Clindamycin 1% Topical

Clindamycin 1% Topical is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. It is used to treat acne, which appears as spots or pimples on your face, chest or back. This medicine works by attacking the bacteria that cause these pimples. Clindamycin 1% Topical is only meant for external use and should be used as advised by your doctor. You should normally wash and dry the affected area before applying a thin layer of the medicine. It should not be applied to broken or damaged skin. Avoid any contact with your eyes, nose or mouth. Rinse it off with water if you accidentally get it in these areas. It may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve, but you should keep using this medicine regularly. Do not stop using it as soon as your acne starts to get better. Ask your doctor when you should stop treatment.

Clindamycin 1% Topical is an antibiotic. It works by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Thus, it stops the bacteria from growing, and prevents the infection from spreading.

• Acne vulgaris
• Erythrasma
• Rosacea
• Periorificial dermatitis
• Folliculitis
• Stasis, chronic lymphedema and familial pemphigus
• Dermal ulcers

Clindamycin inhibits protein synthesis by reversibly binding to the 50S subunit of the ribosomal, thus blocking the transpeptidation or translocation reactions of susceptible organisms resulting in stunted cell growth.

Clindamycin reversibly binds to the 50S subunit of the ribosomal, inhibiting protein synthesis and stopping bacterial growth.

Adult Dose (Topical): Apply a thin layer onto affected area twice daily as a 1% preparation.

Pediatric Dose (12 years): Apply a thin layer onto affected area twice daily.

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area with a mild cleanser, then apply a thin layer. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

If you miss a dose of Clindamycin 1% Topical, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next application, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Skin rash
• Pruritus
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Skin redness
• Oily skin

Serious Side Effects (Rare): Colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis), anaphylaxis.

• You have been prescribed Clindamycin 1% Topical for the treatment of acne. It may take a long time before your acne starts to improve. Be patient and keep using it every day.
• Wash your skin with a mild cleanser and pat it dry before applying.
• Do not apply to broken or damaged skin.
• Avoid contact with your eyes, nose or mouth. Rinse with water if accidental contact occurs.
• Use with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
• Caution during pregnancy and lactation.

• Hypersensitivity to clindamycin.

May enhance the action of neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., atracurium). May antagonise the effects of parasympathomimetics. May competitively inhibit the effects of macrolides, ketolides, streptogramins, linezolid and chloramphenicol. Increased coagulation tests (prothrombin time/INR) and/or bleeding with vitamin K antagonists (e.g., warfarin).

No food interactions have been found or established.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Clindamycin 1% Topical is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies. Pregnancy Category B.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Clindamycin 1% Topical is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby. There may be a possibility of diarrhea or rash in the baby.

Pediatric dose (12 years): Apply a thin layer onto affected area twice daily. Safety and efficacy in children under 12 years have not been fully established.

Limited information is available regarding dose adjustment for elderly patients.

For topical use, no dose adjustment is required in renal or hepatic impairment.

Excessive application may result in severe irritation. Discontinue use and wait until the skin has recovered. In the event of accidental ingestion, gastrointestinal adverse reactions similar to those seen with systemically administered clindamycin may be seen.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light and out of reach of children.

Clindamycin 1%