The use of clindamycin for strep infection is typically effective at reducing complications for affected patients. Strep, otherwise known as streptococcus A, is a common cause of throat infections in adults and children. Clindamycin is generally used only if other treatments prove to be ineffective, or if the patient has a known allergy to more commonly used antibiotics.
There are many causes for a sore throat. One of the most common bacterial infections that can cause a sore throat is streptococcus A. Infection with strep usually leads to inflammation in the throat. Symptoms of infection include throat redness or pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, neck swelling, and white patches of pus that may sometimes coat the tonsils. Symptoms may be more severe in children than adults.
A lincosamide antibiotic, clindamycin is commonly used for certain types of bacterial infections. Clindamycin for strep is usually a stand-alone therapy. It is typically administered orally at a total dose of 45 milligrams (mg) per 2.2 lbs. (1 kilo) per day. This is usually split in four and given once every six to eight hours for five days. Other lincosamide antibiotics include lincomycin.
Streptococcus A infections usually have minimal complications. In some cases however, untreated strep infections can spread, causing pockets of bacteria to form in the throat, breathing difficulties, or rheumatic fever. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to avoid complications. A throat swab is commonly used to collect and culture cells from the affected area, which helps physicians make an accurate diagnosis. Results are typically available within a few minutes at a clinic or hospital that uses rapid antigen detection tests.
Various antibiotics may be used to treat strep infection, with penicillin being the most commonly prescribed drug. Patients who are allergic to penicillin may use clindamycin for strep. Some scientific studies indicate that the use of oral clindamycin for children with strep may be more effective than treatment with oral penicillin. This may be due to a slightly higher compliance observed in patients on clindamycin for strep, and the relatively short duration of treatment needed for clindamycin to work. As with all medications, intake of clindamycin has been associated with some side effects and these can include liver dysfunction, allergic reactions, joint pain, nausea, and diarrhea.