Clindamycin Dosage: What You Need to Know

Clindamycin is an antibiotic many doctors prescribe for skin infections, dental problems, and certain bone infections. Getting the dose right matters – too little won’t clear the infection, too much can cause stomach upset or other issues. Below you’ll find the most common dosing schedules, tips for special situations, and what to watch for while you’re on the medicine.

Standard Adult Dosing

For most adult infections, doctors start with 150 mg to 300 mg taken every 6 hours. The total daily amount usually lands between 600 mg and 1,800 mg, depending on how severe the infection is. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Mild skin or tooth infection: 150 mg every 6 hours (600 mg/day).
• Moderate to severe infection: 300 mg every 6 hours (1,200 mg/day).
• Very serious bone or joint infection: up to 450 mg every 6 hours (1,800 mg/day).

Doctors may adjust the amount for people with liver problems, because clindamycin is processed mainly by the liver. If you have any liver disease, your doctor might lower the dose or check blood levels more often.

Pediatric and Special Cases

Kids get a dose based on weight, not just age. The usual rule is 8 mg to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight every 6 hours. For example, a 20‑kg child would take about 160 mg to 200 mg per dose, which adds up to 640 mg‑800 mg a day.

When a child is under 12 months, doctors often start at the lower end of the range and watch for side effects. Premature infants need even tighter monitoring because their liver and kidneys are still developing.

People with kidney disease usually don’t need a big change in dose because clindamycin isn’t cleared by the kidneys. However, severe kidney failure combined with liver problems may call for a dose cut.

If you’re taking clindamycin with other medicines that affect the liver (like certain anti‑seizure drugs), let your doctor know. Interactions can raise clindamycin levels and increase the risk of diarrhea or a serious condition called Clostridioides difficile infection.

Most adults and kids finish a 7‑ to 10‑day course, but some deep infections require 4‑6 weeks of therapy. Always finish the full prescription even if you feel better earlier – stopping early can let the bacteria survive and cause a relapse.

Common side effects include mild stomach pain, nausea, and a metallic taste. If you get watery diarrhea that’s watery or contains blood, stop the drug and call a doctor right away. That could be a sign of C. difficile, which needs fast treatment.

To reduce stomach upset, take clindamycin with a full glass of water and a meal or snack. If you’re on a liquid form, mix it well and drink it quickly; don’t let it sit in your mouth for long.

Remember, the best dose is the one your doctor prescribes based on your infection type, weight, and health status. Use this guide as a quick reference, but always follow your prescriber’s instructions.