Clindamycin 300mg (Acresil)

Indications and Dosage

Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat various serious bacterial infections by stopping bacterial growth.

Adult

Recommended dose is between 150 mg and 450 mg every 6 hours, depending on infection severity.

Children and Adolescents (6-7 yrs old)

The recommended dose in children is between 3 and 6 mg per kg every 6 hours, depending in the severity of the infection. Your doctor will work out the number of capsules that your child should have.

How to take Clindamycin:

Should be taken with a full glass of water and can be taken either before or after a meal.

They are not suitable for children who cannot swallow them whole.

Long term use of Clindamycin:

If you need to use Clindamycin long-term, your doctor may schedule regular liver, kidney, and blood tests. It's important not to miss these appointments. Extended use may increase the risk of developing other infections that Clindamycin cannot treat.

Do not take Clindamycin:

if you are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin or to any other ingredients of this medicine.

Warnings and Side Effects

Before taking Clindamycin, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• Have a history of diarrhea, especially with antibiotics, or any stomach or intestinal issues.
• Have kidney or liver problems.
• Suffer from asthma, eczema, or hay fever.
• Experience severe skin reactions or signs of hypersensitivity, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or lips.

During Clindamycin treatment, report any severe, prolonged, or bloody diarrhea to your doctor immediately, as it may indicate pseudomembranous colitis. Avoid anti-diarrheal medications without consulting your doctor. 

Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function may occur, as acute kidney issues can arise. Notify your doctor of any medications and existing kidney problems. Seek immediate help for decreased urine output, swelling, shortness of breath, or nausea.

Clindamycin is not suitable for serious brain infections; a different antibiotic may be needed.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Clindamycin. The active ingredient can pass into breast milk in small amounts, but breastfeeding is generally possible while on this medication. If your child experiences diarrhea, blood in the stools, or skin reactions, seek medical advice promptly to review your treatment.

Driving and Using Machines:

The effects on the ability to drive or use machines has not been established with clindamycin.

Clindamycin can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. If you notice any of the following serious side effects, stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention:

• Severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea, which may indicate serious bowel inflammation.
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, rash, or widespread itching.
• Blistering or peeling skin, accompanied by fever, cough, or swelling of the gums, tongue, or lips.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Fluid retention causing swelling in legs, ankles, or feet, along with shortness of breath or nausea.

Life-threatening skin reactions, including:

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (extensive skin peeling).
• Acute Generalised Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) characterized by red skin with pustules.
• Erythema multiforme, a rash with target-like lesions.
• Bullous exfoliative dermatitis, which includes red rashes with blisters.
• DRESS syndrome, presenting with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash, which can be severe and life-threatening.

Seek medical help if you experience any of these symptoms.