Clindamycin is indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria.Clindamycin is also indicated in the treatment of serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci.

Its use should be reserved for penicillin-allergic patients or other patients for whom, in the judgment of the physician, a penicillin is inappropriate.

Because of the risk of colitis, as described in the WARNING box, before selecting clindamycin the physician should consider the nature of the infection and the suitability of less toxic alternatives (eg, erythromycin).Anaerobes: Serious respiratory tract infections such as empyema, anaerobic pneumonitis and lung abscess; serious skin and soft tissue infections; septicemia; intra-abdominal infections such as peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscess (typically resulting from anaerobic organisms resident in the normal gastrointestinal tract); infections of the female pelvis and genital tract such as endometritis, nongonococcal tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic cellulitis and postsurgical vaginal cuff infection.Streptococci: Serious respiratory tract infections; serious skin and soft tissue infections.Staphylococci: Serious respiratory tract infections; serious skin and soft tissue infections.Pneumococci: Serious respiratory tract infections.Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to clindamycin.

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Infection -- Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms that can cause pathological conditions or diseases.

Unspecified Staphylococcus infection in conditions classified elsewhere and of unspecified site --

Colitis -- Inflammation of the COLON section of the large intestine (INTESTINE, LARGE), usually with symptoms such as DIARRHEA (often with blood and mucus), ABDOMINAL PAIN, and FEVER.

Communicable Diseases -- broad class of diseases whose causative agents may be passed between individuals in many different ways.

respiratory infection -- Invasion of the host RESPIRATORY SYSTEM by microorganisms, usually leading to pathological processes or diseases.

Empyema -- Presence of pus in a hollow organ or body cavity.

Pneumonia -- Inflammation of any part, segment or lobe, of the lung parenchyma.

Abdominal Infection --

Peritonitis -- INFLAMMATION of the PERITONEUM lining the ABDOMINAL CAVITY as the result of infectious, autoimmune, or chemical processes. Primary peritonitis is due to infection of the PERITONEAL CAVITY via hematogenous or lymphatic spread and without intra-abdominal source. Secondary peritonitis arises from the ABDOMINAL CAVITY itself through RUPTURE or ABSCESS of intra-abdominal organs.

Endometritis -- Inflammation of the ENDOMETRIUM, usually caused by intrauterine infections. Endometritis is the most common cause of postpartum fever.

Parametritis -- Inflammation of the parametrium, the connective tissue of the pelvic floor, extending from the subserous coat of the uterus laterally between the layers of the BROAD LIGAMENT.

Clindamycin hydrochloride is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin.

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Hypersensitivity -- Altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen.

See WARNING box.Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including clindamycin HCl, 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.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.

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.A careful inquiry should be made concerning previous sensitivities to drugs and other allergens.

The following US Branded drugs contain clindamycin hydrochloride

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CLEOCIN -- PHARMACIA AND UPJOHN CO

CLEOCIN HYDROCHLORIDE -- PHARMACIA AND UPJOHN CO