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clindamycin phosphate

Prescription ANDA TE AB Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Clindamycin Phosphate
Generic name
clindamycin phosphate
Dosage form
Cream
Route
Vaginal
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
E. Fougera & Co. a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
1
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Clindamycin Phosphate 20 mg/g 1737578 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Cream
Route of administration
Vaginal
Presentations
4

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
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
Application number
065139
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
December 27, 2004
Sponsor
FOUGERA PHARMS
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
5
Products approved under application 065139.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
065139-001 CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE CREAM CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE Prescription AB RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

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
Most recent submissions on application 065139.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 12 Labeling Approved February 8, 2023 Standard
Supplement 10 Labeling Approved February 8, 2023 Standard
Supplement 9 Labeling Approved February 8, 2023 Standard
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved February 8, 2023 Standard
Original application 1 Approved December 27, 2004 —

Review documents

  • 0 · Original application · December 29, 2004

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260806). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260806 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260128

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2%, is indicated in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (formerly referred to as Haemophilus vaginitis, Gardnerella vaginitis, nonspecific vaginitis, Corynebacterium vaginitis, or anaerobic vaginosis). Clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2%, can be used to treat non-pregnant women and pregnant women during the second and third trimester. (See CLINICAL STUDIES. ) NOTE: For purposes of this indication, a clinical diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is usually defined by the presence of a homogeneous vaginal discharge that (a) has a pH of greater than 4.5, (b) emits a "fishy" amine odor when mixed with a 10% KOH solution, and (c) contains clue cells on microscopic examination. Gram's stain results consistent with a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis include (a) markedly reduced or absent Lactobacillus morphology, (b) predominance of Gardnerella morphotype, and (c) absent or few white blood cells. Other pathogens commonly associated with vulvovaginitis, eg, Trichomonas vaginalis , Chlamydia trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, Candida albicans , and Herpes simplex virus should be ruled out.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose is one applicatorful of clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2%, (5 grams containing approximately 100 mg of clindamycin phosphate) intravaginally, preferably at bedtime, for 3 or 7 consecutive days in non-pregnant patients and for 7 consecutive days in pregnant patients. (See CLINICAL STUDIES .)

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

CONTRAINDICATIONS Clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2%, is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any of the components of this vaginal cream. Clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2%, is also contraindicated in individuals with a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or a history of "antibiotic-associated" colitis.

WARNINGS Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including clindamycin, and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of orally and parenterally administered clindamycin, as well as with topical (dermal and vaginal) formulations of clindamycin. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of clindamycin, even when administered by the vaginal route, because approximately 5% of the clindamycin dose is systemically absorbed from the vagina. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridioides difficile is a primary cause of "antibiotic-associated′′ colitis. After the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis has been established, therapeutic measures should be initiated. Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis usually respond to discontinuation of the drug alone. In moderate to severe cases, consideration should be given to management with fluids and electrolytes, protein supplementation, and treatment with an antibacterial drug clinically effective against Clostridioides difficile colitis. Onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antimicrobial treatment.

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical trials Non-pregnant Women In clinical trials involving non-pregnant women, 1.8% of 600 patients who received treatment with clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2% for 3 days and 2.7% of 1325 patients who received treatment for 7 days discontinued therapy due to drug-related adverse events. Medical events judged to be related, probably related, possibly related, or of unknown relationship to vaginally administered clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2%, were reported for 20.7% of the patients receiving treatment for 3 days and 21.3% of the patients receiving treatment for 7 days. Events occurring in ≥1% of patients receiving clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2% are shown in Table 1 . TABLE 1 – Events Occurring in ≥1% of Non-pregnant Patients Receiving Clindamycin Phosphate Vaginal Cream 2% Event Clindamycin Phosphate Vaginal Cream 2% 3 Day n=600 7 Day n=1325 Urogenital Vaginal moniliasis 7.7 10.4 Vulvovaginitis 6.0 4.4 Vulvovaginal disorder 3.2 5.3 Trichomonal vaginitis 0 1.3 Body as a Whole Moniliasis (body) 1.3 0.2 Other events occurring in <1% of the clindamycin vaginal cream 2% groups include: Urogenital system : vaginal discharge, metrorrhagia, urinary tract infection, endometriosis, menstrual disorder, vaginitis/vaginal infection, and vaginal pain. Body as a whole: localized abdominal pain, generalized abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, halitosis, headache, bacterial infection, inflammatory swelling, allergic reaction, and fungal infection. Digestive system: nausea, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal disorder. Endocrine system : hyperthyroidism. Central nervous system: dizziness and vertigo. Respiratory system: epistaxis. Skin: pruritus (non-application site), moniliasis, rash, maculopapular rash, erythema, and urticaria. Special senses: taste perversion. Pregnant Women In a clinical trial involving pregnant women during the second trimester, 1.7% of 180 patients who received treatment for 7 days discontinued therapy due to drug-related adverse events. Medical events judged to be related, probably related, possibly related, or of unknown relationship to vaginally administered clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2%, were reported for 22.8% of pregnant patients. Events occurring in ≥1% of patients receiving either clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2% or placebo are shown in Table 2 . TABLE 2 - Events Occurring in ≥1% of Pregnant Patients Receiving Clindamycin Phosphate Vaginal Cream 2% or Placebo Event Clindamycin Phosphate Vaginal Cream 2% Placebo 7 DAY n=180 7 Day n=184 Urogenital Vaginal moniliasis 13.3 7.1 Vulvovaginal disorder 6.7 7.1 Abnormal labor 1.1 0.5 Body as a Whole Fungal infection 1.7 0 Skin Pruritus, non-application site 1.1 0 Other events occurring in <1% of the clindamycin vaginal cream 2% group include: Urogenital system: dysuria, metrorrhagia, vaginal pain, and trichomonal vaginitis. Body as a whole: upper respiratory infection. Skin: pruritus (topical application site) and erythema. Post-marketing Experience Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. In the post-marketing period, there have been case reports of pseudomembranous colitis with the use of clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream. Other clindamycin formulations Clindamycin vaginal cream affords minimal peak serum levels and systemic exposure (AUCs) of clindamycin compared to 100 mg oral clindamycin dosing. Although these lower levels of exposure are less likely to produce the common reactions seen with oral clindamycin, the possibility of these and other reactions cannot be excluded presently. Data from well-controlled trials directly comparing clindamycin administered orally to clindamycin administered vaginally are not available. The following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported with the …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

Drug Interactions Systemic 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.

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

Mechanism of Action Clindamycin is an antibacterial drug (see MICROBIOLOGY ) .

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION Clindamycin phosphate is a water soluble ester of the semi-synthetic antibiotic produced by a 7(S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent antibiotic lincomycin. The chemical name for clindamycin phosphate is methyl 7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-(1-methyl- trans- 4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L- threo- α− D-galacto -octopyranoside 2-(dihydrogen phosphate). It has a molecular weight of 504.96, and the molecular formula is C 18 H 34 ClN 2 O 8 PS. The structural formula is represented below: Clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2%, is a semi-solid, white cream, which contains 2% clindamycin phosphate, USP, at a concentration equivalent to 20 mg clindamycin per gram. The pH of the cream is between 3.0 and 6.0. The cream also contains benzyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, mixed fatty acid esters, mineral oil, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbitan monostearate, and stearic acid. Each applicatorful of 5 grams of vaginal cream contains approximately 100 mg of clindamycin phosphate. Chemical Structure

OVERDOSAGE Vaginally applied clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2% could be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. (See WARNINGS. )

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

HOW SUPPLIED Clindamycin Phosphate Vaginal Cream USP, 2% is supplied as follows: 40 g tube (with 7 disposable applicators) NDC 0168-0277-40 Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77° F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from freezing.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
33,706
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed 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
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0168-0277-40 0168-0277 E. Fougera & Co. a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC 40 g in 1 TUBE, WITH APPLICATOR (0168-0277-40) December 27, 2004
59762-5009-1 59762-5009 Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (59762-5009-1) / 40 g in 1 TUBE August 11, 1992
0168-0277 0168-0277 E. Fougera & Co. a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC — December 27, 2004
59762-5009 59762-5009 Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. — August 11, 1992

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to 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 · 12 sections on this page.