Clinical Uses
Clindamycin belongs, together with lincomycin, the group of lincosamides. It is a synthetic derivative of lincomycin, which was obtained in 1966. Because of its higher activity and broader spectrum, it replaced the previous practice.
It initially was introduced as an antistaphylococcal. Later I probed to be a powerful antianaerobio.
Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosome 50S subunit, preventing peptide chain initiation.
The binding site on the ribosome is the same as for macrolides and chloramphenicol inhibit their actions by competitors. Therefore, these agents are antagonistic and should not be used concurrently.
Clindamycin is a useful alternative to beta-lactams in infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Should be considered in case of infection by anaerobic bacteria which may be involved other anaerobes resistant to penicillin, if they are not localized to central nervous system. Is also used to:
- Intra-abdominal infections: In combination with antibiotics active against gram-negative bacilli, can be used in diverticulitis, biliary tract infections, intestinal fistulae infections, liver abscess or abdominal abscess, penetrating trauma.
- Female genital tract infections.
- Upper respiratory infections.
- Pleuropulmonary infections.
- Diabetic foot.
- Skin and soft tissue: cellulitis, furunculosis, anthrax, folliculitis, impetigo.
- Osteomyelitis.
- Head and Neck Surgery: To reduce the incidence of infectious complications.
- Bacterial vaginosis.
- Toxoplasmosis.
- Pneumocystosis.
 |