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RxNorm Names

clindamycin phosphate (Clindamycin Phosphatesolution 
[Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals, Inc.]

Drug Label Sections

FOR EXTERNAL USE

DESCRIPTION

Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution, USP 1% contains 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 structural formula is represented below:

Image from Drug Label Content

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); 7(S)-chloro-7-deoxylincomycin-2-phosphate.

Inactive ingredients: Dibasic Sodium Phosphate, USP; Isopropyl Alcohol, USP 50%; Monobasic Sodium Phosphate, USP; Propylene Glycol, USP and Purified Water, USP.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Although clindamycin phosphate is inactive in vitro, rapid in vivo hydrolysis converts this compound to the antibacterially active clindamycin.

Cross resistance has been demonstrated between clindamycin and lincomycin.

Antagonism has been demonstrated between clindamycin and erythromycin.

Following multiple topical applications of clindamycin phosphate at a concentration equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per mL in an isopropyl alcohol and water solution, very low levels of clindamycin are present in the serum (0–3 ng/mL) and less than 0.2% of the dose is recovered in urine as clindamycin.

Clindamycin activity has been demonstrated in comedones from acne patients. The mean concentration of antibiotic activity in extracted comedones after application of clindamycin phosphate topical solution for 4 weeks was 597 mcg/g of comedonal material (range 0–1490). Clindamycin in vitro inhibits all Propionibacterium acnes cultures tested (MICs 0.4 mcg/mL). Free fatty acids on the skin surface have been decreased from approximately 14% to 2% following application of clindamycin.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution 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).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution 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 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 mg 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 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 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

Pregnancy Category B

Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and mice using subcutaneous and oral doses of clindamycin ranging from 100 to 600 mg/kg/day and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to clindamycin. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether clindamycin is excreted in human milk following the use of clindamycin phosphate topical solution. However, orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been reported to appear in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under the age of 12 has not been established.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

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 (%)
# not recorded
*
of 126 subjects
Burning62 (11)15 (10)17(11)
Itching36(7)15 (10)17(11)
Burning/Itching60 (11)#(-)#(-)
Dryness105 (19)34 (23)29(18)
Erythema86 (16)10(7)22(14)
Oiliness/Oily skin8(1)26 (18)12* (10)
Peeling61 (11)#(-)11(7)
 
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 topical clindamycin (See WARNINGS).
 
Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disturbances as well as gram-negative folliculitis have also been reported in association with the use of topical formulations of clindamycin.

OVERDOSAGE

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (See WARNINGS.)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Apply a thin film of clindamycin phosphate topical solution twice daily to affected area.

Keep container tightly closed.

HOW SUPPLIED

Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution, USP 1% containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter is available in the following sizes:

1 fl oz (30 mL) applicator bottle
2 fl oz (60 mL) applicator bottle

Recommended Storage

Store at controlled room temperature, 15 °–30 °C (59 °–86 °F).

Keep Tightly Closed.

Store Upright.

For External Use Only.

Avoid Contact With Eyes.

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP.

Rx Only

Product No.: 8693

Manufactured By:
Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Morton Grove, IL 60053

28693           REV. 4-98


Clindamycin Phosphate (Clindamycin Phosphate)
PRODUCT INFO
Product Code60432-693Dosage FormSOLUTION
Route Of AdministrationTOPICALDEA Schedule
INGREDIENTS
Name (Active Moiety)TypeStrength
Clindamycin Phosphate (Clindamycin) Active10 MILLIGRAM  In 1 MILLILITER
Dibasic Sodium PhosphateInactive 
Isopropyl AlcoholInactive 
Monobasic Sodium PhosphateInactive 
Propylene GlycolInactive 
WaterInactive 
IMPRINT INFORMATION
CharacteristicAppearanceCharacteristicAppearance
ColorScore
ShapeSymbol
Imprint CodeCoating
Size
PACKAGING
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
160432-693-3030 MILLILITER In 1 BOTTLENone
260432-693-6060 MILLILITER In 1 BOTTLENone

Revised: 10/2006

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