Cleocin (active ingredient: clindamycin) is a prescription antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It helps stop the growth of bacteria and allows the body’s immune system to eliminate the infection.
Cleocin is only effective against bacterial infections and should not be used to treat viral illnesses such as the common cold, flu, or most sore throats caused by viruses.
What Is Cleocin Used For?
Cleocin may be prescribed to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including:
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Cleocin is commonly used to treat bacterial infections affecting the skin and underlying tissues, such as:
- Cellulitis
- Infected wounds
- Skin abscesses
- Other soft tissue infections
These infections may cause redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and drainage.
Respiratory Tract Infections
Cleocin may be used to treat certain bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, including:
- Pneumonia
- Lung infections
- Other susceptible respiratory infections
Treatment can help reduce symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing caused by bacterial infection.
Intra-Abdominal Infections
Cleocin may be prescribed as part of the treatment plan for infections occurring within the abdominal cavity, often in combination with other antibiotics when appropriate.
Pelvic Infections
Clindamycin may be used to treat certain bacterial infections involving the female reproductive organs and pelvic area.
Bone and Joint Infections
Cleocin is also used to treat bacterial infections affecting bones and joints, including:
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Certain joint infections
These infections often require longer courses of antibiotic treatment and close medical supervision.
Infections Caused by Staphylococci and Streptococci
Cleocin is effective against many susceptible strains of:
- Staphylococcus bacteria
- Streptococcus bacteria
These organisms are common causes of skin, soft tissue, respiratory, and other bacterial infections.
How Does Cleocin Work?
Cleocin belongs to a class of medications known as lincosamide antibiotics.
It works by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to produce proteins that are essential for growth and survival.
By blocking bacterial protein synthesis, clindamycin:
- Stops bacteria from multiplying
- Slows the spread of infection
- Helps the immune system eliminate the bacteria
Depending on the concentration of the medication and the type of bacteria involved, Cleocin may act as either:
- A bacteriostatic antibiotic, which stops bacterial growth, or
- A bactericidal antibiotic, which kills bacteria directly
Benefits of Cleocin
When used as prescribed, Cleocin may help:
- Treat a variety of bacterial infections
- Reduce infection-related symptoms
- Prevent the spread of infection
- Promote healing and recovery
- Eliminate susceptible bacteria from the body
Important Reminder
To help ensure successful treatment:
- Take Cleocin exactly as prescribed.
- Complete the full course of therapy.
- Do not skip doses.
- Do not stop treatment early, even if you begin to feel better.
Stopping antibiotics too soon may allow the infection to return and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
REVIEWS