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Clindamycin
Clindamycin Phosphate · Injection, Solution
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clindamycin Phosphate | 150 mg/mL | 1737578 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Decreased Sebaceous Gland Activity [PE] | PE | All 37 members |
| Lincosamide Antibacterial [EPC] | EPC | All 19 members |
| Lincosamides [CS] | CS | All 19 members |
| Neuromuscular Blockade [PE] | PE | All 24 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 090108-001 | CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE | INJECTABLE | CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE | Prescription | AP |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 26 | Labeling | Approved | July 13, 2026 | Standard |
| Supplement | 25 | Labeling | Approved | July 13, 2026 | Standard |
| Supplement | 15 | Labeling | Approved | February 11, 2021 | Standard |
| Supplement | 13 | Labeling | Approved | February 11, 2021 | Standard |
| Supplement | 11 | Labeling | Approved | February 11, 2021 | Standard |
| Supplement | 10 | Labeling | Approved | April 16, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 9 | Labeling | Approved | April 16, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 6 | Labeling | Approved | April 16, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5 | Labeling | Approved | April 16, 2018 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | September 30, 2011 | — |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260218). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNING Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including clindamycin 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 . Because clindamycin therapy has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally, it should be reserved for serious infections where less toxic antimicrobial agents are inappropriate, as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section. It should not be used in patients with nonbacterial infections such as most upper respiratory tract infections. 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.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS AND USAGE Clindamycin Injection, USP is indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria. Clindamycin Injection, USP 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 antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis, as described in the BOXED WARNING , before selecting clindamycin the physician should consider the nature of the infection and the suitability of less toxic alternatives (e.g., erythromycin). Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to clindamycin. Indicated surgical procedures should be performed in conjunction with antibiotic therapy. Clindamycin Injection, USP is indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the conditions listed below: Lower respiratory tract infections including pneumonia, empyema, and lung abscess caused by anaerobes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, other streptococci (except E. faecalis ), and Staphylococcus aureus. Skin and skin structure infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus , and anaerobes. Gynecological infections including endometritis, nongonococcal tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic cellulitis, and postsurgical vaginal cuff infection caused by susceptible anaerobes. Intra-abdominal infections including peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscess caused by susceptible anaerobic organisms. Septicemia caused by Staphylococcus aureus , streptococci (except Enterococcus faecalis ), and susceptible anaerobes. Bone and joint infections including acute hematogenous osteomyelitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus and as adjunctive therapy in the surgical treatment of chronic bone and joint infections due to susceptible organisms. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Clindamycin Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Clindamycin Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION If diarrhea occurs during therapy, this antibiotic should be discontinued (see WARNING box). Clindamycin injection IM administration should be used undiluted. Clindamycin injection IV administration should be diluted (see Dilution for IV use and IV Infusion Rates below). Adults: Parenteral (IM or IV Administration): Serious infections due to aerobic gram-positive cocci and the more susceptible anaerobes (NOT generally including Bacteroides fragilis , Peptococcus species and Clostridium species other than Clostridium perfringens ): 600 mg to 1,200 mg per day in 2, 3 or 4 equal doses. More severe infections, particularly those due to proven or suspected Bacteroides fragilis , Peptococcus species, or Clostridium species other than Clostridium perfringens : 1,200 mg to 2,700 mg per day in 2, 3 or 4 equal doses. For more serious infections, these doses may have to be increased. In life-threatening situations due to either aerobes or anaerobes these doses may be increased. Doses of as much as 4,800 mg daily have been given intravenously to adults. See Dilution for IV use and IV Infusion Rates section below. Single intramuscular injections of greater than 600 mg are not recommended. Alternatively, drug may be administered in the form of a single rapid infusion of the first dose followed by continuous IV infusion as follows: Table 2: Serum Clindamycin Levels Maintained, Rapid Infusion Rate and Maintenance Infusion Rate To maintain serum clindamycin levels Rapid infusion rate Maintenance infusion rate Above 4 mcg per mL Above 5 mcg per mL Above 6 mcg per mL 10 mg/min for 30 min 15 mg/min for 30 min 20 mg/min for 30 min 0.75 mg/min 1 mg/min 1.25 mg/min Pediatric Patients 1 month of age to 16 years: Parenteral (IM or IV) Administration: 20 to 40 mg/kg/day in 3 or 4 equal doses. The higher doses would be used for more severe infections. Clindamycin should be dosed based on total body weight regardless of obesity. As an alternative to dosing on a body weight basis, pediatric patients may be dosed on the basis of square meters body surface: 350 mg/m 2 /day for serious infections and 450 mg/m 2 /day for more severe infections. Parenteral therapy may be changed to oral clindamycin flavored granules (clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride) or clindamycin capsules (clindamycin hydrochloride) when the condition warrants and at the discretion of the physician. In cases of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections, treatment should be continued for at least 10 days. Pediatric Patients less than 1 month: The recommended dosage is 15 to 20 mg/kg/day in 3 to 4 equal doses. See Table 3 regarding the dosing regimen for pediatric patients with post-menstrual age (PMA) less than or equal to 32 weeks, or greater than 32 weeks to less than or equal to 40 weeks. Table 3: Dosing Regimens for Pediatric Patients with PMA less than or equal to 32 weeks, or greater than 32 weeks to less than or equal to 40 weeks PMA (weeks) Dose (mg/kg) Dosing Interval (hours) Less than or equal to 32 5 8 Greater than or equal to 32 to less than or equal to 40 7 8 PMA: Post-Menstrual age Dilution for IV use and IV Infusion Rates: The concentration of clindamycin in diluent for infusion should not exceed 18 mg per mL. Infusion rates should not exceed 30 mg per minute. The usual infusion dilutions and rates are as follows: Dose Diluent Time 300 mg 600 mg 900 mg 1200 mg 50 mL 50 mL 50 to 100 mL 100 mL 10 min 20 min 30 min 40 min Administration of more than 1200 mg in a single 1-hour infusion is not recommended. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Dilution and Compatibility: Physical and biological compatibility studies monitored for 24 hours at room temperature have demonstrated no inactivation or incompatibility with the use of clindamycin injection (clindamycin phosphate) in IV solutions containing sodium chloride, glucose, calcium or potas …
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS This drug is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin.
Warnings
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS See BOXED WARNING . Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including clindamycin injection, 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. Anaphylactic and Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions Anaphylactic shock and anaphylactic reactions have been reported (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including severe skin reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). In case of such an anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reaction, discontinue treatment permanently and institute appropriate therapy. A careful inquiry should be made concerning previous sensitivities to drugs and other allergens. Benzyl Alcohol Toxicity in Neonates (“Gasping Syndrome”) This product contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The administration of intravenous solutions containing the preservative benzyl alcohol has been associated with the “gasping syndrome”, and death in neonates. Symptoms include a striking onset of gasping respiration, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Although the normal therapeutic dose of this product delivers amounts of benzyl alcohol that are substantially lower than those reported in association with the “gasping syndrome”, the minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known and total daily benzyl alcohol exposure may be increased by concomitant medications. The risk of benzyl alcohol toxicity depends on the quantity administered and the liver and kidneys' capacity to detoxify the chemical. Premature and low birth weight infants may be more likely to develop toxicity. Nephrotoxicity Clindamycin is potentially nephrotoxic and cases with acute kidney injury have been reported. Consider monitoring of renal function particularly in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction or those taking concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. In case of acute kidney injury, discontinue clindamycin when no other etiology is identified. Usage in Meningitis —Since clindamycin does not diffuse adequately into the cerebrospinal fluid, the drug should not be used in the treatment of meningitis.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS The following reactions have been reported with the use of clindamycin. Infections and Infestations: Clostridium difficile colitis. Gastrointestinal: Antibiotic-associated colitis (see WARNINGS ), pseudomembranous colitis, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment (see WARNINGS ). An unpleasant or metallic taste has been reported after intravenous administration of the higher doses of clindamycin phosphate. Hypersensitivity Reactions: Maculopapular rash and urticaria have been observed during drug therapy. Generalized mild to moderate morbilliform-like skin rashes are the most frequently reported of all adverse reactions. Severe skin reactions such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see WARNINGS ). Cases of Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP), erythema multiforme, some resembling Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been associated with clindamycin. Anaphylactic shock, anaphylactic reaction and hypersensitivity have also been reported (see WARNINGS ). Skin and Mucous Membranes: Pruritus, vaginitis, angioedema and rare instances of exfoliative dermatitis have been reported (see Hypersensitivity Reactions ). Liver: Jaundice and abnormalities in liver function tests have been observed during clindamycin therapy. Renal: Although no direct relationship of clindamycin to renal damage has been established, renal dysfunction as evidenced by azotemia, oliguria, and/or proteinuria has been observed. Hematopoietic: Transient neutropenia (leukopenia) and eosinophilia have been reported. Reports of agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been made. No direct etiologic relationship to concurrent clindamycin therapy could be made in any of the foregoing. Immune System: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) cases have been reported. Local Reactions: Injection site irritation, pain, induration and sterile abscess have been reported after intramuscular injection and thrombophlebitis after intravenous infusion. Reactions can be minimized or avoided by giving deep intramuscular injections and avoiding prolonged use of indwelling intravenous catheters. Musculoskeletal: Polyarthritis cases have been reported. Cardiovascular: Cardiopulmonary arrest and hypotension have been reported following too rapid intravenous administration (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-866-625-1618 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug LabelingDrug Interactions Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents. Clindamycin is metabolized predominantly by CYP3A4, and to a lesser extent by CYP3A5, to the major metabolite clindamycin sulfoxide and minor metabolite N-desmethylclindamycin. Therefore, inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 may increase plasma concentrations of clindamycin and inducers of these isoenzymes may reduce plasma concentrations of clindamycin. In the presence of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, monitor for adverse reactions. In the presence of strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampicin, monitor for loss of effectiveness. In vitro studies indicate that clindamycin does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2E1 or CYP2D6 and only moderately inhibits CYP3A4.
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug LabelingMechanism of Action Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 23S RNA of the 50S subunit of the ribosome. Clindamycin is bacteriostatic.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION Clindamycin Injection, USP, a clear colorless to pale yellow sterile solution, contains clindamycin phosphate, a water soluble ester of clindamycin and phosphoric acid. Each mL contains the equivalent of 150 mg clindamycin, 0.5 mg disodium edetate and 9.45 mg benzyl alcohol added as preservative in each mL. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH. Clindamycin is a semisynthetic antibiotic produced by a 7(S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent compound lincomycin. The chemical name of clindamycin phosphate is L- threo -α-D- galacto- Octopyranoside, methyl-7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-[[(1-methyl-4-propyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)carbonyl]amino]-1-thio-,2-(dihydrogen phosphate), (2 S-trans )-. The molecular formula is C 18 H 34 ClN 2 O 8 PS and the molecular weight is 504.96. The structural formula is represented below: A pharmacy bulk package is a container of a sterile preparation for intravenous use that contains many single doses. The contents are intended for use in a pharmacy admixture program utilizing a sterile transfer device and are restricted to the preparation of admixtures for intravenous infusion. FURTHER DILUTION IS REQUIRED BEFORE USE (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Structural Formula
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE Significant mortality was observed in mice at an intravenous dose of 855 mg/kg and in rats at an oral or subcutaneous dose of approximately 2618 mg/kg. In the mice, convulsions and depression were observed. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are not effective in removing clindamycin from the serum.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Each mL of Clindamycin Injection, USP contains clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 150 mg of clindamycin. Also contains 0.5 mg disodium edetate and 9.45 mg benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH. Clindamycin Injection, USP is supplied as follows: Storage Conditions Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Do not refrigerate. Sterile, Nonpyrogenic. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex. Product repackaged by: Henry Schein, Inc., Bastian, VA 24314 From Original Manufacturer/Distributor's NDC and Unit of Sale To Henry Schein Repackaged Product NDC and Unit of Sale Total Strength/Total Volume (Concentration) per unit NDC 25021-115-02 25 single-dose vials per carton NDC 0404-9838-02 1 single-dose vial in a bag (Vial bears NDC 25021-115-02) 300 mg per 2 mL (150 mg per mL) NDC 25021-115-04 25 single-dose vials per carton NDC 0404-9838-04 1 single-dose vial in a bag (Vial bears NDC 25021-115-04) 600 mg per 4 mL (150 mg per mL) NDC 25021-115-06 25 single-dose vials per carton NDC 0404-9838-06 1 single-dose vial in a bag (Vial bears NDC 25021-115-06) 900 mg per 6 mL (150 mg per mL) Image5.jpg
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0404-9838-04 | 0404-9838 | Henry Schein, Inc. | 1 VIAL in 1 BAG (0404-9838-04) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL | January 9, 2022 |
| 71872-7191-1 | 71872-7191 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | 1 VIAL in 1 BAG (71872-7191-1) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL | January 7, 2020 |
| 71872-7192-1 | 71872-7192 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | 1 VIAL in 1 BAG (71872-7192-1) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL | January 8, 2020 |
| 71872-7199-1 | 71872-7199 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | 1 BOTTLE in 1 BAG (71872-7199-1) / 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE | January 29, 2020 |
| 71872-7284-1 | 71872-7284 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | 1 VIAL in 1 BAG (71872-7284-1) / 6 mL in 1 VIAL | March 21, 2022 |
| 25021-115-02 | 25021-115 | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (25021-115-02) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL | May 15, 2012 |
| 25021-115-04 | 25021-115 | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (25021-115-04) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL | May 15, 2012 |
| 25021-115-06 | 25021-115 | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (25021-115-06) / 6 mL in 1 VIAL | May 15, 2012 |
| 0404-9838 | 0404-9838 | Henry Schein, Inc. | — | January 9, 2022 |
| 71872-7191 | 71872-7191 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | — | May 15, 2012 |
| 71872-7192 | 71872-7192 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | — | May 15, 2012 |
| 71872-7199 | 71872-7199 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | — | May 15, 2012 |
| 71872-7284 | 71872-7284 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | — | May 15, 2012 |
| 25021-115 | 25021-115 | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | — | May 15, 2012 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.