Clindamycin in Children

Clindamycin is an antibiotic used for some of the most serious infections. For children, it is sold by the brand name Cleocin Pediatric, which is made by Pfizer. This powerful antibiotic is only recommend for hard-to-kill bacterial infections and for those allergic to other antibiotics. When giving clindamycin, parents or caregivers should watch for side effects such as diarrhea. Call your pediatrician if your child is having any side effects that are serious or cause concern.

Uses of Clindamycin

• Clindamycin is used to treat bacterial infections that are caused by bacterium such as streptococci, pneumococci and staphylococci. These bacteria can cause serious respiratory infections and skin infections. Clindamycin is a strong antibiotic that is only prescribed when other less-toxic antibiotics will not work against the patient's infection.

How Clindamycin is Administered

• For children, it is given as a liquid three or four times a day. Give the medication with a meal and follow the doctor's instructions. Take clindamycin for the full length of time prescribed unless your pediatrician gives you instructions to stop.

Mild Side Effects

• As with any antibiotic, mild diarrhea, nausea and vomiting can occur. Some patients may also get a mild skin rash.

Serious Side Effects

• Clindamycin can cause serious side effects, including diarrhea and colitis (inflammation of the colon). In some patients it can cause an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that can cause potentially fatal diarrhea if not treated. According to Pfizer, this infection can occur months after taking clindamycin. Symptoms include diarrhea with or without blood, fever and stomach cramps. Parents should call their doctor immediately if their child suffers any of these symptoms while on or after taking clindamycin. Other rare side effects include jaundice, arthritis and anaphylactic (allergic) reactions.

Cautions

• Pfizer states that Cleocin Pediatric "should be prescribed with caution in atopic individuals" or those "with a history of gastrointestinal disease." Atopic individuals have a history of sensitivities or allergic reactions to antibiotics. It is also recommended that when given to children, that their organ functions be monitored through blood tests during treatment.