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clindamycin phosphate
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 212104-001 | CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE | GEL | CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE | Prescription | AB1 |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat 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| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | December 31, 2020 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251212). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingCLINICAL STUDIES In one 12-week multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, vehicle-controlled, parallel comparison clinical trial in which patients used Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel, 1%, once daily or the vehicle gel once daily, in the treatment of acne vulgaris of mild to moderate severity, Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel applied once daily was more effective than the vehicle applied once daily. The mean percent reductions in lesion counts at the end of treatment in this study are shown in the following table: Lesions Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel QD N=162 Vehicle Gel QD N=82 Inflammatory 51% 40% P<0.05 Noninflammatory 25% 12% Total 38% 27% There was a trend in the investigator’s global assessment of the results, which favored Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel QD over the vehicle QD. In a contact sensitization study, four of the 200 subjects appeared to develop suggestive evidence of allergic contact sensitization to Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel. There was no signal for contact sensitization in the clinical trials under normal use conditions.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin film of, clindamycin phosphate topical lotion, clindamycin phosphate topical gel, clindamycin phosphate topical solution, or use a clindamycin phosphate topical solution pledget for the application of clindamycin phosphate twice daily to affected area. More than one pledget may be used. Each pledget should be used only once and then be discarded. Clindamycin phosphate topical solution is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, and smoking during and immediately following application. Lotion: Shake well immediately before using. Pledget: Remove pledget from foil just before use. Do not use if the seal is broken. Discard after single use. Keep all liquid dosage forms in containers tightly closed.
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS Clindamycin phosphate topical solution, clindamycin phosphate topical gel and clindamycin phosphate topical lotion are contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin, a history of regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis, or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis.
Warnings
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may result in patient death. Use of the topical formulation of clindamycin results in absorption of the antibiotic from the skin surface. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin. Studies indicate a toxin(s) produced by clostridia is one primary cause of antibiotic- associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. Endoscopic examination may reveal pseudomembranous colitis. Stool culture for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically. When significant diarrhea occurs, the drug should be discontinued. Large bowel endoscopy should be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea. Antiperistaltic agents such as opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine may prolong and/or worsen the condition. Vancomycin has been found to be effective in the treatment of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis produced by Clostridium difficile . The usual adult dosage is 500 milligrams to 2 grams of vancomycin orally per day in three to four divided doses administered for 7 to 10 days. Cholestyramine or colestipol resins bind vancomycin in vitro . If both a resin and vancomycin are to be administered concurrently, it may be advisable to separate the time of administration of each drug. Diarrhea, colitis, and pseudomembranous colitis have been observed to begin up to several weeks following cessation of oral and parenteral therapy with clindamycin.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS In the one well-controlled clinical study comparing Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel and its vehicle, the incidence of skin and appendages adverse events occurring in ≥1% of the patients in either group is presented in the following table: Number (%) of Patients Body System/Adverse Event Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel QD N=168 Vehicle Gel QD N=84 Skin and Appendages Disorders • Dermatitis 0 (0.0) 1 (1.2) • Dermatitis contact 0 (0.0) 1 (1.2) • Dermatitis fungal 0 (0.0) 1 (1.2) • Folliculitis 0 (0.0) 1 (1.2) • Photosensitivity reaction 0 (0.0) 1 (1.2) • Pruritus 1 (0.6) 1 (1.2) • Rash erythematous 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) • Skin dry 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) • Peeling 1 (0.6) 0 (0.0) Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis, which may end fatally. Cases of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported as adverse reactions in patients treated with oral and parenteral formulations of clindamycin and rarely with topical clindamycin (see WARNINGS ). Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as gram-negative folliculitis, have also been reported in association with the use of topical formulations of clindamycin. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Oceanside Pharmaceuticals at 1-800-321-4576 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.
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug LabelingMechanism of Action The mechanism of action of clindamycin in treating acne vulgaris is unknown.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION Clindamycin phosphate topical solution and clindamycin phosphate topical lotion contain clindamycin phosphate, USP, at a concentration equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter. Clindamycin phosphate topical gel contains clindamycin phosphate, USP, at a concentration equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per gram. Each clindamycin phosphate topical solution pledget applicator contains approximately 1 mL of topical solution. Clindamycin phosphate is a water soluble ester of the semi-synthetic antibacterial drug produced by a 7(S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent compound lincomycin. The solution contains isopropyl alcohol 50% v/v, propylene glycol, and water. The gel contains allantoin, carbomer 934P, methylparaben, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and purified water. The lotion contains cetostearyl alcohol (2.5%); glycerin; glyceryl stearate SE (with potassium monostearate); isostearyl alcohol (2.5%); methylparaben (0.3%); sodium lauroyl sarcosinate; stearic acid; and purified water. The structural formula is represented below: 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). Chemical Structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE Topically applied Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel may be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see WARNINGS ).
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Clindamycin phosphate topical solution containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter is available in the following sizes: 30 mL applicator bottle—NDC 59762-3728-1 60 mL applicator bottle—NDC 59762-3728-2 Carton of 60 single-use pledget applicators—NDC 59762-3728-3 Clindamycin phosphate topical gel containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per gram is available in the following sizes: 30 gram tube—NDC 59762-3743-1 60 gram tube—NDC 59762-3743-2 Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter is available in the following size: 60 mL plastic squeeze bottle—NDC 59762-3744-1 Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP]. Protect from freezing. Clindamycin phosphate topical solution is flammable. Keep away from heat, sparks or open flames.
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.
Shortages
Source: FDA Drug Shortages| Status | Availability | Company | Presentation | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current | Available | Baxter Healthcare | Clindamycin Phosphate, Injection, 300 mg/50 mL (NDC 0338-9545-50) | September 17, 2026 |
| Current | Available | Baxter Healthcare | Clindamycin Phosphate, Injection, 300 mg/50 mL (NDC 0338-3410-50) | September 17, 2026 |
| Current | Available | Baxter Healthcare | Clindamycin Phosphate, Injection, 900 mg/50 mL (NDC 0338-9553-50) | September 17, 2026 |
| Current | Limited Availability | Baxter Healthcare | Clindamycin Phosphate, Injection, 900 mg/50 mL (NDC 0338-3814-50) | September 17, 2026 |
| Current | Available | Baxter Healthcare | Clindamycin Phosphate, Injection, 300 mg/50 mL (NDC 0338-9549-50) | September 17, 2026 |
| Current | Unavailable | Baxter Healthcare | Clindamycin Phosphate, Injection, 600 mg/50 mL (NDC 0338-3612-50) | September 17, 2026 |
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50090-5958-0 | 50090-5958 | A-S Medication Solutions | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (50090-5958-0) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | April 7, 2022 |
| 50090-6072-0 | 50090-6072 | A-S Medication Solutions | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (50090-6072-0) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | September 13, 2022 |
| 62332-623-30 | 62332-623 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (62332-623-30) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | April 4, 2024 |
| 62332-623-60 | 62332-623 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (62332-623-60) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | April 4, 2024 |
| 46708-623-30 | 46708-623 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (46708-623-30) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | April 4, 2024 |
| 46708-623-60 | 46708-623 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (46708-623-60) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | April 4, 2024 |
| 69238-2031-7 | 69238-2031 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals NY LLC | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (69238-2031-7) / 75 mL in 1 BOTTLE | August 8, 2022 |
| 59651-806-30 | 59651-806 | Aurobindo Pharma Limited | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (59651-806-30) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | March 18, 2026 |
| 59651-806-60 | 59651-806 | Aurobindo Pharma Limited | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (59651-806-60) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | March 18, 2026 |
| 63629-8630-1 | 63629-8630 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (63629-8630-1) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | January 20, 2021 |
| 63629-8631-1 | 63629-8631 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (63629-8631-1) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | January 20, 2021 |
| 63629-9309-1 | 63629-9309 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (63629-9309-1) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | July 6, 2022 |
| 72162-1436-6 | 72162-1436 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (72162-1436-6) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | March 13, 2024 |
| 0168-0202-30 | 0168-0202 | E. Fougera & Co. a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (0168-0202-30) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | January 28, 2000 |
| 0168-0202-60 | 0168-0202 | E. Fougera & Co. a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (0168-0202-60) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | January 28, 2000 |
| 21922-027-05 | 21922-027 | Encube Ethicals, Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (21922-027-05) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | March 15, 2021 |
| 21922-027-07 | 21922-027 | Encube Ethicals, Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (21922-027-07) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | March 15, 2021 |
| 68462-866-35 | 68462-866 | GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS INC., USA | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (68462-866-35) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | February 10, 2021 |
| 68462-866-65 | 68462-866 | GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS INC., USA | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (68462-866-65) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | February 10, 2021 |
| 59762-3743-1 | 59762-3743 | Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (59762-3743-1) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | January 7, 1987 |
| 59762-3743-2 | 59762-3743 | Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (59762-3743-2) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | January 7, 1987 |
| 16714-161-01 | 16714-161 | NORTHSTAR RX LLC | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (16714-161-01) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | March 10, 2021 |
| 16714-161-02 | 16714-161 | NORTHSTAR RX LLC | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (16714-161-02) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | March 10, 2021 |
| 68682-462-75 | 68682-462 | Oceanside Pharmaceuticals | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (68682-462-75) / 75 mL in 1 BOTTLE | June 8, 2018 |
| 45802-900-94 | 45802-900 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (45802-900-94) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | January 20, 2021 |
| 45802-900-96 | 45802-900 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (45802-900-96) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | January 20, 2021 |
| 68788-8423-6 | 68788-8423 | Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (68788-8423-6) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | April 13, 2023 |
| 73473-300-30 | 73473-300 | Solaris Pharma Corporation | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (73473-300-30) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | January 3, 2025 |
| 73473-300-60 | 73473-300 | Solaris Pharma Corporation | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (73473-300-60) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | January 3, 2025 |
| 73473-302-75 | 73473-302 | Solaris Pharma Corporation | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (73473-302-75) / 75 mL in 1 BOTTLE | September 15, 2024 |
| 51672-1399-2 | 51672-1399 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (51672-1399-2) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | November 10, 2020 |
| 51672-1399-3 | 51672-1399 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (51672-1399-3) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | November 10, 2020 |
| 51672-1399-7 | 51672-1399 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (51672-1399-7) / 75 g in 1 TUBE | October 30, 2024 |
| 72578-118-01 | 72578-118 | Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (72578-118-01) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | September 20, 2023 |
| 72578-118-02 | 72578-118 | Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (72578-118-02) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | September 20, 2023 |
| 70771-1855-2 | 70771-1855 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (70771-1855-2) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | September 20, 2023 |
| 70771-1855-3 | 70771-1855 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (70771-1855-3) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | September 20, 2023 |
| 50090-5958 | 50090-5958 | A-S Medication Solutions | — | March 15, 2021 |
| 50090-6072 | 50090-6072 | A-S Medication Solutions | — | March 10, 2021 |
| 62332-623 | 62332-623 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | April 4, 2024 |
| 46708-623 | 46708-623 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | — | April 4, 2024 |
| 69238-2031 | 69238-2031 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals NY LLC | — | August 8, 2022 |
| 59651-806 | 59651-806 | Aurobindo Pharma Limited | — | March 18, 2026 |
| 63629-8630 | 63629-8630 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | January 20, 2021 |
| 63629-8631 | 63629-8631 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | January 20, 2021 |
| 63629-9309 | 63629-9309 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | January 20, 2021 |
| 72162-1436 | 72162-1436 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | January 20, 2021 |
| 0168-0202 | 0168-0202 | E. Fougera & Co. a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC | — | January 28, 2000 |
| 21922-027 | 21922-027 | Encube Ethicals, Inc. | — | March 15, 2021 |
| 68462-866 | 68462-866 | GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS INC., USA | — | February 10, 2021 |
| 59762-3743 | 59762-3743 | Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | January 7, 1987 |
| 16714-161 | 16714-161 | NORTHSTAR RX LLC | — | March 10, 2021 |
| 68682-462 | 68682-462 | Oceanside Pharmaceuticals | — | June 8, 2018 |
| 45802-900 | 45802-900 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | — | January 20, 2021 |
| 68788-8423 | 68788-8423 | Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | April 13, 2023 |
| 73473-300 | 73473-300 | Solaris Pharma Corporation | — | January 3, 2025 |
| 73473-302 | 73473-302 | Solaris Pharma Corporation | — | September 15, 2024 |
| 51672-1399 | 51672-1399 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | — | November 10, 2020 |
| 72578-118 | 72578-118 | Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc | — | September 20, 2023 |
| 70771-1855 | 70771-1855 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | — | September 20, 2023 |
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 |
| Drug Shortages | FDA | Supply availability |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.