is clindamycin safe in pregnancy ?
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| is clindamycin safe in pregnancy ? |
clindamycin during pregnancy
Clindamycin is an antibiotic primarily used to treat skin infections and to prevent infections related to dental surgery in vulnerable people.
Clindamycin, how does it work?
Clindamycin is an antibiotic from the lincosamide family, close to macrolides, effective on certain sensitive bacteria. It is mainly recommended for bacterial infections of the skin such as erysipelas , skin abscesses or boils.
This antibiotic is also used to treat certain oral infections , for example dental abscesses , when amoxicillin cannot be used , or to prevent a heart infection during oral surgery in people at risk of heart disease.
In the form of gel (cutaneous route) or capsules (oral route), clindamycin is sometimes used to treat acne, but, due to its risk of antibiotic resistance , it is not currently recommended by health authorities for this indication.
What should I be careful about before taking clindamycin?
Do not take this antibiotic if you are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy to an antibiotic or asthma, and if you have an inflammatory bowel, kidney or liver disease. Tell your doctor about all the treatments you are taking, including other antibiotics.
Clindamycin taken orally (in capsules) is not suitable for children under 6 years of age. It is only for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. This antibiotic should not be taken orally during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, clindamycin can be used during any stage of pregnancy if your doctor considers it necessary. Breast-feeding should be avoided while taking clindamycin.
In what forms and dosages is clindamycin marketed?
This antibiotic is available in capsules (clindamycin 75 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg), gel to apply to the skin (dosed at 1%) and solution for injection.
How to take clindamycin?
- Clindamycin capsules: Swallow the capsule whole, without opening it, with a glass of water.
- Clindamycin Skin Gel: After washing, apply a small amount of gel to areas of skin with pimples.
You can take clindamycin by mouth with or without food. Be careful if you are taking gastrointestinal dressings, charcoal, or an antacid, as these may decrease the effectiveness of the antibiotic. Leave a 2-hour gap between taking these medications and clindamycin.
To fight infection as effectively as possible, clindamycin doses should be spaced out at regular intervals throughout the day. Check your prescription for the number of doses you should take each day. For example, clindamycin prescribed twice a day should be taken approximately every 12 hours (at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.) .
What is the dosage of clindamycin?
The doctor will determine the dosage of clindamycin appropriate for your case : follow the dosage, frequency of administration and duration of treatment indicated on the prescription. As a guide, the usual oral dosage for adults is 600 to 2,400 mg per day . When clindamycin is used to prevent dental surgery in adults, a single dose of 600 mg one hour before the procedure is sufficient.
Do not stop your treatment before the end of the prescribed duration without medical advice, even if you feel better. Also, do not extend the duration of clindamycin treatment on your own initiative if your symptoms do not improve, but inform your doctor. Not respecting the duration of clindamycin treatment prescribed for your case increases the risk of antibiotic resistance .
Do I need to change my lifestyle during treatment?
Taking clindamycin is not a contraindication to sports or any other daily activity.
Alcohol consumption (in moderation) is not contraindicated during treatment with clindamycin.
What is the risk of antibiotic resistance to clindamycin?
What are the side effects of clindamycin?
The most common side effects of oral clindamycin are diarrhoea, inflammation of the intestines (colitis), nausea and vomiting, dysgeusia (changed taste in the mouth).
Topical clindamycin may cause burning, itching and dryness of the skin.
Stop taking clindamycin and contact your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction (redness of the skin, swelling of the face, feeling unwell), if you have a severe skin rash with blisters or if you have a yellow complexion, dark urine and itching. Also tell your doctor if you have persistent or severe diarrhoea.
What family of antibiotics does clindamycin belong to?
This antibiotic belongs to the lincosamide family .
What should I do with my excess clindamycin?
This medicine has been prescribed for you personally : do not give clindamycin to other people and never reuse this antibiotic without medical advice, even if your symptoms seem the same.
