Clindamycin phosphate

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 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).

Pharmacology

Clindamycin phosphate is inactive until it is hydrolyzed to clindamycin. It functions by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunits of the bacteria. This prevents the formation of new peptides needed by the bacteria to grow and multiply.

Medical Uses

Clindamycin phosphate is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including skin infections, respiratory tract infections, and infections of the internal organs. It is also used in the treatment of acne, due to its ability to reduce the amount of p. acnes bacteria on the skin.

Side Effects

Common side effects of clindamycin phosphate include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. More serious side effects can include allergic reactions, liver problems, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Precautions

Clindamycin phosphate should not be used by individuals with a history of allergic reactions to clindamycin or lincomycin. It should also be used with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis.

See Also

• Antibiotics
• Bacterial Infections
• Pharmacology