Cleocin Side Effects

Cleocin, or clindamycin, is an antibiotic used to treat infection. It covers a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Cleocin's broad coverage is effective in treating soft tissue, upper respiratory and skin infections. However, Cleocin may produce some serious side effects.

History

• Introduced in 1970 by Pfizer pharmaceuticals, Cleocin derives from the older antibiotic lincomycin. Because of its superior antibacterial properties, Cleocin has replaced lincomycin in common use.

Misconceptions

• Although clindamycin's name and spectrum of coverage are similar to erythromycin, the two agents are not related in chemical structure. A person allergic to erythromycin may safely take clindamycin.

Side Effects

• While reducing harmful bacteria, Cleocin can also decrease natural gut flora, making the bowel susceptible to infection by clostridium difficle, an opportunistic anaerobe often called "C. diff." C. diff may cause pseudomembranous colitis, an inflammatory bowel condition characterized by severe diarrhea and abdominal cramping. The condition is confirmed by laboratory tests and reversible with treatment.

  Other side effects reported in 1 to 10 percent of the population include low blood pressure, rash or scaling of skin, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe allergic reaction), nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea and/or dizziness. Life-threatening kidney dysfunction and decreased blood cell counts are possible but rare, occurring in less than 1 percent of patients.

Warnings and Precautions

• If severe diarrhea and abdominal cramping occur--particularly if blood or excessive mucous is visible in stool--it is important to stop taking Cleocin and seek prompt medical attention.

  If you experience any level of diarrhea, do not take anti-diarrheal medication without physician approval.

  Do not take Cleocin if you have known hypersensitivity to clindamycin or lincomycin. Patients with a history of pseudomembranous colitis should use Cleocin with extreme caution.

Prevention and Treatment of C. diff Infection

• C. diff can be easily spread within a facility or household. Patients with C. diff should wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet. Caregivers should wash before and after patient contact, wear gloves and employ other precautions (gown and mask) as needed during contact.

  Treatment of C. diff colitis may require hospitalization and the administration of antimicrobials, such as metronizadole and vancomycin. Vancomycin is most effective administered orally, while metronidazole may be given intravenously or by mouth. Also under investigation are treatments with probiotics and immunoglobulins.