blood or pus 2 severe abdominal pain 3 low-grade fever 4 loss of appetite 5 nausea

What is the best antibiotic for tooth infection?

Penicillin antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, are most commonly used to treat tooth infections. Clindamycin can be useful if you’re allergic to or haven’t had success with penicillin antibiotics. It’s also active against a variety of bacteria. This is important when it comes to tooth infections, which often involve several types ...

What is clindamycin used for?

Clindamycin is a lincosamide type of antibiotic that’s used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including infections of the teeth. It’s generally given as an oral antibiotic, but you may need intravenous clindamycin for severe tooth infections. Left untreated, tooth infections can quickly spread to other areas, ...

Can clindamycin cause rash?

If you develop any kind of rash while taking clindamycin, contact your healthcare provider — this may be a sign of a drug allergy. In rare cases, it’s possible to have a potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes of taking a drug and can include:

How long does it take for anaphylaxis to appear?

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes of taking a drug and can include: itchy hives and welts. swollen throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble with breathing or swallowing. chest tightness.

What is the half-life of clindamycin?

The half-life of clindamycin is 2.4 hours. In elderly patients, the half-life may be as long as 4 hours.

How long does clindamycin stay in your system?

The average elimination half-life of clindamycin is about 2 to 3 hours for children and adults and up to 4 hours for elderly people. That means this drug stays in a person’s system for anywhere from 11 to 48 hours, as it takes roughly 5.5 half-lives for the body to clear a substance.

Do antibiotics keep working after you stop taking them?

Antibiotics like clindamycin do not keep working after you stop taking them. They keep working as long as they are taken and the bacteria treated do not mutate and become resistant to the antibiotics.

How do you flush antibiotics out of your system?

Clindamycin leaves the body primarily through urine and feces. You can support your body’s ability to flush out antibiotics, toxins, and other waste products by staying well-hydrated and eating a nutritious diet.

4 Answers

The drug starts work right away within about 30 min - 1 hour of you taking it. This is different from how quickly you'll notice it working. Typically you should see a noticable improvement within 2 - 3 days, but this depends on what you are taking it for.

Search for questions

Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.

image

Usual Adult Dose For Bacterial Infection

This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

Status: Discontinued

May Treat: Clostridium perfringens empyema · Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis · Staphylococcus aureus skin and skin structure infection · Acne vulgaris · Anaerobic endometritis and more

Alternate Brand Names: Cleocin

Drug Class: Acne Therapy Topical - Anti-infective · Lincosamide Antibiotics · Vaginal Antibacterial - Lincosamides

Availability: Prescription Required

Status: Discontinued

May Treat: Clostridium perfringens empyema · Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis · Staphylococcus aureus skin and skin structure infection · Acne vulgaris · Anaerobic endometritis and more

Alternate Brand Names: Cleocin

Drug Class: Acne Therapy Topical - Anti-infective · Lincosamide Antibiotics · Vaginal Antibacterial - Lincosamides

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

Lactation: Consult a doctor before using

Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication

Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution

Precautions

  • For cream with applicator products : If available, read the patient package insert. Usually used at bedtime. Use at the same time(s) daily as directed. Refrain from intercourse during therapy. Can cause damage to diaphragms or condoms. Ask doctor before use in other conditions.
  • For cream, extended release products : Insert into the vagina as directed. Usually given only 1 time.
  • For gel products : This medication is for treatment of acne. Wash and dry affected area before applying. Apply a thin layer to affected areas. Avoid contact with eyes, inside of nose or mouth. May take months for full benefit of therapy. Wash hands before and after using. Call doctor if you are not getting better. Report severe diarrhea or abdominal pain to doctor.

  • For cream with applicator products : If available, read the patient package insert. Usually used at bedtime. Use at the same time(s) daily as directed. Refrain from intercourse during therapy. Can cause damage to diaphragms or condoms. Ask doctor before use in other conditions.
  • For cream, extended release products : Insert into the vagina as directed. Usually given only 1 time.
  • For gel products : This medication is for treatment of acne. Wash and dry affected area before applying. Apply a thin layer to affected areas. Avoid contact with eyes, inside of nose or mouth. May take months for full benefit of therapy. Wash hands before and after using. Call doctor if you are not getting better. Report severe diarrhea or abdominal pain to doctor.
  • For lotion products : Shake well.
  • For solution, non-oral products : Keep medicine away from heat or flames.
  • For swab, medicated products : Use medicated swab once and then discard.
  • For vial products : Drug is given by a nurse or a doctor. Redness/pain/swelling may occur at injection site. Space doses evenly throughout the day. Success is dependent on completing therapy course. Watch for oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections. Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor.

Usual Pediatric Dose For Bacterial Infection

Liver Dose Adjustments

Precautions

Other Comments

Frequently Asked Questions

Further Information

  • No adjustment recommended; however, liver function monitoring is recommended in patients with severe liver disease. Accumulation of clindamycin has not been demonstrated when dosed every 8 hours.
See more on drugs.com

How It Works

  • US BOXED WARNING(S): -Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with the use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including clindamycin and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C difficile. -Because clindamycin therapy has been associated wi…
See more on drugs.com

Upsides

  • Administration advice: -Oral clindamycin should be administered with a full glass of water (to avoid esophageal irritation) and may be taken with or without food. -Intravenous doses should be diluted and administered as an infusion over 10 to 60 minutes, at a rate not exceeding 30 mg/min. -Intramuscular doses should be administered as a deep IM inj...
See more on drugs.com

Downsides

Bottom Line

  • Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer
See more on drugs.com

Tips

Response and Effectiveness

  1. Usually reserved for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, such as those occurring in the abdomen, gastrointestinal tract, lower respiratory tract, on the sk...
  2. Effective against several gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria, including susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pe…
  1. Usually reserved for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, such as those occurring in the abdomen, gastrointestinal tract, lower respiratory tract, on the sk...
  2. Effective against several gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria, including susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-s...
  3. For infections caused by susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, or staphylococci, clindamycin is usually reserved for penicillin-allergic patients or other patients in whom penicillin is...
  4. Available as an oral capsule, oral solution, and parenterally (may be administered IM or by int…

Interactions

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Abdominal pain, pain in the esophagus, nausea, vomiting, an unpleasant or metallic taste, skin rashes, and liver function test abnormalities. 2. All antibiotics carry a risk of severe diarrhea caused by an overgrowth of Clostr…
See more on drugs.com

Further Information

  • Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is usually reserved for treating anaerobic infections or other serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria in penicillin-allergic people. The risk of C. difficile-associated diarrhea may be higher with clindamycin compared with some other antibiotics.
See more on drugs.com