Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg Capsule, 100-count — NDC 68462-143-01 (Billing 68462-0143-01)
This is a package of 100 capsules of Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg Capsule from GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS INC., USA, marketed since Mar 2023 and currently FDA-listed; retail pharmacies pay about $0.1028 per capsule (NADAC). It is the main listing for this product, which comes in 2 package sizes.
Identity & classification
Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package
Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification
- GSN (GCN sequence number): 009339
- GCN: 40830
- GPI-14 (Medi-Span): 16220020100110
- HICL (First Databank): 004044
- AHFS class code: 08:12.28.20
- RxCUI (RxNorm): 197518
Where does this data come from?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- RxNorm (NLM RxNav) · catalog refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- Medi-Span GPI (licensed)
- First Databank (licensed) · refreshed Oct 1, 2026
RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Lincosamide Antibacterial class.
Where does this data come from?
- RxClass (NLM) · catalog refreshed Oct 1, 2026
Clinical
Clindamycin is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections. Clindamycin is in a class of medications called lincomycin antibiotics. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics such as clindamycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- 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 use...
- 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 a...
- 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...
- What side effects are normal, and when should I call you?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Clindamycin may be associated with lower levels of 7 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
Where does this data come from?
- MedlinePlus (NLM) · refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.103 | $10.28 / 100 capsules |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.2433 | $24.33 / 100 capsules |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.1397 | $13.97 / 100 capsules |
Where does this data come from?
- CMS NADAC weekly file · file of Sep 30, 2026
- CMS ASP pricing files · refreshed Sep 20, 2026
- CMS Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data · through Q1 2026
- CMS Part D plan pricing files · refreshed Sep 24, 2026
- VA National Acquisition Center price file
Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Marketing end | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68462-0143-01 You're viewing this Main listing | 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE | $0.1028 / ea | $10.28 | 2023-03-10 | — | Active |
| 68462-0143-05 68462-143-05 | 500 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE | $0.1028 / ea | $51.40 | 2023-03-10 | — | Active |
You're viewing the smallest of 2 pack sizes for this product.
This pack has the lowest per-ea cost of the 2 priced pack sizes ($0.1028 NADAC).
In Medicaid, this is the most-dispensed pack of this product — about 57% of fills over the last four reported quarters. See all packs ↓
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in this package?
How does this package differ from NDC 68462-0143-05?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg Capsule?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 00904-5959-61 | Major | 100 capsules | $0.103 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 42571-0251-01 | Micro | 100 capsules | $0.103 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 59762-3328-01 | Mylan | 100 capsules | $0.103 | AB | Discontinued | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 62135-0765-01 | Chartwell | 100 capsules | $0.103 | — | Availability likely | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 63304-0692-01 | Sun | 100 capsules | $0.103 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 65862-0185-01 | Aurobindo | 100 capsules | $0.103 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 68084-0243-01 | American | 100 capsules | $0.103 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mgthis 68462-0143-01 | GLENMARK | 100 capsules | $0.103 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Cleocin Hydrochloride 150 mg 00009-0225-02 | Pharmacia | 100 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 50090-0443-00 | A-S | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 50090-1985-00 | A-S | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 50090-4661-00 | A-S | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 50090-7007-00 | A-S | 100 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 50090-7374-00 | A-S | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 51407-0373-01 | Golden | 100 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 51655-0710-52 | Northwind | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 51655-0964-52 | Northwind | 30 capsules | — | AB | Discontinued | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 55154-7276-00 | Cardinal | 10 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 60760-0487-28 | St. | 28 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 60760-0828-28 | ST. | 28 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 63187-0247-20 | Proficient | 20 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 68071-2286-04 | NuCare | 4 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 68071-2372-01 | NuCare | 100 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 68071-3582-01 | NuCare | 21 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 68071-3657-01 | NuCare | 100 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 68071-3681-04 | NuCare | 4 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 68071-3939-06 | NuCare | 6 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 68071-4335-00 | NuCare | 4 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 68071-5189-01 | NuCare | 21 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 68788-8558-00 | Preferred | 12 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 70518-4353-00 | REMEDYREPACK | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 70518-4583-00 | REMEDYREPACK | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 71335-0200-00 | Bryant | 40 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 71335-1489-00 | Bryant | 40 capsules | — | AB | Discontinued | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 71335-2623-00 | Bryant | 40 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 72789-0180-04 | PD-Rx | 4 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 73614-0204-03 | Brisk | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin Hydrochloride 150 mg 76420-0616-01 | Asclemed | 100 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 87441-0005-01 | Unit | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg 85534-0087-00 | HAWAII | 8 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- FDA Orange Book · refreshed Sep 3, 2026
- CMS NADAC weekly file · file of Sep 30, 2026
Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
- FDA Orange Book · refreshed Sep 3, 2026
What it looks like
Where does this data come from?
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII H3R47K3TBD
FD&C Blue No. 1 is a synthetic blue dye approved for use in foods and medicines. It serves as a colorant to give the medication its distinctive appearance and help with product identification.
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UNII EX438O2MRT
Ferric oxide yellow is a naturally occurring iron compound used as a colorant in medications. It gives tablets, capsules, and other forms a yellow or golden hue for identification and appearance.
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UNII XM0M87F357
A dark iron oxide compound that gives medicines their black or dark color. It's used as a colorant in tablets and capsules to help identify the product and make it visually distinctive.
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UNII 2G86QN327L
Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, commonly used in medicines as a gelling agent and capsule material. It helps create soft or hard capsule shells that hold and release medication, and can also thicken liquid formulations.
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UNII EWQ57Q8I5X
Lactose monohydrate is a natural sugar derived from milk. It serves as a filler and binder in tablets and capsules, helping create the proper size, texture, and consistency of the medicine.
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UNII 70097M6I30
Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
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UNII WZH3C48M4T
Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline chemical used in medicines to adjust and maintain the pH level of liquid formulations, helping keep the product stable and the active ingredients effective.
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UNII 6DC9Q167V3
Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
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UNII 46N107B71O
Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac beetle. It's used as a coating on tablets and capsules to control how quickly the medicine dissolves and to improve appearance and stability.
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UNII ETJ7Z6XBU4
Silicon dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral used as a glidant and anti-caking agent. It helps powder ingredients flow smoothly and prevents clumping during manufacturing and storage.
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UNII O8232NY3SJ
A plant-based carbohydrate derived from corn kernels. It acts as a filler to add bulk, a binder to hold ingredients together, and a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in your stomach for absorption.
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UNII 7SEV7J4R1U
A powder made from a naturally occurring mineral. In medicines, talc works as a glidant and anti-caking agent, helping tablets and capsules flow smoothly during manufacturing and preventing clumping.
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UNII 15FIX9V2JP
Titanium dioxide is a bright white mineral powder commonly used as a colorant and opacifying agent. It makes pills and tablets white or lighter in color and helps make coatings non-transparent.
13 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- Drugs@FDA
Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🚨 Boxed Warning ▾
WARNING Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including clindamycin hydrochloride and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon, leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. Because clindamycin hydrochloride therapy has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally, it should be reserved for serious infections where less toxic antimicrobial agents are inappropriate, as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section.
It should not be used in patients with nonbacterial infections such as most upper respiratory tract infections. C. difficile produces toxins A and B, which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy.
CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C . difficile may need to be discontinued.
Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial drug treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clindamycin is indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria. Clindamycin is 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 and other antibacterial drugs, clindamycin hydrochloride 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.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
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. In cases of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections, treatment should continue for at least 10 days.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin.
⚠️ Warnings ▾
WARNINGS See BOXED WARNING Clostridioides difficile- Associated Diarrhea Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including clindamycin hydrochloride, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon, leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B, which contribute to the development of CDAD.
Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial drug treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated. Anaphylactic and Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions Anaphylactic shock and anaphylactic reactions have been reported (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ).
Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including severe skin reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). In case of such an anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reaction, discontinue treatment permanently and institute appropriate therapy. A careful inquiry should be made concerning previous sensitivities to drugs and other allergens.
Nephrotoxicity Clindamycin is potentially nephrotoxic and cases with acute kidney injury have been reported. Consider monitoring of renal function particularly in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction or those taking concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. In case of acute kidney injury, discontinue clindamycin hydrochloride when no other etiology is identified.
Usage in Meningitis – Since clindamycin does not diffuse adequately into the cerebrospinal fluid, the drug should not be used in the treatment of meningitis.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following reactions have been reported with the use of clindamycin. Infections and Infestations: Clostridioides difficile colitis Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, pseudomembranous colitis, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (see BOXED WARNING ). The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment (see WARNINGS ).
Esophagitis and esophageal ulcer have been reported, particularly when taken in a lying position or with a small amount of water. An unpleasant or metallic taste has been reported after oral administration. Hypersensitivity Reactions: Generalized mild to moderate morbilliform-like (maculopapular) skin rashes are the most frequently reported adverse reactions.
Vesiculobullous rashes, as well as urticaria, have been observed during drug therapy. Severe skin reactions such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see WARNINGS ). Cases of Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP), erythema multiforme, some resembling Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anaphylactic shock, anaphylactic reaction, cutaneous vasculitis, symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema and hypersensitivity have also been reported.
Skin and Mucous Membranes: Pruritus, vaginitis, angioedema and rare instances of exfoliative dermatitis have been reported (see Hypersensitivity Reactions ). Liver: Jaundice and abnormalities in liver function tests have been observed during clindamycin therapy. Renal: Acute kidney injury (see WARNINGS ).
Hematopoietic: Transient neutropenia (leukopenia) and eosinophilia have been reported. Reports of agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been made. No direct etiologic relationship to concurrent clindamycin therapy could be made in any of the foregoing.
Immune System: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) cases have been reported. Musculoskeletal: Cases of polyarthritis have been reported. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA at 1 (888) 721-7115 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
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.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
Pregnancy: Teratogenic effects In clinical trials with pregnant women, the systemic administration of clindamycin during the second and third trimesters, has not been associated with an increased frequency of congenital abnormalities. Clindamycin should be used during the first trimester of pregnancy only if clearly needed. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of the human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Reproduction studies performed in rats and mice using oral doses of clindamycin up to 600 mg/kg/day (3.2 and 1.6 times the highest recommended adult human dose based on mg/m 2 , respectively) or subcutaneous doses of clindamycin up to 250 mg/kg/day (1.3 and 0.7 times the highest recommended adult human dose based on mg/m 2 , respectively) revealed no evidence of teratogenicity.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
Pediatric Use When clindamycin hydrochloride is administered to the pediatric population (birth to 16 years), appropriate monitoring of organ system functions is desirable.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
Geriatric Use Clinical studies of clindamycin did not include sufficient numbers of patients age 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. However, other reported clinical experience indicates that antibacterial drug-associated colitis and diarrhea (due to Clostridioides difficile ) seen in association with most antibacterial drugs occur more frequently in the elderly (>60 years) and may be more severe. These patients should be carefully monitored for the development of diarrhea.
Pharmacokinetic studies with clindamycin have shown no clinically important differences between young and elderly subjects with normal hepatic function and normal (age-adjusted) renal function after oral or intravenous administration.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE Significant mortality was observed in mice at an intravenous dose of 855 mg/kg and in rats at an oral or subcutaneous dose of approximately 2618 mg/kg. In the mice, convulsions and depression were observed. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are not effective in removing clindamycin from the serum.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Human Pharmacology Absorption Pharmacokinetic studies with a 150 mg oral dose of clindamycin hydrochloride in 24 normal adult volunteers showed that clindamycin was rapidly absorbed after oral administration. An average peak serum concentration of 2.50 mcg/mL was reached in 45 minutes; serum concentrations averaged 1.51 mcg/mL at 3 hours and 0.70 mcg/mL at 6 hours. Absorption of an oral dose is virtually complete (90%), and the concomitant administration of food does not appreciably modify the serum concentrations; serum concentrations have been uniform and predictable from person to person and dose to dose.
Pharmacokinetic studies following multiple doses of clindamycin hydrochloride for up to 14 days show no evidence of accumulation or altered metabolism of drug. Doses of up to 2 grams of clindamycin per day for 14 days have been well tolerated by healthy volunteers, except that the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects is greater with the higher doses. Distribution Concentrations of clindamycin in the serum increased linearly with increased dose.
Serum concentrations exceed the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) for most indicated organisms for at least six hours following administration of the usually recommended doses. Clindamycin is widely distributed in body fluids and tissues (including bones). No significant concentrations of clindamycin are attained in the cerebrospinal fluid, even in the presence of inflamed meninges.
Metabolism In vitro studies in human liver and intestinal microsomes indicated that clindamycin is predominantly metabolized by Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), with minor contribution from CYP3A5, to form clindamycin sulfoxide and a minor metabolite, N- desmethylclindamycin. Excretion The average biological half-life is 2.4 hours. Approximately 10% of the bioactivity is excreted in the urine and 3.6% in the feces; the remainder is excreted as bioinactive metabolites.
Specific Populations Patients with Renal/Hepatic Impairment The elimination half-life of clindamycin is increased slightly in patients with markedly reduced renal or hepatic function. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are not effective in removing clindamycin from the serum. Dosage schedules do not need to be modified in patients with renal disease.
Geriatric Patients Pharmacokinetic studies in elderly volunteers (61 to 79 years) and younger adults (18 to 39 years) indicate that age alone does not alter clindamycin pharmacokinetics (clearance, elimination half-life, volume of distribution, and area under the serum concentration-time curve) after IV administration of clindamycin phosphate. After oral administration of clindamycin hydrochloride, the average elimination half-life is increased to approximately 4 hours (range 3.4 to 5.1 h) in the elderly compared to 3.2 hours (range 2.1 to 4.2 h) in younger adults.
The extent of absorption, however, is not different between age groups and no dosage alteration is necessary for the elderly with normal hepatic function and normal (age-adjusted) renal function 1 . Obese Pediatric Patients Aged 2 to Less than 18 Years and Obese Adults Aged 18 to 20 Years An analysis of pharmacokinetic data in obese pediatric patients aged 2 to less than 18 years and obese adults aged 18 to 20 years demonstrated that clindamycin clearance and volume of distribution, normalized by total body weight, are comparable regardless of obesity.
Microbiology Mechanism of Action Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 23S RNA of the 50S subunit of the ribosome. Clindamycin is bacteriostatic. Resistance Resistance to clindamycin is most often caused by modification of specific bases of the 23S ribosomal RNA.
Cross-resistance between clindamycin and lincomycin is complete. Because the binding sites for these antibacterial drugs overlap, cross-resistance is sometimes observed among lincosamides, macrolides and streptogramin B. Macrolide-inducible resistance to clindamycin… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Clindamycin Hydrochloride Capsules, USP are available in the following strengths, colors and sizes: Clindamycin Hydrochloride Capsules, USP 75 mg are size ‘3’ hard gelatin capsules with a light green opaque cap and a light opaque green body, imprinted with “G” on the cap and “142” on the body with black ink and filled with white to off-white powder. They are supplied as follows: Bottles of 100 Capsules, NDC 68462-142-01 Clindamycin Hydrochloride Capsules, USP 150 mg are size ‘1’ hard gelatin capsules with a light blue opaque cap and a light green opaque body, imprinted with “G” on the cap and “143” on the body with black ink and filled with white to off-white powder.
They are supplied as follows: Bottles of 100 Capsules, NDC 68462-143-01 Bottles of 500 Capsules, NDC 68462-143-05 Clindamycin Hydrochloride Capsules, USP 300 mg are size ‘0’ hard gelatin capsules with a light blue opaque cap and a light blue opaque body, imprinted with “G” on the cap and “144” on the body with black ink and filled with white to off-white powder. They are supplied as follows: Bottles of 100 Capsules, NDC 68462-144-01 Carton of 60 (3 x 20) Unit-dose blisters, NDC 68462-144-81 Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Bottles: Preserve in tight containers. Rx only
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Clindamycin hydrochloride, USP is the hydrated hydrochloride salt of clindamycin. Clindamycin is a semisynthetic antibacterial drug produced by a 7(S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent compound lincomycin. Clindamycin Hydrochloride Capsules, USP contain clindamycin hydrochloride, USP equivalent to 75 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg of clindamycin.
Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and talc. The capsule shells contain FD&C blue no. 1, gelatin, iron oxide yellow (75 mg and 150 mg only) and titanium dioxide.
The black imprinting ink contains black iron oxide, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol and shellac. The structural formula is represented below: The chemical name for clindamycin hydrochloride is Methyl 7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6- (1-methyl- trans -4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L- threo -α-D- galacto -octopyranoside monohydrochloride. FDA approved dissolution test specifications differ from USP. structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
Information for Patients Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When clindamycin hydrochloride capsules are prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed.
Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by clindamycin hydrochloride capsules or other antibacterial drugs in the future. Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs which usually ends when the antibacterial drug is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibacterial drugs, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibacterial drug.
If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible. Advise patients that due to the risk of esophagitis and esophageal ulcer, it is important to adhere to the administration guidance for clindamycin hydrochloride capsules (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).
⚠️ Precautions ▾
PRECAUTIONS General Review of experience to date suggests that a subgroup of older patients with associated severe illness may tolerate diarrhea less well. When clindamycin is indicated in these patients, they should be carefully monitored for change in bowel frequency. Clindamycin hydrochloride should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
Clindamycin hydrochloride should be prescribed with caution in atopic individuals. Indicated surgical procedures should be performed in conjunction with antibacterial drug therapy. The use of clindamycin hydrochloride occasionally results in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms—particularly yeasts.
Should superinfections occur, appropriate measures should be taken as indicated by the clinical situation. Clindamycin dosage modification is not necessary in patients with renal disease. In patients with moderate to severe liver disease, prolongation of clindamycin half-life has been found.
However, it was postulated from studies that when given every eight hours, accumulation should rarely occur. Therefore, dosage modification in patients with liver disease may not be necessary. However, periodic liver enzyme determinations should be made when treating patients with severe liver disease.
The 75 mg and 150 mg capsules contain FD&C yellow no. 5 (tartrazine), which may cause allergic-type reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible individuals. Although the overall incidence of FD&C yellow no.
5 (tartrazine) sensitivity in the general population is low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity. Prescribing clindamycin hydrochloride in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Due to the risk of esophagitis and esophageal ulcer, it is important to ensure adherence with administration guidance (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).
Information for Patients Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When clindamycin hydrochloride capsules are prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed.
Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by clindamycin hydrochloride capsules or other antibacterial drugs in the future. Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs which usually ends when the antibacterial drug is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibacterial drugs, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibacterial drug.
If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible. Advise patients that due to the risk of esophagitis and esophageal ulcer, it is important to adhere to the administration guidance for clindamycin hydrochloride capsules (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Laboratory Tests During prolonged therapy, periodic liver and kidney function tests and blood counts should be performed.
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 metab… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
🍼 Nursing Mothers ▾
Nursing Mothers Limited published data based on breast milk sampling reports that clindamycin appears in human breast milk in the range of less than 0.5 to 3.8 mcg/mL. Clindamycin has the potential to cause adverse effects on the breastfed infant's gastrointestinal flora. If oral or intravenous clindamycin is required by a nursing mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding, but an alternate drug may be preferred.
Monitor the breastfed infant for possible adverse effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash) or rarely, blood in the stool indicating possible antibacterial drug-associated colitis. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for clindamycin and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from clindamycin or from the underlying maternal condition.
📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility ▾
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long-term studies in animals have not been performed with clindamycin to evaluate carcinogenic potential. Genotoxicity tests performed included a rat micronucleus test and an Ames Salmonella reversion test. Both tests were negative.
Fertility studies in rats treated orally with up to 300 mg/kg/day (approximately 1.6 times the highest recommended adult human dose based on mg/m 2 ) revealed no effects on fertility or mating ability.
📚 References ▾
REFERENCES 1. Smith RB, Phillips JP: Evaluation of CLEOCIN HCl and CLEOCIN Phosphate in an Aged Population. Upjohn TR 8147-82-9122-021, December 1982. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Distributed by: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 Questions? 1 (888) 721-7115 www.glenmarkpharma-us.com March 2026 logo
📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel ▾
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL label75mg100s
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL label150mg100s
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL label300mg100s