Clindamycin Phoaphate Topical Solution USP, 1%

Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution USP, 1% · Solution · Topical

Prescription (Rx) Lincosamide Antibacterial

Uses

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution USP, 1% is indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In view of the potential for diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, the physician should consider whether other agents are more appropriate (see CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).

Dosage and administration

Apply a thin film of Clindamycin phosphate topical solution USP, 1% twice daily to affected area. Keep container tightly closed.

Contraindications

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution USP, 1% is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin, a history of regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis, or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis.

Warnings

Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may result in patient death. Use of the topical formulation of clindamycin results in absorption of the antibiotic from the skin surface. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin. Studies indicate a toxin(s) produced by clostridia is one primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. Endoscopic examination may reveal pseudomembranous colitis. Stool culture for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically . When significant diarrhea occurs, the drug should be discontinued. Large bowel endoscopy should be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea. Antiperistaltic agents such as opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine may prolong and/or worsen the condition. Vancomycin has been found to be effective in the treatment of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis produced by Clostridium difficile . The usual adult dosage is 500 milligrams to 2 grams of vancomycin orally per day in three to four divided doses administered for 7 to 10 days. Cholestyramine or colestipol resins bind vancomycin in vitro . If both a resin and vancomycin are to be administered concurrently, it may be advisable to separate the time of administration of each drug. Diarrhea, colitis, and pseudomembranous colitis have been observed to begin up to several weeks following cessation of oral and parenteral therapy with clindamycin.

Precautions

General Clindamycin phosphate topical solution USP, 1% contains an alcohol base which will cause burning and irritation of the eye. In the event of accidental contact with sensitive surfaces (eye, abraded skin, mucous membranes), bathe with copious amounts of cool tap water. The solution has an unpleasant taste and caution should be exercised when applying medication around the mouth. Clindamycin phosphate topical solution USP, 1% should be prescribed with caution in atopic individuals. Drug Interactions Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents. Pregnancy Teratogenic effects In clinical trials with pregnant women, the systemic administration of clindamycin during the second and third trimesters has not been associated with an increased frequency of congenital abnormalities. There are no adequate studies in pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Clindamycin should be used during the first trimester of pregnancy only if clearly needed. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether clindamycin is excreted in breast milk following use of clindamycin phosphate topical solution USP, 1%. However, orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been reported to appear in breast milk. Clindamycin has the potential to cause adverse effects on the breast-fed infant's gastrointestinal flora. Monitor the breast-fed infant for possible adverse effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash) or rarely, blood in the stool indicating possible antibiotic-associated colitis. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for clindamycin and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from clindamycin or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations If used during lactation and clindamycin phosphate topical solution USP, 1% is applied to the chest, care should be taken to avoid accidental ingestion by the infant. Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under the age of 12 have not been established. Geriatric Use Clinical studies for clindamycin phosphate did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

Side effects

In 18 clinical studies of various formulations of clindamycin phosphate using placebo vehicle and/or active comparator drugs as controls, patients experienced a number of treatment emergent adverse dermatologic events [see table below]. Number of Patients Reporting Events Treatment Emergent Adverse Event Solution n = 553(%) Gel n=148 (%) Lotion n=160(%) Burning 62 (11) 15 (10) 17 (11) Itching 36 (7) 15 (10) 17 (11) Burning/Itching 60 (11) # (-) # (-) Dryness 105 (19) 34 (23) 29 (18) Erythema 86 (16) 10 (7) 22 (14) Oiliness/Oily Skin 8 (1) 26 (18) 12*(10) Peeling 61 (11) # (-) 11 (7) # not recorded * of 126 subjects Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally. Cases of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported as adverse reactions in patients treated with oral and parenteral formulations of clindamycin and rarely with topical clindamycin ( see WARNINGS ). Abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, gram-negative folliculitis, eye pain and contact dermatitis have also been reported in association with the use of topical formulations of clindamycin.

Drug interactions

Drug Interactions Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Teratogenic effects In clinical trials with pregnant women, the systemic administration of clindamycin during the second and third trimesters has not been associated with an increased frequency of congenital abnormalities. There are no adequate studies in pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Clindamycin should be used during the first trimester of pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Pediatric use

Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under the age of 12 have not been established.

Geriatric use

Geriatric Use Clinical studies for clindamycin phosphate did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

Overdosage

Topically applied clindamycin phosphate topical solution USP, 1% can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects ( see WARNINGS ).

Description

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution USP, 1% contain clindamycin phosphate, USP, at a concentration equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter. Clindamycin phosphate is a water soluble ester of the semi-synthetic antibiotic produced by a 7(S)–chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent antibiotic lincomycin. The solution contains isopropyl alcohol 50% v/v, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide and purified water. The structural formula is represented below: The chemical name for clindamycin phosphate is Methyl 7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-(1-methyl- trans -4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L-threo-α-D-galacto-octopyranoside 2-(dihydrogen phosphate). Strucutre Clinda

How supplied

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution USP, 1% containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per millilitre is available in the following size: 60 mL Bottle – NDC – 21922-002-01 30 mL Bottle – NDC – 21922-002-21 Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP]. Protect from freezing. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Encube Ethicals Private Limited at 1-833-285-4151 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Rx only Manufactured By: Encube Ethicals Pvt. Ltd. Plot No. C-1, Madkaim Industrial Estate, Madkaim, Post Mardol, Ponda, Goa-403 404, India. Distributed By: Encube Ethicals, Inc. 200 Meredith Drive, Suite 202 Durham, NC 27713 USA Rev:10 January 2024

Label text from the FDA structured product label by Encube Ethicals, Inc. (revised Sep 5, 2025). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.

Active ingredients

Clindamycin Phosphate in 2 products

Clindamycin Phoaphate Topical Solution USP, 1% NDC products (2)

NDC	Strength & form	Labeler	Type
21922-002	Clindamycin Phosphate 10 mg/mL Solution	Encube Ethicals, Inc.	ANDA
72603-321	Clindamycin Phosphate 10 mg/mL Solution	Northstar Rx LLC	ANDA

Frequently asked questions

What is Clindamycin Phoaphate Topical Solution USP, 1% used for?

What are the side effects of Clindamycin Phoaphate Topical Solution USP, 1%?

Who makes Clindamycin Phoaphate Topical Solution USP, 1%?

Clindamycin Phoaphate Topical Solution USP, 1% is listed by 2 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including Encube Ethicals, Inc., Northstar Rx LLC.