Therapeutic action
- Lincosamide antibacterial
Indications
- Second-line treatment of severe infections due to anaerobic bacteria, staphylococci and/or streptococci (e.g. cellulitis, erysipelas, pneumonia, septicaemia), alone or in combination with other antibacterials, depending on indication
- Necrotizing skin and soft tissues infections (necrotizing fasciitis, gas gangrene, etc.), severe cutaneous anthrax, in combination with other antibacterials
Forms and strengths, route of administration
- 300 mg in 2 ml ampoule (150 mg/ml), for IV infusion in 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose, to be administered over 30 minutes.
- NEVER USE BY DIRECT UNDILUTED IV.
Dosage
Severe infections due to anaerobic bacteria, staphylococci and/or streptococci
- Neonate 0 to 7 days (< 2 kg): 5 mg/kg every 12 hours
- Neonate 0 to 7 days (≥ 2 kg): 5 mg/kg every 8 hours
- Neonate 8 days to < 1 month (< 2 kg): 5 mg/kg every 8 hours
- Neonate 8 days to < 1 month (≥ 2 kg): 10 mg/kg every 8 hours
- Child 1 month and over: 10 mg/kg (max. 600 mg) every 8 hours
- Adult: 600 to 900 mg every 8 hours
Necrotizing infections, severe cutaneous anthrax
- Neonate: as above
- Child 1 month and over: 10 to 13 mg/kg (max. 900 mg) every 8 hours
- Adult: 900 mg every 8 hours
Dilute each dose of clindamycin in 5 ml/kg of 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose in children less than 20 kg and in a bag of 100 ml of0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose in children 20 kg and over and in adults.
Duration
- Cellulitis, erysipelas: 7 to 10 days
- Pneumonia: 10 to 14 days
- Severe cutaneous anthrax: 14 days
- Other infections: according to clinical evolution
Change to oral route as soon as possible.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Do not administer to patients with allergy to lincosamides or history of pseudomembranous colitis.Reduce dosage in patients with hepatic impairment.
- May cause: pseudomembranous colitis, rash, jaundice, severe allergic reactions. In these cases, stop treatment.
- In the event of pseudomembranous colitis, treat for Clostridium difficile infection (oral metronidazole).
- Pregnancy: no contra-indication
- Breast-feeding: use only when there are no therapeutic alternative. Check child's stools (risk of pseudomembranous colitis).
Remarks
- Do not mix with other drugs in the same infusion.
- Some formulations contain benzyl alcohol and should not be used in neonates.
Storage
– Below 25 °C