Generic Cleocin

Introduction

Cleocin is an antibiotic formulation used to treat a range of bacterial infections in adults. The medication contains the active compound clindamycin, a lincosamide antibiotic that interferes with bacterial protein synthesis. In the United Kingdom, Cleocin is prescribed for skin, respiratory, and dental infections, as well as certain anaerobic infections. The drug is marketed by PharmaChem Ltd (manufacturer information based on product packaging) and belongs to the antibiotic therapeutic group.

What is Cleocin?

Cleocin is a tablet and oral suspension that delivers clindamycin hydrochloride. It is classified as a lincosamide antibiotic. The molecule was first synthesised in the 196s and later developed for clinical use by the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi‑Aventis under the brand name Dalacin C.

Cleocin is the generic version of Dalacin C, containing the same active compound clindamycin. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option. Generic formulations are required to meet the same quality, safety, and efficacy standards as the original brand.

How Cleocin Works

Clindamycin binds to the 50 S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, blocking the translocation step of protein synthesis. By preventing the formation of peptide bonds, the drug halts bacterial growth (bacteriostatic) and, at higher concentrations, can kill susceptible organisms (bactericidal).

Because the drug targets a step that is absent in human cells, it exhibits selective toxicity toward bacteria. Oral absorption is rapid, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 1–2 hours. The half‑life in healthy adults is approximately 2.5 hours, and the drug is mainly eliminated unchanged in the bile and urine.

Conditions Treated with Cleocin

• Acute bacterial skin and skin‑structure infections (ABSSSI). Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are common pathogens; clindamycin’s activity against these organisms makes it an effective option.
• Anaerobic infections such as intra‑abdominal or pelvic infections where Bacteroides spp. predominate.
• Dental abscesses and periodontal disease when a patient is allergic to penicillins.
• Community‑acquired pneumonia caused by atypical or anaerobic bacteria, especially in patients with penicillin intolerance.
• Bone and joint infections (e.g., osteomyelitis) where clindamycin penetrates bone tissue effectively.

In the UK, skin infections account for roughly 3 % of all primary‑care antibiotic prescriptions, and clindamycin remains a guideline‑recommended alternative for patients with beta‑lactam allergy.

Who is Cleocin For?

• Adults (≥ 18 years) with confirmed or strongly suspected infections caused by clindamycin‑susceptible bacteria.
• Patients allergic to penicillin who need an alternative that covers gram‑positive cocci and anaerobes.
• Individuals with moderate hepatic impairment (dose adjustment may be required).

Contra‑indications include: known hypersensitivity to clindamycin or lincomycin, history of severe colitis, and use in patients with a documented Clostridioides difficile infection. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use Cleocin when the benefit outweighs potential risk, after professional assessment.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Gastro‑intestinal upset: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, mild diarrhoea.
• Skin reactions: pruritus, mild rash.
• Taste disturbance: metallic or bitter taste.

These events usually resolve after treatment completion or with supportive care (e.g., hydration, antacids).

Rare

• Mucositis (inflammation of the oral mucosa).
• Hepatic enzyme elevation (ALT/AST).
• Peripheral neuropathy (rare, dose‑related).

Routine liver‑function monitoring is advisable in prolonged therapy.

Serious

• Clostridioides difficile‑associated colitis. This can present with watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, and fever; it may progress to life‑threatening pseudomembranous colitis. Immediate medical attention is required.
• Anaphylaxis (rare). Signs include airway swelling, hypotension, and urticaria.
• Severe hepatic dysfunction (rare, especially with pre‑existing liver disease).

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin: May increase clindamycin plasma levels due to CYP3A4 competition.
• Neuromuscular blocking agents: Clindamycin can potentiate their effect, leading to prolonged muscle weakness.
• Rifampicin: Induces hepatic enzymes and may reduce clindamycin concentrations, possibly compromising efficacy.

Patients should provide a full medication list, including over‑the‑counter supplements, to the prescribing clinician.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dose (oral tablets): 150 mg every 6 hours or 300 mg every 8 hours, depending on infection severity. Typical courses last 7–10 days.
• Oral suspension (liquid): 150 mg/5 mL; dosing follows the same interval schedule, measured with a calibrated device.
• Missed dose: Take the missed tablet as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours; in that case, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include gastrointestinal distress, nausea, and vomiting. Seek immediate medical advice; supportive care (activated charcoal, fluid replacement) is the mainstay.
• Food & alcohol: Food does not significantly affect absorption, but taking the medication with food can reduce nausea. Alcohol does not interact directly but excessive intake may aggravate gastrointestinal side effects.
• Renal impairment: No dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate renal dysfunction, but severe impairment warrants clinical judgement.

Buying Cleocin from Our Online Pharmacy

Cleocin is available for purchase from our online pharmacy in the UK. Our service offers:

• Affordable pricing – generic clindamycin is supplied at near‑manufacturer cost, providing significant savings compared with brand‑name options.
• Verified quality – all products are sourced from licensed, GMP‑certified suppliers; each batch undergoes independent verification.
• Guaranteed delivery – discreet, reliable shipping with standard delivery within 7 days (express) or approximately 3 weeks for regular airmail to remote regions.
• International access – as a pharmacy‑broker service, we cooperate with overseas licensed pharmacies, enabling patients to obtain medications not readily stocked in local dispensing pharmacies while maintaining strict privacy standards.

Our platform respects patient confidentiality and offers a secure, user‑friendly ordering experience for adults seeking a reputable source of generic clindamycin.

FAQ

• Is Cleocin available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The original brand, Dalacin C, is marketed alongside generic clindamycin formulations such as Cleocin. Both contain the identical active ingredient and meet the same regulatory standards.

• Does Cleocin require refrigeration?
  No. Cleocin tablets and oral suspension should be stored at room temperature (15–30 °C). The suspension must be protected from light and shaken well before each use, but it does not need to be refrigerated.

• What does the tablet imprint look like?
  Cleocin tablets are typically round, 150 mg strength, with a white coating and a debossed imprint of “C150”. Appearance may vary slightly between manufacturers, but the imprint and packet labeling confirm authenticity.

• Can Cleocin be taken with oral contraceptives?
  Clindamycin does not affect the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. No dosage adjustment of the contraceptive method is required when using Cleocin.

• Are there any known differences in formulation between EU and US versions of clindamycin?
  The active ingredient is identical, but excipients such as filler or pigment may differ to meet regional pharmacopeial specifications. These differences rarely affect clinical performance but can be relevant for patients with specific excipient allergies.

• What is the historical significance of clindamycin in antibiotic development?
  Discovered in the early 196s, clindamycin was derived from the natural product lincomycin and chemically modified to improve oral bioavailability and activity against Gram‑positive bacteria. It became a cornerstone for treating anaerobic infections before the rise of widespread resistance.

• How does the risk of C. difficile colitis with Cleocin compare to other antibiotics?
  Clindamycin has a relatively higher association with C. difficile infection compared with many other agents, largely due to its broad anaerobic coverage. Clinicians weigh this risk against therapeutic benefits, especially in patients with prior colitis history.

• Is there a pediatric formulation of clindamycin, and can adults use it?
  Pediatric preparations (e.g., 75 mg/5 mL oral suspension) exist, but adult dosing follows higher strength tablets or concentrated suspension. Using pediatric formulations in adults is possible only under professional guidance to ensure appropriate dosing.

• Can Cleocin be safely imported for personal use in the UK?
  Personal import of a 3‑month supply of prescription‑only medicines is permitted under UK law, provided the medication is for personal use, sourced from a licensed overseas pharmacy, and not for resale. Importers must retain the original packaging and documentation.

• Does Cleocin interfere with routine blood tests?
  Clindamycin does not typically affect standard laboratory parameters. However, rare hepatic enzyme elevations may be observed; clinicians may repeat liver function tests if therapy exceeds two weeks.

• What is the recommended shelf‑life after opening the oral suspension?
  The opened suspension remains stable for up to 14 days when stored at room temperature and kept tightly capped. Discard any remaining product after this period to avoid potency loss.

Glossary

Lincosamide

A class of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50 S ribosomal subunit; clindamycin is a member of this class.

Bacteriostatic

An action that stops bacterial growth without necessarily killing the organisms; the immune system then clears the infection.

Clostridioides difficile‑associated colitis

An inflammation of the colon caused by overgrowth of C. difficile bacteria, often precipitated by broad‑spectrum antibiotics that disrupt normal gut flora.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Cleocin is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Cleocin for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.