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Below are the general guidelines for dosing clindamycin. Note that these dosages may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis for individual patients. Always follow your prescribing physician’s instructions for taking clindamycin.

The following information comes from DailyMed, an FDA label information provider.

What if I miss a dose of clindamycin?

According to Mayo Clinic, if you miss a dose of clindamycin, take it right away unless you are closer to your next dose. If the latter is true, wait until your next dose. Never double dose.

What if I overdose on clindamycin?

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.

Dosage and Administration

If significant diarrhea occurs during therapy, this antibiotic should be discontinued (see BOXED WARNING).

Adults: Serious infections – 150 to 300 mg every 6 hours. More severe infections – 300 to 450 mg every 6 hours.

Pediatric Patients (infants till 16 years old)  for Oral dosages(for children who are able to swallow capsules): Serious infections – 8 to 16 mg/kg/day (4 to 8 mg/lb/day) divided into three or four equal doses. More severe infections – 16 to 20 mg/kg/day (8 to 10 mg/lb/day) divided into three or four equal doses. Clindamycin should be dosed based on total body weight regardless of obesity.

Note: Different dosing exists for IV/ IM dosing.

To avoid the possibility of esophageal irritation, clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, USP should be taken with a full glass of water.

Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules are not suitable for children who are unable to swallow them whole. The capsules do not provide exact mg/kg doses therefore it may be necessary to use the clindamycin palmitate oral solution in some cases.

Serious infections due to anaerobic bacteria are usually treated with CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE® Sterile Solution. However, in clinically appropriate circumstances, the physician may elect to initiate treatment or continue treatment with clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, USP.

In cases of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections, treatment should continue for at least 10 days.

How is clindamycin supplied?

Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, USP are available in the following strengths, colors and sizes:

150 mg Light Blue and Green
  Bottles of 100NDC 59762-3328-1
300 mg Light Blue
  Bottles of 16NDC 59762-5010-1
  Bottles of 100NDC 59762-5010-2

Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F) [see USP].

There are IV, IM , and possibly other formulations available.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.


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