On this page
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 214604-001 | CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE | LOTION | CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE | Prescription | AB |
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 | March 8, 2021 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251024). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS AND USAGE Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution, Clindamycin Phosphate Gel, and Clindamycin Phosphate Lotion are indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In view of the potential for diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, the physician should consider whether other agents are more appropriate (see CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin film of Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution, Clindamycin Phosphate Lotion, or Clindamycin Phosphate Gel twice daily to affected area. Lotion: Shake well immediately before using. Keep all liquid dosage forms in containers tightly closed.
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution, Clindamycin Phosphate Gel, and Clindamycin Phosphate 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 18 clinical studies of various formulations of clindamycin phosphate using placebo vehicle and/or active comparator drugs as controls, patients experienced a number of treatment emergent adverse dermatologic events [see table below]. Number of Patients Reporting Events Treatment Emergent Adverse Event Adverse Event Solution n=553(%) n=553(%) Gel n=148(%) n=148(%) Lotion n=160(%) n=160(%) Burning 62 (11) 15 (10) 17 (11) Itching 36 ( 7) 15 (10) 17 (11) Burning/Itching 60 (11) # ( – ) # ( – ) Dryness 105 (19) 34 (23) 29 (18) Erythema 86 (16) 10 ( 7) 22 (14) Oiliness/Oily Skin 8 ( 1) 26 (18) 12* (10) Peeling 61 (11) # ( – ) 11 ( 7) # not recorded * of 126 subjects 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, gastrointestinal disturbances, gram-negative folliculitis, eye pain and contact dermatitis have also been reported in association with the use of topical formulations of clindamycin. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Padagis ® at 1-866-634-9120 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 Lotion (Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Suspension USP, 1%) contain clindamycin phosphate, USP, at a concentration equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter. Clindamycin Phosphate Gel contains clindamycin phosphate, USP, at a concentration equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per gram. 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 solution contains isopropyl alcohol 50% v/v, propylene glycol, and purified water. The gel contains allantoin, carbomer 974P, 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).
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE Topically applied Clindamycin Phosphate can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see WARNINGS ).
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion, 1% containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter is available in the following size: 60 mL plastic squeeze bottle – NDC 45802- 128 -01 Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP]. Protect from freezing. Rx Only Manufactured by Padagis ® Yeruham, Israel www.padagis.com Rev 09-23 8M0B1 RC F5
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63629-8632-1 | 63629-8632 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE (63629-8632-1) | February 9, 2022 |
| 63629-9459-1 | 63629-9459 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE (63629-9459-1) | October 31, 2022 |
| 71335-2953-1 | 71335-2953 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE (71335-2953-1) | October 24, 2025 |
| 72162-1395-6 | 72162-1395 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE (72162-1395-6) | March 13, 2024 |
| 72162-2147-6 | 72162-2147 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (72162-2147-6) / 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE | December 7, 2023 |
| 0168-0203-60 | 0168-0203 | E. Fougera & Co. a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (0168-0203-60) / 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE | January 31, 2002 |
| 21922-036-01 | 21922-036 | Encube Ethicals, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (21922-036-01) / 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE | January 19, 2022 |
| 59762-3744-1 | 59762-3744 | Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (59762-3744-1) / 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE | May 31, 1989 |
| 16714-246-01 | 16714-246 | NORTHSTAR RX LLC | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (16714-246-01) / 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE | December 8, 2021 |
| 45802-128-01 | 45802-128 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE (45802-128-01) | March 31, 2021 |
| 51672-1400-4 | 51672-1400 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (51672-1400-4) / 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE | June 28, 2021 |
| 63629-8632 | 63629-8632 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | March 31, 2021 |
| 63629-9459 | 63629-9459 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | March 31, 2021 |
| 71335-2953 | 71335-2953 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | March 31, 2021 |
| 72162-1395 | 72162-1395 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | March 31, 2021 |
| 72162-2147 | 72162-2147 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | January 31, 2002 |
| 0168-0203 | 0168-0203 | E. Fougera & Co. a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC | — | January 31, 2002 |
| 21922-036 | 21922-036 | Encube Ethicals, Inc. | — | January 19, 2022 |
| 59762-3744 | 59762-3744 | Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | May 31, 1989 |
| 16714-246 | 16714-246 | NORTHSTAR RX LLC | — | June 28, 2021 |
| 45802-128 | 45802-128 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | — | March 31, 2021 |
| 51672-1400 | 51672-1400 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | — | June 28, 2021 |
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 · 12 sections on this page.