What is clindamycin used for?

Indications and Usage, quoted from the label by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. (ANDA065061). Cross-references to other label sections are left out.

Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, USP are indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria.

Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, USP are also indicated in the treatment of serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci. Its use should be reserved for penicillin-allergic patients or other patients for whom, in the judgment of the physician, a penicillin is inappropriate. Because of the risk of colitis, as described in the BOXED WARNING, before selecting clindamycin, the physician should consider the nature of the infection and the suitability of less toxic alternatives (e.g., erythromycin).

Anaerobes: Serious respiratory tract infections such as empyema, anaerobic pneumonitis, and lung abscess; serious skin and soft tissue infections; septicemia; intra-abdominal infections such as peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscess (typically resulting from anaerobic organisms resident in the normal gastrointestinal tract); infections of the female pelvis and genital tract such as endometritis, nongonococcal tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic cellulitis, and postsurgical vaginal cuff infection.

Streptococci: Serious respiratory tract infections; serious skin and soft tissue infections.

Staphylococci: Serious respiratory tract infections; serious skin and soft tissue infections.

Pneumococci: Serious respiratory tract infections.

Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to clindamycin.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, USP and other antibacterial drugs, clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Source: DailyMed label, set id 1dbd8448-c1e5-46df-8060-50ef82380445, version 20, effective October 15, 2026. NDC 63304-692, one of 90 listings for this product.

Indications and Usage, quoted from the label by Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. (ANDA218300). Cross-references to other label sections are left out.

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution is indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In view of the potential for diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, the physician should consider whether other agents are more appropriate (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS).

Source: DailyMed label, set id cc8262fe-8e41-49b2-97ae-7985e9a894e9, version 5, effective March 24, 2026. NDC 16571-256, one of 24 listings for this product.

Indications and Usage, quoted from the label by Encube Ethicals, Inc. (ANDA212438). Cross-references to other label sections are left out.

Clindamycin phosphate gel USP, 1% is indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In view of the potential for diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, the physician should consider whether other agents are more appropriate (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).

Source: DailyMed label, set id ac21d7ad-f94e-4d57-95e3-1648add7ad0b, version 5, effective February 25, 2026. NDC 21922-027, one of 21 listings for this product.