Clindamycin uses: what it treats, common forms, and safety tips

Clindamycin is an antibiotic many doctors pick for certain bacterial infections. It’s handy for skin and soft tissue infections, dental infections, some chest infections, bone infections, and pelvic infections. You’ll also see clindamycin as a topical gel for acne and a vaginal cream for bacterial vaginosis. Knowing which form to use and the common downsides makes it easier to use clindamycin right.

Where clindamycin helps

Oral or IV clindamycin often treats moderate to serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria: infected wounds, abscesses, infected teeth, cellulitis, and some lung infections. It’s also used for bone infections (osteomyelitis) and certain intra-abdominal or pelvic infections when other antibiotics aren’t suitable. Topical clindamycin (usually 1%) is common for inflammatory acne — it reduces the bacteria that contribute to pimples. Vaginal clindamycin cream (commonly 2%) is a short course option for bacterial vaginosis to restore normal vaginal flora.

How it’s given and common doses

Clindamycin comes as pills, a liquid, an IV injection, topical gel/solution, and a vaginal cream. Typical adult oral doses range from 150–450 mg every 6–8 hours for milder infections; doctors may use higher or IV dosing (for example, 600–900 mg IV every 8 hours) for severe infections — but your prescriber sets the exact dose. For acne, topical clindamycin is often applied twice daily. Vaginal cream is usually applied nightly for a few days. Always follow the prescription label and finish the full course unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Want fewer relapses with topical acne treatment? Combining clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide helps reduce antibiotic resistance and boosts results.

Clindamycin doesn’t work on viral illnesses like colds or the flu. Using antibiotics only for confirmed or suspected bacterial infections helps limit resistance.

Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. A serious and well-known risk is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection — this causes severe, sometimes prolonged diarrhea that needs urgent care. If you get watery diarrhea, fever, or bloody stools during or after treatment, contact your doctor right away.

Allergic reactions are possible: rash, swelling, or trouble breathing require immediate medical help. Clindamycin can also increase the chance of yeast infections for some people.

Interactions: clindamycin has fewer drug interactions than many antibiotics but can increase the effect of certain muscle relaxants and should be used cautiously with other drugs your doctor knows about. Tell your provider about all meds, supplements, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding — clindamycin is commonly used in pregnancy when needed, but decisions should be individualized.

Final practical tips: take oral clindamycin with a full glass of water, complete the prescribed course, avoid sharing meds, and store topical and vaginal products per the label. If symptoms don’t improve in a few days, get back to your doctor — infections sometimes need a different antibiotic or further testing.