Description
Clindamycin belongs to the class of medications called antibiotics. It is used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria. It is also used before dental procedures or surgery to prevent infections for people who have heart conditions that put them at greater risk of infection. Clindamycin kills bacteria by preventing the growth of the bacteria, so they cannot reproduce.
The recommended adult dose of clindamycin is 150 mg to 450 mg every 6 hours, swallowed whole, with a full glass of water.
The dose of clindamycin for children is based on body weight. The recommended dose is 2 mg to 5 mg per kilogram of body weight taken every 6 hours.
Prior to surgery or dental procedures, the recommended adult dose is 300 mg taken 1 hour before the procedure and 150 mg 6 hours after the first dose. The recommended dose for children is 10 mg per kilogram of body weight 1 hour before the procedure and 5 mg per kilogram of body weight 6 hours after the first dose. The dose should not be more than the adult dose.
When given intravenously (into a vein), the recommended dose is 600 mg to 900 mg every 6 to 8 hours.
If you have been prescribed the suspension (liquid) form of clindamycin, use an oral syringe to measure each dose, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.
Although you can take clindamycin with food or on an empty stomach, it may cause less stomach upset if taken with food.
