MateriaDenticaAustralian dental drug reference
evidence-first, chairside
Prototype — provisional, not yet AU-reconciled. An educational reference for dental professionals; cited but not independently verified against Therapeutic Guidelines / AMH / PBS. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or the current authoritative sources.
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Clindamycin

Other antibiotics and anti-infectives (lincosamide) · ATC J01FF01

Brands (AU): APO-Clindamycin, CLINDAMYCIN-WGR, Calindamin, Cleocin HCI, Clindamycin LU, Clindamyk, Dalacin C

Also known as: . (Cleocin, Alti-Clindamycin, Cleocin, Cleocin HCl, Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin Phosphate, Cleocin T, Cleocin Vaginal Ovule

Dentist-prescribable
PBSavailable in Australia · 1 item

Item code, max quantity & repeats below. Open the prescriber to generate a printable script — you write the directions.

clindamycin 150 mg capsule, 24
PBS 5057EMax qty 24Repeats 0Pack 24Dalacin C
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Australian practice — Therapeutic GuidelinesPublished September 2025 (Amended June 2026)

AU-authoritative guidance for dental use, from Therapeutic Guidelines: Oral and Dental (accessed 2026-06-24, licensed). This leads the record; the reference sections below are US/UK-sourced and superseded for AU practice where they differ.

Severe penicillin-allergy alternative — spreading odontogenic infection

For a spreading odontogenic infection in a patient with a severe (immediate or delayed) hypersensitivity to penicillin: clindamycin 300 mg orally, 8-hourly for 5 days (child: 10 mg/kg up to 300 mg). An adjunct to drainage and a dental procedure.

Therapeutic Guidelines: Oral and DentalAcute odontogenic infections → Spreading odontogenic infections without severe local or systemic features. Published Sept 2025 (amended June 2026).

Clostridioides difficile caution

Clindamycin, even short-term, is associated with increased risk of C. difficile diarrhoea. Advise patients that if diarrhoea occurs they should stop the clindamycin and alert their dentist and GP.

Therapeutic Guidelines: Oral and DentalAcute odontogenic infections → Spreading odontogenic infections without severe local or systemic features. Published Sept 2025 (amended June 2026).
MIMS Drugs4dent — dental drug informationUpdated 30 Mar 2026

Dental-specific drug data from MIMS Drugs4dent® (MIMS Australia × University of Melbourne). View the full MIMS entry ↗

Drug class
Other antibiotics and anti-infectives (lincosamide)
Indications
systemic bacterial infection
Dental procedural considerations
No known dental procedural considerations
Suggested adult dental dose — Adult (infection)Oral
Clindamycin 150mg capsules, take 2 capsules three times a day (every 8 hours) for 3 to 5 days, supply 30
MIMS Drugs4dent® Dosing Calculations (adult). Paediatric (by weight): paediatric dosing calculator · other scenarios in the D4D calculator ↗.
Safety flags
Contraindications

lincomycin hypersensitivity.

Precautions

not for nonbacterial infection / meningitis; renal impairment; very severe renal/hepatic disease with metabolic aberration (monitor serum clindamycin if high dose); GI disease history (esp colitis); atopy; prolonged use (monitor LFTs, renal, FBC); elderly >60 yrs / debility — monitor for bowel-frequency change (the C. difficile colitis watch — matches TG); pregnancy; lactation (not recommended); children (caps not recommended).

Drug & allergy interactions — 50 total (severe shown)

SEVERE (6): Erythromycin (+ all salts — macrolide–lincosamide antagonism, do not co-prescribe); Warfarin (Good — bleeding). MODERATE (42):

  • Neuromuscular blockers — atracurium, cisatracurium, mivacurium, pancuronium, rocuronium, suxamethonium, vecuronium, tubocurarine, gallamine, pipecuronium, alcuronium (clindamycin potentiates neuromuscular blockade — relevant for patients having general anaesthesia).
  • Aminoglycosides — amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, netilmicin, paromomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, framycetin (additive neuromuscular/nephro effects).
  • Botulinum toxins (all types — enhanced neuromuscular blockade); ciclosporin; faecal microbiota; Salmonella typhi vaccine. MINOR (2): kaolin (↓ absorption).

(Full 50-row table in MIMS; link out for exhaustive detail.)

Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Safe to use.
Lactation
Compatible with breastfeeding but may cause diarrhoea and/or oral thrush in breastfed infant.
Teoh, L., Moses, G., & McCullough, M. (2024). Handbook of Dental Therapeutics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
MIMS Drugs4dent® — APO-Clindamycin 150 mg Capsules (ProductDetails/605). Updated 30 Mar 2026. Accessed 2026-06-24 (licensed).
Australian Product Information (TGA)Revised 6 March 2026

Official AU regulatory prescribing information from the TGA (CLINDAMYCIN LU). General — not dental-specific; the guidance above takes precedence for dental decisions. View the official PI on TGA ↗

AU Pregnancy Category API §4.6
DosingPI §4.2

Adults 150 mg every six hours 300 mg every six hours - more serious infections 450 mg every six hours - severe infections Absorption of clindamycin hydrochloride is not appreciably modified by ingestion of food, and CLINDAMYCIN LU may be taken with meals with no significant reduction of the serum level. To avoid the possibility of oesophageal irritation, clindamycin hydrochloride capsules should be taken with a full glass of water and at least 30 minutes before lying down. In the treatment of anaerobic infections (see Section 4.1 Therapeutic Indications), clindamycin phosphate injection should be used initially. This may be followed by oral therapy with clindamycin hydrochloride capsules at the discretion of the physician. In cases of beta- haemolytic streptococcal infections, treatment should continue for at least 10 days. Children For formulation reasons, CLINDAMYCIN LU capsules are not recommended in newborns, infants and

ContraindicationsPI §4.3

Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin, lincomycin or any of the ingredients as listed under Section 6.1 List of

Precautions & warningsPI §4.4

Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including severe skin reactions such as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and Kounis syndrome have been reported in patients receiving clindamycin therapy. lf a hypersensitivity or severe skin reaction occurs, clindamycin should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be initiated (see Section 4.3 - Contraindications and Section 4.8 - Adverse effects (undesirable effects)). The usual agents (adrenaline, corticosteroids, antihistamines, colloid infusion) should be available for emergency treatment of serious reactions. The use of clindamycin hydrochloride capsules can lead to the development of severe colitis. Fatalities have been reported. Most of these patients have been found to be colonised with Clostridiosis difficile. Therefore, the drug should be reserved for serious infections where …

InteractionsPI §4.5

Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, clindamycin hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents. Antagonism has been demonstrated between clindamycin and erythromycin in vitro. Because of possible clinical significance, these two drugs should not be administered concurrently. Clindamycin may be less effective in the presence of strong CYP3A4 inducers such

Adverse effectsPI §4.8

The adverse effects listed in the table below are presented by system organ class. Within each frequency category, the adverse effects are presented in the order of frequency and then of clinical importance. System Organ Class Common (≥1/100 to <1/10) Uncommon (≥1/1000 to <1/100) Rare (≥1/10000 to <1/1000) Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from available data) Infections and infestations Pseudomembranous colitis C. difficile colitis* Vaginal infection* Blood and lymphatic system disorders Eosinophilia Agranulocytosis* Neutropenia* Thrombocytopenia* Leucopenia* Immune system disorders Anaphylactic shock* Anaphylactoid reactions* Anaphylactic reaction* Kounis syndrome* Hypersensitivity* Nervous system disorders Dysgeusia Gastrointestinal disorders Diarrhoea, Abdominal pain Nausea Vomiting Oesophagitis# * Oesphageal ulcer# * Hepatobiliary disorders Jaundice* Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Rash maculo- papular Urticaria Erythema multiforme Pruritus Toxic epidermal …

OverdosePI §4.9

Overdosage with orally administered clindamycin has been rare. Adverse reactions similar to those seen with normal doses can be expected, however, unexpected reactions could occur (see Section 4.8 Adverse effects (undesirable effects)). The minimal toxic or lethal dose is not well established. At therapeutic doses, the primary toxic effects may involve the gastrointestinal tract and may include severe diarrhoea and pseudomembranous colitis that may result in death. Dermatitis, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and various haematological abnormalities are toxic effects that occur less frequently. Rapid administration of large doses intravenously has resulted in ventricular dysrhythmias, hypotension and cardiac arrest. Recommended treatment No specific antidote is known. Support respiratory and cardiac function. In cases of overdose, drug levels of clindamycin are not clinically useful. However, monitoring serum concentrations in patients with markedly reduced renal and hepatic function …

Pregnancy & lactationPI §4.6

Effects on Fertility Fertility was not impaired in rats given 300mg/kg/day in the diet. Use in Pregnancy: Category A Clindamycin crosses the placenta in humans. After multiple doses, amniotic fluid concentrations were approximately 30% of maternal concentrations. Clindamycin hydrochloride should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed. Use in Lactation Clindamycin hydrochloride has been reported to appear in breast milk in ranges of < 0.5 to 3.8 micrograms/mL. Clindamycin has the potential to cause adverse effects on the breastfed infant's gastrointestinal flora such as diarrhoea or blood in the stool, or rash. Therefore, Clindamycin is not recommended for nursing mothers. 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. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for clindamycin and any potential adverse …

TGA Product Information — CLINDAMYCIN LU (CP-2026-PI-01267-1), revised 6 March 2026. Accessed 2026-06-28. Cited excerpts shown under licence; full document at the TGA link above.
Oral / dental effects in sources
taste disturbance×2erythema multiforme / SJSesophagitisglossitispseudomembranous colitisstomatitisthrombocytopenia

Faded = flagged by a single source only (lower confidence).

US/UK reference sections (Lexicomp, Mosby's) — superseded by the Australian guidance and Product Information above. Retained for audit; click to expand.

Effects on dental treatment

No significant effects or complications reported. Dental use includes alternate infective endocarditis prophylaxis for penicillin/ampicillin-allergic patients, prophylaxis for some dental patients with total joint replacement, treatment of common orofacial infections, and treatment of periodontal disease. (lexicomp-2260 p.408)

LA / vasoconstrictor precautions

No information available to require special precautions. (lexicomp-2260 p.408)

Drug interactions of concern in dentistry

• Decreased action: erythromycin, absorbent antidiarrheals (e.g., aluminum salts) • Increased effects of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, hydrocarbon inhalation anesthetics • Avoid antiperistaltic drugs if diarrhea occurs • Possible reduced blood levels of cyclosporine (mosbys-2015 p.322)

Oral adverse effects

esophagitis; pseudomembranous colitis; thrombocytopenia (lexicomp-2260 p.408)

Dental considerations

General: • Determine why the patient is taking the drug. Consultations: • Medical consultation may be required to assess disease control. Clindamycin + Tretinoin 305 Teach Patient/Family to: • Encourage effective oral hygiene to prevent soft tissue inflammation. • Use caution to prevent injury when using oral hygiene aids. • When used for dental infection, advise patient to: • Report sore throat, oral burning sensation, fever, diarrhea, and fatigue, any of which could indicate superinfection. • Take at prescribed intervals and complete dosage regimen. • Immediately notify the dentist if signs or symptoms of infection increase. (mosbys-2015 p.322)

Dental dosing

Orofacial infection: children oral 10-20 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses or IV 15-25 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses; adults oral 150-450 mg/dose for 7 days, maximum 1.8 g/day, or IV 600-900 mg every 8 hours. Periodontal disease: adults 300 mg orally every 8 hours for 8 days. Infective endocarditis prophylaxis: children 20 mg/kg orally, IM, or IV 30-60 minutes before procedure; adults 600 mg orally, IM, or IV 30-60 minutes before procedure. Total joint replacement prophylaxis: adults 600 mg orally or IV 1 hour before procedure. (lexicomp-2260 p.408)

Precautions / contraindications

History of antibiotic-associated colitis, regional enteritis, or ulcerative colitis; hypersensitivity to clindamycin or lincomycin Caution: Renal disease, liver disease, GI disease, elderly, lactation, tartrazine sensitivity (mosbys-2015 p.322)

Serious reactions

• Antibiotic-associated colitis and other superinfections may occur during and several weeks after clindamycin therapy (including the topical form). • Blood dyscrasias (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia) and nephrotoxicity (proteinuria, azotemia, oliguria) occur rarely. (mosbys-2015 p.322)

byte-verified 8/8AU-reconciled · TG O&D September 2025 (Amended June 2026)
Sources: lexicomp-2260, mosbys-2015 (US/UK reference) + tg-od-2025 (AU authority). The Australian guidance above is reconciled to Therapeutic Guidelines: Oral and Dental (Published September 2025 (Amended June 2026)); reference sections are byte-verified to their source page but US/UK in origin. For what you can prescribe in Australia, use the PBS prescriber tool.