Clindamycin Dosage: What You Need to Know

If your doctor prescribed clindamycin, you probably want to know how much to take and when. This antibiotic is used for skin infections, bone infections, and some throat problems. The right dose helps clear the infection fast while keeping side‑effects low.

Standard Adult Dosing

For most infections, adults start with 300 mg every 6 hours (four times a day) or 450 mg every 8 hours (three times a day). The exact amount depends on the infection type and how severe it is. Your doctor may ask you to take the medicine for 7‑10 days, but some bone infections need up to 4 weeks.

If you have a mild skin infection, a lower dose like 150 mg every 6 hours might be enough. For serious infections like pneumonia, doctors can increase the dose to 600 mg every 8 hours.

Special Situations and Safety Tips

Kidney or liver problems change the game. If your kidneys aren’t working well, doctors usually keep the same dose but watch you closely for side‑effects. For liver disease, the dose may be reduced by 25‑30 %.

Kids get a weight‑based dose, usually 8‑12 mg per kilogram of body weight every 6‑8 hours. The exact schedule is set by the pediatrician, so don’t guess.

Take clindamycin with a full glass of water. It can irritate the stomach, so you might want to have it with food or a snack. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose—then skip the missed one.

Watch for side‑effects like diarrhea, stomach pain, or a yeast infection. Severe diarrhea could mean Clostridioides difficile infection, which needs medical attention right away.

Never share your prescription with anyone else, and keep the medication out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

When the course is finished, don’t stop early even if you feel better. Cutting the treatment short can let bacteria survive and become resistant.

If you’re unsure about any part of the dosing schedule, call your pharmacist or doctor. A quick question now can save you from trouble later.

Remember, the goal of clindamycin is to kill the infection, not just to make you feel better. Stick to the plan, watch for warning signs, and you’ll be on the road to recovery fast.