What is Clindamycin?
Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic first made in 1966 from lincomycin and can be found on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. It is the active ingredient that makes up the brand-name medication Cleocin T Gel. When in the form of Cleocin T Gel, Clindamycin is used as its salt form, known as Clindamycin Phosphate; however, many just refer to it as Clindamycin to avoid confusion. Cleocin T Gel is a topical medication, applied to the skin only, and contains 1% Clindamycin. It can be purchased here at My Drug Center by those with a valid prescription.
What is Clindamycin gel used for?
Clindamycin gel, also known as Cleocin T Gel, is used mainly for the treatment of acne but is also prescribed to treat acne rosacea. Clindamycin is an antibiotic, which are drugs effective against bacteria; acne is commonly a result of bacteria. Human skin has pores connected to oil glands located under the skin by follicles, which are small sacs that produce and secrete liquid. Sebum, an oily liquid produced by the glands, carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin through the follicles. Small hairs then grow through the follicle and out of the skin. Acne occurs when these follicles get blocked and oil gets trapped under the skin, creating a buildup. From there, skin cells, sebum, and hair can clump together, forming a plug. This plug then gets infected with bacteria and subsequent swelling (inflammation). Rosacea has a similar appearance to acne; small, red, pus-filled bumps. These may flare up for weeks to months along with redness and visible blood vessels on the face, usually the cheeks and nose.
What does Clindamycin Phosphate do?
Depending on a few factors, the medication can either stop the growth of the bacteria or completely kill it. Clindamycin does this by inhibiting the bacterial protein synthesis which prevents them from producing the protein needed for cell growth. This subsequently prevents further growth of the bacteria and in some cases, kills it. This helps decrease the number of acne lesions on the face and may help with redness and swelling.
How long does it take for Clindamycin to work?
Clindamycin may take a different amount of time for each patient due to many personal factors, such as the severity of your condition. Clindamycin will begin to work right away but it may take some time before improvement is seen. It could take 2-6 weeks (14- 46 days or; 0.5-1.5 months) before you notice an improvement and may take up to 12 weeks (84 days or; 2.8 months) for the full clinical benefit. If after a few weeks you do not feel there has been any improvement, you may want to speak with your doctor.
How to use Clindamycin Phosphate gel?
Apply only a thin layer of gel to the affected area, twice daily; ensure you wash your hands after application. However, if your doctor has directed you to apply the gel differently, follow only your doctor’s directions. Do not use more or less gel than recommended or for longer or shorter than prescribed. Speak with your doctor before starting treatment if you feel unsure about how to use the medication.