Overview
Clindamycin, an antibiotic from the lincosamide class, is commonly prescribed by healthcare providers for treating bacterial infections, including streptococcus and staphylococcus. When taken as directed, usually three times a day, it effectively treats strep throat symptoms, slowing down or stopping the growth of bacteria. Dosages vary based on severity and patient age, with forms such as capsules, oral solutions, topical creams, and injectables available. Precautions, including considerations for allergies, bacterial sensitivity, liver and kidney function, and antibiotic resistance, are crucial.
Seeking timely consultation for strep throat symptoms, such as swollen tonsils and difficulty swallowing, is vital. Clindamycin is not an over-the-counter medication and should only be obtained after consultation. The treatment course typically lasts 10 days, with a follow-up consultation recommended. For those allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin, individual sensitivity assessments are necessary, and in pregnancy, Clindamycin is generally considered safe without significant risks to the fetus.
Can Clindamycin be used to treat strep throat?
Clindamycin is an antibiotic medication used to treat different bacterial infections of other classes, including streptococcus and staphylococcus.
Clindamycin, if taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider three times a day, can treat strep throat effectively.
says Dr Richard Honekar
Streptococcus is a type of bacteria that can not be treated with every class of antibiotics. Clindamycin belongs to the lincosamide antibiotics, which slow down or stop the growth of the bacteria. The National Institute of Health considers it safe and effective if taken as prescribed by your healthcare providers and shows compliance for the specified period.
How does Clindamycin work in treating strep throat?
Clindamycin belongs to the lincosamide class of antibiotics prescribed widely by healthcare providers for treating bacterial infections effectively if prescribed.
If taken as prescribed by your healthcare provider, Clindamycin works by slowing down the multiplication of bacteria in the body. It slows and works by completely stopping the growth of infecting bacteria, leading to the termination of bacterial infection,
says Dr Richard Honekar
Some of the mainly prescribed brands of Clindamycin include Cleocin, Clindacin ET, Clindacin Pac, Clinda-Derm, and Clindagel.
What are the different doses and dosage forms of Clindamycin?
The dosages for Clindamycin can vary depending on the specific situation. It’s essential to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions. Typically, dosages are given based on the infection’s severity and the patient’s age.
For adults:
The typical Clindamycin dose for severe infections may range from 150 to 300 mg every 6 hours.in more severe cases, the dose might be higher, up to 450 mg to 600 mg every 6 hours.
For children and adolescents :
The Clindamycin dose for severe infections in children is usually based on weight. It can range from 20 to 30mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours for 10 days.
300mg/dose is the maximum dose allowed for a day. Following your doctor’s guidelines for accurate and effective treatment is crucial. The dose can be increased in some severe instances, which healthcare can only determine.
It’s essential to show compliance and complete the prescribed course of antibiotics to avoid resistance development.
Dosage forms of Clindamycin
Clindamycin comes in different dosage forms:
- Capsules
- Oral solutions
- Topical creams
- Injectables
Different doses and dosage forms of Clindamycin can only be determined by your healthcare provider for the effective treatment of strep throat.
What are the precautions when prescribing Clindamycin for strep throat?
When prescribing Clindamycin to treat strep throat effectively, healthcare providers consider some important factors like allergies, bacterial sensitivity, liver or kidney functioning, gastrointestinal functioning, pregnancy, and other medication you are taking with Clindamycin.
In case of allergies or bacterial sensitivities, it’s a major concern to consider before prescribing Clindamycin to know whether it will work effectively or not. However, different lab tests can also be prescribed to check the sensitivity of Clindamycin to treat your infection.
Normal liver and kidney functioning is also an integral part to consider before prescribing for the effective absorption and distribution of drugs in the body.
Antibiotic resistance is also a major part of prescribing antibiotics due to the development of resistance in individuals. Resistance is developed in the body when the course of prescribed antibiotics is not completed, which gives the body’s immunity enough time to become powerful against certain medications.
How long does it take to get clindamycin for strep throat?
It doesn’t take long for you to take Clindamycin for strep throat from our convenient online services.
You can now get connected for the required consultation and get your Clindamycin prescription right away from our healthcare experts,
says Dr Richard Honekar
When should I see a doctor?
Strep throat brings a range of unpleasant symptoms, such as swollen tonsils, throat pain, and fever. In certain cases, symptoms can worsen, making it challenging even to swallow water. Seeking consultation during such times is crucial for effectively relieving these symptoms. Clindamycin is not an over-the-counter medication and can only be obtained after consultation with your doctor.
FAQs about Clindamycin for strep throat
Healthcare providers usually prescribe Clindamycin for 10 days, after which a follow-up consultation is required. It is usually observed that symptoms improve after 10 days of Clindamycin dose when strep throat is treated.
Allergy sensitivity can only be determined by your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Sharing your medication and medical condition history with your provider for personalized prescriptions is beneficial.
In some cases, people with clindamycin allergy can take Amoxicillin or penicillin. However, it depends on the medical condition’s nature, severity, and sensitivity.
According to the clinical trials and studies conducted, clindamycin can be taken and is safe to be used in pregnancy. “It is unlikely to observe any fetal anomalies or birth defects with clindamycin in pregnancy,” says Dr. Richard Honekar
