Clindamycin 1 %

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Clindamycin Uses  

Clindamycin 1% Gel is a topical antibiotic belonging to the lincosamide class. It is used to treat bacterial skin infections such as: 

1. Acne (pimples and blackheads) 
2. Inflammatory skin infections like redness, swelling, or pus caused by bacteria     

Directions for use

1. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.  

Clindamycin side effects 

More Common  

1. Redness or irritation of the skin 
2. Dryness or peeling 
3. Itching or burning sensation 
4. Mild rash       

Less Common

1. Severe allergic reaction (swelling, hives, trouble breathing) 
2. Severe skin rash or blistering      

How Clindamycin works 

Clindamycin works by blocking the bacteria’ ability to make proteins, which are essential for their growth. Without these proteins, the bacteria weaken and die, helping the skin heal from infection and reduce pimples or inflammation. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy Warning

If you have ever had an allergy, inform your doctor immediately. Using it can cause serious allergic reactions like swelling, rash, or trouble breathing. 

Open Wounds or Broken Skin

 This medication is not meant for open wounds or broken skin, as this medicine may cause irritation.  

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Clindamycin gel should be used only if clearly needed. Doctor’s approval is necessary to ensure safety for mothers and babies. 

Clindamycin Interaction with Food Product

Since clindamycin gel is applied to the skin, it does not interact with food. You can eat normally while using it. 

Clindamycin Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking Clindamycin with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Clindamycin Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) / Chemical name

Clindamycin: (2S,4R)-N-[(1S,2S)-2-chloro-1-[(2R,3R,4S,5R,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methylsulfanyloxan-2-yl]propyl]-1-methyl-4-propylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Clindamycin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor. 

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage. 

Overdose

Do not use more than the prescribed amount of clindamycin gel, as it may cause side effects like skin irritation, redness, burning, or itching. Seek medical attention in case of any emergency. 

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Clindamycin Summary

Clindamycin 1% Gel is a topical antibiotic belonging to the lincosamide class, used to treat bacterial skin infections, most commonly acne, pimples, blackheads, inflamed or infected skin, and folliculitis. It works by blocking bacteria from making proteins, which stops their growth and helps the skin heal, reduce redness, and prevent further breakouts. The gel is applied only on the affected skin as directed by a doctor and should not be used on open wounds, broken skin, or large areas without medical advice.  

Common side effects include redness, itching, burning, dryness, or peeling, while rare allergic reactions may occur. Since it is topical, it does not interact with food, but overuse can increase skin irritation, so it should always be used exactly as prescribed by a doctor. 

FAQ’s

What are the side effects of Clindamycin 1% Gel? 

Common side effects include redness, itching, burning, dryness, or peeling of the skin. Rarely, it may cause severe allergic reactions like swelling, rash, or hives. If serious reactions occur, stop using and consult a doctor immediately. 

How does Clindamycin 1% Gel work? 

Clindamycin gel is a topical antibiotic that works by blocking bacteria from making proteins, which they need to grow. This kills or stops the bacteria, helping the skin heal from infection and reduce pimples or inflammation.  

What class of medicine does Clindamycin belong to? 

Clindamycin belongs to the lincosamide class of antibiotics and is used to treat bacterial skin infections. 

Can I use Clindamycin 1% Gel for pimples? 

Yes, Clindamycin 1% Gel is commonly used to treat acne (pimples and blackheads). It works by killing the bacteria on the skin that cause pimples, helping to reduce redness, swelling, and breakouts. 

Reference 

1. PubChem. Clindamycin [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from 
2. Clindamycin (Topical Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from 
3. Pope C. Clindamycin Uses, Dosage & Side Effects [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2024. Available from  

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.