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Clindamycin

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, including anaerobic, skin, respiratory, abdominal, gynecological, bone and joint infections, and in vaginal form, bacterial vaginosis.

Brand names CleocinClindaCureAntirobeZydaclinClinda-Guard +11 more
Drug classes Decreased Sebaceous Gland Activity
Rx Forms 8
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 104 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

How we combine label and product data →
Other forms & routes:
Injection Topical Vaginal
Clindamycin at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Clindamycin is an older antibiotic (on the market since about 1970 and available generically) that stops bacteria multiplying by blocking how they make proteins. It is kept for serious infections, often when a penicillin is not an option, and as a vaginal cream it treats bacterial vaginosis. Most people tolerate it reasonably well, and what they notice is usually an upset stomach, nausea, loose stools or a mild rash. The thing to watch for is its boxed warning, C. difficile colitis (a severe, sometimes fatal inflammation of the colon), so report frequent watery or bloody diarrhea promptly, even up to two months after the last dose.

Clinical pearls

  • Swallow capsules with a full glass of water and stay upright at least 30 minutes to avoid painful throat irritation.
  • Tell your surgeon or anesthesia team you are taking it, because it can strengthen the muscle relaxants used during surgery.
  • Rifampicin (rifampin) can lower clindamycin levels, so if you take both, your prescriber may check that the infection is still responding.
  • If you are breastfeeding, watch the baby for diarrhea, thrush (white patches in the mouth) or blood in the stool.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
⚠️ FDA Boxed Warning — the FDA’s strongest safety alert ▾

Clindamycin can cause severe, even fatal, colitis (inflammation of the colon) from a bacterial overgrowth called C. difficile. Antibiotics disturb the normal bacteria in your gut, which lets C. difficile multiply and release toxins.

Because of this risk, clindamycin should be reserved for serious infections where less risky antibiotics are not suitable. It should not be used for nonbacterial infections such as most upper respiratory infections. Watch for diarrhea during or after treatment, even up to two months later. Contact your doctor promptly if it happens. Treatment can include fluids, electrolytes and specific antibiotics for C. difficile.

Read the full warning on DailyMed →
How you get itPrescription only
Comes asCapsule, Injection, Topical cream, ointment or gel +5
Earliest FDA record1970
Companies listing it with the FDA112
FDA label last updatedSep 25, 2020
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)Yes, read the warning

Patient information guide — a plain-language walkthrough of Clindamycin, written from its FDA label.

What Clindamycin is used for

▾

Clindamycin is used for several types of bacterial infection, depending on the product.

  • Serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria (oral and injectable products)
  • Serious infections from susceptible streptococci, pneumococci and staphylococci
  • Lower respiratory tract, skin and skin structure, gynecological, intra-abdominal, and bone and joint infections, and septicemia (listed for clindamycin phosphate in sodium chloride injection)
  • Bacterial vaginosis (clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2%)

Clindamycin should not be used for meningitis because it does not reach the fluid around the brain well.

How Clindamycin works

▾

Clindamycin binds to the ribosome, the part of a bacterial cell that builds proteins. Without those proteins, the bacteria cannot grow and multiply. It is bacteriostatic, so it halts growth and lets your immune system clear the infection.

Bacteria can become resistant, most often by changing the part of the ribosome clindamycin binds to. Resistance to clindamycin and lincomycin is complete, and some resistance occurs with macrolide antibiotics.

Clindamycin dosage

▾

Clindamycin comes in several forms, and the route and schedule differ by product. Follow your prescriber and your label.

  • Capsules: taken by mouth about every 6 hours with a full glass of water, at least 30 minutes before lying down.
  • Oral solution (pediatric): taken in 3 or 4 divided doses a day, dosed by body weight. Food does not harm absorption.
  • Injections: given by a healthcare professional into a vein or muscle in 2 to 4 divided doses a day.

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Clindamycin prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Adults - Serious infections due to aerobic gram-positive cocci and the more susceptible anaerobes (NOT generally including Bacteroides fragilis, Peptococcus species and Clostridium species other than Clostridium perfringens)
    • 600–1200 mg/day in 2, 3 or 4 equal doses (IM or IV)
    • Maximum: Single intramuscular injections of greater than 600 mg are not recommended
    • For more serious infections, these doses may have to be increased
  • Adults - More severe infections, particularly those due to proven or suspected Bacteroides fragilis, Peptococcus species, or Clostridium species other than Clostridium perfringens
    • 1200–2700 mg/day in 2, 3 or 4 equal doses (IM or IV)
    • Maximum: Doses of as much as 4800 mg daily have been given intravenously to adults
    • In life-threatening situations these doses may be increased
  • Adults - Alternative: single rapid infusion of first dose followed by continuous IV infusion, to maintain serum clindamycin levels above 4 mcg/mL
    • 10 mg/min for 30 min, then 0.75 mg/min
  • Adults - Alternative: rapid infusion then continuous IV infusion, to maintain serum levels above 5 mcg/mL
    • 15 mg/min for 30 min, then 1.00 mg/min
  • Adults - Alternative: rapid infusion then continuous IV infusion, to maintain serum levels above 6 mcg/mL
    • 20 mg/min for 30 min, then 1.25 mg/min
  • Neonates (less than 1 month)
    • 15 to 20 mg/kg/day in 3 to 4 equal doses
    • The lower dosage may be adequate for small prematures
  • Pediatric patients 1 month of age to 16 years
    • 20 to 40 mg/kg/day in 3 or 4 equal doses (IM or IV)
    • Higher doses for more severe infections
    • Dose on total body weight regardless of obesity; β-hemolytic streptococcal infections: treat for at least 10 days
  • Pediatric patients 1 month to 16 years - alternative body surface area dosing
    • 350 mg/m2/day for serious infections and 450 mg/m2/day for more severe infections
  • IV infusion dilution and rate (all patients)
    • 300 mg in 50 mL over 10 min
    • 600 mg in 50 mL over 20 min
    • 900 mg in 50–100 mL over 30 min
    • 1200 mg in 100 mL over 40 min
    • Maximum: Concentration not to exceed 18 mg per mL; infusion rate not to exceed 30 mg per minute; more than 1200 mg in a single 1-hour infusion not recommended
Read the label’s full dosing text

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION If significant diarrhea occurs during therapy, this antibacterial drug should be discontinued (see BOXED WARNING ). Administer clindamycin hydrochloride capsules with a full glass of water (6 to 8 ounces, approximately 200 to 250 mL) and at least 30 minutes before lying down to reduce the potential for esophageal irritation (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Adults: Serious infections - 150 to 300 mg every 6 hours. More severe infections - 300 to 450 mg every 6 hours. Pediatric Patients (who are able to swallow capsules) : Serious infections - 8 to 16 mg/kg/day (4 to 8 mg/lb/day) divided into three or four equal doses. More severe infections - 16 to 20 mg/kg/day (8 to 10 mg/lb/day) divided into three or four equal doses. Clindamycin should be dosed based on total body weight regardless of obesity. Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules are not suitable for pediatric patients who are unable to swallow them whole. The capsules do not provide exact mg/kg doses therefore it may be necessary to use the clindamycin palmitate oral solution in some cases. Serious infections due to anaerobic bacteria are usually treated with CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE ® Sterile Solution. However, in clinically appropriate circumstances, the physician may elect to initiate treatment or continue treatment with clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, USP. In cases of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections, treatment should continue for at least 10 days.

Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Clindamycin side effects

▾

Common side effects

  • Mild to moderate skin rash (most commonly reported)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Itching
  • Vaginitis
  • Metallic or unpleasant taste after higher IV doses
  • Pain or irritation at the injection site

When to get medical help

  • Get medical help right away for severe or persistent diarrhea, bloody stools or severe belly cramps, even up to two months after finishing the antibiotic.
  • Seek emergency help for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or severe skin blistering or peeling.
  • Call your doctor if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
  • Call your doctor if you notice much less urine or other signs of kidney problems.
  • Tell your doctor about new yeast infections or thrush that develop during treatment.
  • Report pain, redness or swelling along the vein after an IV infusion.

Many people tolerate clindamycin, but side effects can happen.

  • Skin rash (most often reported)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Itching
  • Vaginitis
  • Metallic taste after higher IV doses
  • Injection site pain or irritation

Seek care quickly for severe or bloody diarrhea, signs of serious allergy, skin blistering, jaundice or reduced urine.

Clindamycin warnings and precautions

▾
  • C. difficile colitis: can be severe or fatal and may start up to two months after treatment.
  • Severe allergic reactions: including anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and DRESS. Stop treatment permanently if they occur.
  • Kidney injury: kidney function may be monitored, especially in people with existing kidney problems.
  • Older adults: higher risk of severe diarrhea.
  • Yeast overgrowth: can occur during treatment.
  • Too-rapid IV infusion: has caused low blood pressure and cardiopulmonary arrest.

Clindamycin interactions

▾

A few medicines can change how clindamycin works or how safe it is.

  • Neuromuscular blocking agents: clindamycin may increase their effect, so avoid the combination.
  • Strong CYP3A4/CYP3A5 inhibitors: may raise clindamycin levels, so you may be monitored for side effects.
  • Strong CYP3A4/CYP3A5 inducers such as rifampicin: may lower clindamycin levels and reduce its effect.

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Clindamycin prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • Neuromuscular blocking agents: Clindamycin has neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Should be avoided in patients receiving such agents.
  • Strong CYP3A4 and/or CYP3A5 inhibitors: Inhibitors of CYP3A4 and/or CYP3A5 may increase plasma concentrations of clindamycin. Monitor for adverse reactions when coadministered with clindamycin.
  • Strong CYP3A4 and/or CYP3A5 inducers such as rifampicin: Inducers of CYP3A4 and/or CYP3A5 may reduce plasma concentrations of clindamycin. Monitor for loss of effectiveness.
Read the label’s full interactions text

Drug Interactions Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents. Clindamycin is metabolized predominantly by CYP3A4, and to a lesser extent by CYP3A5, to the major metabolite clindamycin sulfoxide and minor metabolite N-desmethylclindamycin. Therefore, inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 may increase plasma concentrations of clindamycin and inducers of these isoenzymes may reduce plasma concentrations of clindamycin. In the presence of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, monitor for adverse reactions. In the presence of strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampicin, monitor for loss of effectiveness. In vitro studies indicate that clindamycin does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2E1 or CYP2D6 and only moderately inhibits CYP3A4.

Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿169 supplements and herbs with documented Clindamycin interactions, ranked by severity Check Clindamycin against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Clindamycin

▾
  • Do not take if you have had an allergy to clindamycin or lincomycin.
  • Tell your doctor about any history of bowel disease, especially colitis.
  • Atopic (allergy-prone) individuals: some products advise avoiding use.
  • Kidney or liver disease: monitoring may be needed with long treatment.
  • Pregnancy: studies in the second and third trimesters did not show more major birth defects. First-trimester data are insufficient.
  • Breastfeeding: clindamycin passes into milk. Watch the baby for diarrhea, thrush or blood in the stool.
  • Children: some injections contain benzyl alcohol, which is risky for newborns. Capsules are only for children who can swallow them whole.
  • Older adults: watch closely for diarrhea.

Clindamycin overdose

▾

In animal studies, very high doses caused convulsions and depression before death. Dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) does not remove clindamycin from the blood. If you think too much was taken, contact poison control or emergency services.

What Clindamycin does in the body

▾

Clindamycin stops bacterial protein production and is bacteriostatic. It is active against many gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, and anaerobes such as Clostridium perfringens. It does not reach significant levels in cerebrospinal fluid.

How your body processes Clindamycin

▾

Injectable clindamycin phosphate is an inactive form that the body quickly converts to active clindamycin. After a muscle injection, peak levels occur within about 3 hours in adults and 1 hour in children. Active clindamycin has a half-life of about 3 hours in adults and 2.5 hours in children. It is broken down mainly by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, and the half-life rises slightly in severe kidney or liver impairment.

How to store Clindamycin

▾

Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F) .

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

169

Supplements & herbs that interact with Clindamycin

169 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Clindamycin in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 3
  • Moderate · 123
  • Minor · 43
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major GRAPEFRUIT Major ST. JOHN'S WORT Major ACACIA RIGIDULA Moderate ADRAFINIL Moderate AFRICAN WILD POTATO Moderate AMERICAN ELDER Moderate ASTAXANTHIN Moderate +161 more
Every supplement checked against Clindamycin — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 3 major · 123 moderate · 43 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Clindamycin against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

7

Nutrient depletion considerations

Clindamycin has been associated with lower levels of 7 nutrients in the clinical literature. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these may be worth discussing with your pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially with long-term use.

Evidence & significance mix
  • Higher significance · 6
  • Moderate · 1
BIOTIN Insignificant Depletion FOLIC ACID Insignificant Depletion RIBOFLAVIN Insignificant Depletion THIAMINE Insignificant Depletion VITAMIN B12 Insignificant Depletion VITAMIN B6 Insignificant Depletion VITAMIN K Moderate Depletion
See the full Clindamycin nutrient depletion report

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — not medical advice. Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Clindamycin: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Clindamycin — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What is clindamycin used for?

▾
It treats serious bacterial infections, such as anaerobic infections, skin, lung, abdominal, gynecological, and bone and joint infections, depending on the product. It is often used when a penicillin isn't appropriate. The vaginal cream is for bacterial vaginosis. It won't work on viruses like colds or flu.

How should I take the capsules?

▾
Swallow them with a full glass of water and stay upright for at least 30 minutes afterward. This helps prevent irritation of your throat. Take it as often as your prescriber says and finish the course unless you're told otherwise.

What side effects are normal, and when should I call you?

▾
Rash, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and itching are among the more commonly reported effects. Call your doctor right away if you get severe, watery or bloody diarrhea, even weeks after finishing. Also get help for swelling, trouble breathing, blistering skin, yellow skin or eyes, or a big drop in urine.

Why is diarrhea such a big deal with this medicine?

▾
Clindamycin can upset the healthy bacteria in your gut and let C. difficile overgrow. That can cause serious colitis, which can sometimes be fatal. Don't take anti-diarrhea medicine on your own. Call your doctor first.

Is clindamycin safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

▾
Studies in the second and third trimesters did not show more major birth defects, but first-trimester data are limited. Clindamycin does pass into breast milk, so watch your baby for diarrhea, thrush or blood in the stool. Talk with your doctor about the best choice for you.

Does clindamycin interact with other medicines?

▾
Yes. It can strengthen muscle relaxants used in surgery. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may raise its levels, and rifampicin may lower them. Tell your pharmacist about everything you take.

Is Clindamycin available over the counter?

▾
No. Clindamycin is a prescription medicine: every Clindamycin product listed with the FDA is prescription only, so it is not sold over the counter. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you, and your pharmacist dispenses it.

When was Clindamycin first available?

▾
The earliest FDA record we hold for Clindamycin is from 1970: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Clindamycin was first used.

Who makes Clindamycin?

▾
112 companies list Clindamycin products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including Bryant Ranch Prepack, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, A-S Medication Solutions. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers, so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Clindamycin on HelloPharmacist

📊Clindamycin supplement interactions169 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerClindamycin vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Clindamycin NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Clindamycin Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Clindamycin forms and strengths (how it comes)

Clindamycin is available in 8 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Capsule

By mouth
Brands Cleocin Hydrochloride
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules treat serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, streptococci, pneumococci and staphylococci.
  • Cleocin Hydrochloride is used for serious infections including those listed for anaerobes, such as respiratory, skin and soft tissue, and intra-abdominal infections.
Important instructions
  • Cleocin HCl and clindamycin hydrochloride capsules should be taken with a full glass of water and at least 30 minutes before lying down.
  • Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules are given in divided doses every 6 hours for adults.
  • Cleocin HCl capsules are not suitable for children who cannot swallow them whole.
Available strengths 3 strengths
75 mg 150 mg 300 mg
268 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Injection

Into a muscle · Into a vein
Brands Cleocin Phosphate Clindamycin in 5 Percent Dextrose
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Cleocin Phosphate is used for serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, streptococci, pneumococci and staphylococci.
  • Clindamycin phosphate in sodium chloride injection (IV) is used for anaerobic, respiratory, skin, gynecological, intra-abdominal, bone and joint infections, and septicemia.
  • Clindamycin in 5% Dextrose is an IV product for serious anaerobic, streptococcal, pneumococcal and staphylococcal infections.
Important instructions
  • Cleocin Phosphate for muscle injection is used undiluted, while IV use must be diluted.
  • Clindamycin in 5% Dextrose is given into a vein.
  • Clindamycin phosphate in sodium chloride injection is given by IV infusion in 2 to 4 divided doses a day and is not recommended if a dose is needed that doesn't match its available strengths.
Available strengths 7 strengths
6 mg/mL 12 mg/mL 18 mg/mL 150 mg/mL 300 mg/50 mL 600 mg/50 mL
Show 1 more strength Show fewer strengths
900 mg/50 mL
121 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Topical solution

On the skin
Available strengths 2 strengths
10 mg/mL 11.9 mg/mL
49 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Oral solution

By mouth
Brands Clindamycin Palmitate Hydrochloride
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Cleocin Pediatric and clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride for oral solution treat serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, streptococci, pneumococci and staphylococci.
Important instructions
  • Cleocin Pediatric and clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride oral solution are given in 3 or 4 equal daily doses based on body weight.
  • Food does not harm absorption of Cleocin Pediatric flavored granules or clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride oral solution.
Available strengths 2 strengths
75 mg/5 mL 75 mg/kg
31 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Vaginal cream or gel

Vaginal
Brands Cleocin Clindesse Xaciato
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2% treats bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women and in pregnant women during the second and third trimester.
Available strengths 2 strengths
20 mg/g 100 mg/5 g
13 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Inhaler

On the skin
Brands Evoclin
Available strengths 1 strength
10 mg/g
10 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Vaginal insert

Vaginal
Brands Cleocin
Available strengths 1 strength
100 mg
2 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Clindamycin on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Clindamycin appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

112 companies list 612 Clindamycin product records with the FDA, mostly as capsule, injection, topical cream, ointment or gel; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1970. Brand names on the directory include Cleocin, ClindaCure, Antirobe and 13 more; the rest are generics.

8
Dose forms ⓘ
112
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
20
Brand names
612
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1970
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (35) · Kit (2) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

Bryant Ranch Prepack12%
Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC9%
A-S Medication Solutions7%
Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC6%
NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.5%
Baxter Healthcare Corporation5%
Other makers57%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Clindamycin is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Clindamycin is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Clindamycin is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

3,018,439
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$84.8M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Clindamycin prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Clindamycin ranks #74 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 95% of them.

Where Clindamycin ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #74 of 1,601
#69 Divalproex 3,122,967 Rx #70 Tirzepatide injection 3,083,095 Rx #71 Tirzepatide 3,083,095 Rx #72 Levetiracetam 3,055,070 Rx #73 Oxycodone 3,037,434 Rx #74 Clindamycin 3,018,439 Rx #75 Hydrocortisone Topical 2,941,220 Rx #76 Mupirocin 2,929,179 Rx #77 Empagliflozin 2,905,773 Rx #78 Venlafaxine 2,819,501 Rx #79 Propranolol (Infantile... 2,801,185 Rx

Utilization by Clindamycin product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 300 mg oral capsule is the most-dispensed Clindamycin product — about 28% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

clindamycin 300 MG Oral Capsule Most dispensed

831,096 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 28% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $10M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $12 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 8 of 347 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 284215

clindamycin 10 MG/ML Topical Solution

528,845 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 18% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $11.4M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $22 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 18 of 46 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309333

Twice-Daily clindamycin 0.01 MG/MG Topical Gel

510,626 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 17% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $11M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $22 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 22 of 44 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2676585

clindamycin 10 MG/ML Topical Lotion

416,215 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 14% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $12.4M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $30 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 7 of 13 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197519

clindamycin 150 MG Oral Capsule

248,121 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 8% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $2.9M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $12 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 10 of 321 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197518

clindamycin 10 MG/ML Medicated Pad

232,174 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 8% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $6.4M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $27 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 4 of 11 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 797274

clindamycin 15 MG/ML Oral Solution

129,993 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 4% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $7.4M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $57 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 8 of 18 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 562266

clindamycin 20 MG/ML Vaginal Cream

71,273 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 2% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $4.9M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $69 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 4 of 5 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309337

Once-Daily clindamycin 0.01 MG/MG Topical Gel

29,363 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $16.3M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $554 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 4 of 6 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309332

50 ML clindamycin 18 MG/ML Injection

6,171 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $474,301 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $77 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 6 of 13 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309336

50 ML clindamycin 12 MG/ML Injection

4,501 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $209,101 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $46 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 6 of 13 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309335

clindamycin 100 MG Vaginal Insert

3,594 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $884,867 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $246 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 3 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 259233

clindamycin 0.02 MG/MG Vaginal Gel

1,748 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $275,665 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $158 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 2 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2587810

clindamycin 10 MG/ML Topical Foam

1,563 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $347,986 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $223 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 7 of 9 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 477451

4 ML clindamycin 150 MG/ML Injection

1,051 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $12,355 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $12 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 3 of 12 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1737578

2 ML clindamycin 150 MG/ML Injection

708 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $5,496 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $7.76 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 13 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1737244

clindamycin 75 MG Oral Capsule

705 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $14,282 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $20 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 21 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309329

50 ML clindamycin 6 MG/ML Injection

347 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $1,869 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $5.39 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 8 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309339

6 ML clindamycin 150 MG/ML Injection

309 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $20,812 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $67 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 11 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1737581

clindamycin 150 MG/ML Injectable Solution

36 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Clindamycin prescriptions shown $181 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $5.02 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 24 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 205964

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Clindamycin, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 117 of 940 listed Clindamycin NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Clindamycin products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Clindamycin — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 200 of 612 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 612 Clindamycin NDCs →

Clindamycin recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list 4 Clindamycin recalls since July 2021, covering 8 product listings. All of them are still ongoing or began in the last six months. A recall names specific lots from one company, so check the lot number on your own bottle rather than assuming every product is affected; your pharmacist can check whether your supply came from an affected lot.

Ongoing Class II Aug 6, 2026 · Baxter Healthcare Corporation
CGMP Deviations
  • Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose, 900 mg/50 mL (18 mg/mL), in GALAXY 50 mL Single Dose Container, Rx only, Sterile Nonpyrogenic, Manufactured by: Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL… Lots: Lot # NC194068, Exp Date: 10/29/2027. FDA record D-0818-2026 →
  • Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose, 900 mg/50 mL (18 mg/mL), in GALAXY 50 mL Single Dose Container, Rx only, Sterile Nonpyrogenic, Manufactured by: Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL… Lots: Lot # NC194075, Exp Date: 10/29/2027. FDA record D-0817-2026 →
  • Clindamycin Phosphate in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 600 mg per 50 mL (12 mg/mL), 50 mL Single-Dose GALAXY Container, Rx only, Sterile Nonpyrogenic, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL 6… Lots: Lot # NC193689, Exp Date: 10/16/2027. FDA record D-0816-2026 →
  • Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose, 900 mg per 50 mL (12 mg/mL) in GALAXY 50 mL Single Dose Container, Rx only, Sterile Nonpyrogenic, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL 60015 USA, NDC… Lots: Lot # NC185424, Exp Date: 2/12/2027; Lot # NC185479, Exp Date: 2/13/2027; Lot # NC193948, Exp Date: 10/23/2027. FDA record D-0815-2026 →
  • Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose, 600 mg per 50 mL (12 mg/mL) in GALAXY 50 mL Single Dose Container, Rx only, Sterile Nonpyrogenic, Baxter healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL 60015 USA, NDC… Lots: Lot # NC193764, Exp Date: 10/18/2027; Lot # NC195232, Exp Date: 11/25/2027. FDA record D-0808-2026 →
Ongoing Class II Jul 30, 2026 · Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc
Presence of Foreign Substance: presence of particles and white flakes in the reconstituted bottles.
  • CLINDAMYCIN PALMITATE HYDROCHLORIDE FOR ORAL SOLUTION, USP, 75 mg/5 mL, Rx Only, 100 mL, Distributed by: Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc., East Brunswick, NJ 08816, NDC 23155-603-51 Lots: Lot #: 2411550, Exp. 2026/NOV. FDA record D-0768-2026 →
Ongoing Class III Nov 26, 2025 · SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC
Failed Impurities/Degradation: Out of Specification results for Total Impurities and for Assay.
  • Clindamycin Phosphate USP, 1% (10 mg/mL), Topical Solution, 60 mL per applicator bottle, Rx only, Mfd. by: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Haifa Bay, Israel; Dist. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals USA,… Lots: Lot#: AD30154, AD31143, AD31145, Exp 11/30/2025 FDA record D-0257-2026 →
Ongoing Class II Mar 13, 2025 · Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA
CGMP Deviations
  • Clindamycin Hydrochloride Capsules, USP, 300mg, 100-count bottles, Manufactured by: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh 454775, India, Manufactured for: Glenmark Pharmaceutica… Lots: Lot # 17241278, exp. date Jul-26 17241297, exp. date Jul-26 17241304, exp. date Jul-26 17241315, exp. date Jul-26 17241327, exp. date Jul-26 FDA record D-0344-2025 →

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Clindamycin RxCUI 2582 15 dose forms · 27 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Injectable Solution RxCUI 371557 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 150 MG/ML RxCUI 205964
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Medicated Pad RxCUI 797273 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 10 MG/ML RxCUI 797274
  4. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Capsule RxCUI 371555 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 25 MG RxCUI 853019 75 MG RxCUI 309329 150 MG RxCUI 197518 300 MG RxCUI 284215
  5. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Solution RxCUI 562265 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 15 MG/ML RxCUI 562266 25 MG/ML RxCUI 900424
  6. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Suspension RxCUI 371556 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 75 MG/ML RxCUI 392275
  7. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 438689 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 25 MG RxCUI 900391 75 MG RxCUI 900460 150 MG RxCUI 433773
  8. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Cream RxCUI 379276 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 20 MG/ML RxCUI 141970
  9. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Foam RxCUI 477452 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 10 MG/ML RxCUI 477451
  11. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Lotion RxCUI 377650 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 10 MG/ML RxCUI 197519
  12. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Solution RxCUI 377481 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 10 MG/ML RxCUI 309333
  13. Dose form (SCDF) Vaginal Cream RxCUI 377651 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 20 MG/ML RxCUI 309337
  14. Dose form (SCDF) Vaginal Gel RxCUI 2587809 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.02 MG/MG RxCUI 2587810
  15. Dose form (SCDF) Vaginal Insert RxCUI 2109113 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 100 MG RxCUI 259233

Look up RxCUI 2582 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

Clindamycin brand names

Clindamycin is sold under 16 brand names in the FDA directory — Cleocin, ClindaCure, Antirobe, Zydaclin and others. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Cleocin ClindaCure Antirobe Zydaclin Clinda-Guard Xaciato Clindagel Clindamax Evoclin Clindesse Cleocin-T Clintabs Cleocin Phosphate Clindamycin Palmitate Hydrochloride Clindamycin in 5 Percent Dextrose Cleocin Hydrochloride

Who makes Clindamycin: manufacturers and labelers

112 companies list Clindamycin products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Bryant Ranch Prepack, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, A-S Medication Solutions. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

Bryant Ranch Prepack 57 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 41 A-S Medication Solutions 32 Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC 27 NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. 22 Baxter Healthcare Corporation 22 Remedyrepack Inc. 16 Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd 13 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 12 Aurobindo Pharma Limited 12 RPK Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 11 Denton Pharma, Inc. DBA Northwind Pharmaceuticals 10 Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., Usa 10 Sandoz Inc 9 St. Mary's Medical Park Pharmacy 9 Greenstone LLC 9 Micro Labs Limited 9 Proficient Rx LP 9 Northstar Rx Llc 8 Direct Rx 8 Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 8 Zydus Lifesciences Limited 8 RedPharm Drug, Inc. 8 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. 8

…and 88 more on the FDA NDC directory.

Clindamycin drug class (RxNorm)

Clindamycin belongs to the Lincosamide Antibacterial class.

Pharmacologic class Lincosamide Antibacterial
Drug family (ATC) Antiinfectives for treatment of acne, Antibiotics, Lincosamides

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Clindamycin page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Sep 25, 2020
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Clindamycin.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Clindamycin after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
104
Finished products in the current FDA directory
612
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
112
Linked representative label ⓘ
Clinical Solutions Wholesale, LLC
Linked label effective
Sep 25, 2020
Composite sections available
19
Linked SPL Set ID
aed859b1-f886-4e14-b7eb-c948617c0188
Linked SPL Document ID
b025101a-bf75-578a-e053-2a95a90aa61a
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗
NDC package records associated with this linked SPL 1

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Clinical Solutions Wholesale, LLC is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →