Cleocin (clindamycin)
An approved treatment for Babesiosis.
The same compound appears under different names depending on the context. Here is how to identify Clindamycin wherever you encounter it, plus the key facts at a glance.
- Generic name
- Clindamycin
- Brand name
- Cleocin
- Drug class
- Antibiotic
- How it's taken
- In the 2020 IDSA guideline, adults in the hospital with severe babesiosis get clindamycin 600 mg by IV 4 times a day, and outpatients get 600 mg by mouth 3 times a day, each with oral quinine 650 mg 3 times a day.
A lincosamide antibiotic used with quinine as the alternative (second-choice) treatment for babesiosis, mild or severe, when atovaquone plus azithromycin cannot be used or has not worked. Also used for immunocompromised patients with high parasitemia.
How Clindamycin works
Clindamycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of Babesia parasites, blocking protein synthesis. When combined with quinine, the 2 drugs attack different molecular targets in the parasite, improving clearance rates in severe infections.
Mechanism: Lincosamide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding the 50S ribosomal subunit
Side effects and safety
Clindamycin carries a boxed warning for Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, which can range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis and can start more than 2 months after the last dose. Because of this risk, the label says it should be saved for serious infections when less risky antibiotics are not suitable. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and rare but serious, sometimes fatal skin reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, TEN, and DRESS) can also happen. The label also warns about kidney injury. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and rash. When combined with quinine, patients often experience cinchonism (tinnitus, hearing changes, dizziness, nausea), which is attributable to the quinine component.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to expect and when to seek medical attention.
Taking Clindamycin
In the 2020 IDSA guideline, adults in the hospital with severe babesiosis get clindamycin 600 mg by IV 4 times a day, and outpatients get 600 mg by mouth 3 times a day, each with oral quinine 650 mg 3 times a day. Once symptoms improve, patients switch to all oral doses to finish 7 to 10 days in total. Immunocompromised patients often need longer treatment.
Availability and cost
Generic versions may be available at a lower cost. Ask your pharmacist.
Help paying for Cleocin
Pick your insurance to see which help fits. Drugmaker copay cards can't be used with Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE; charity funds are the usual route there.
No drugmaker assistance program for this medicine is published on the maker's official pages.
Good to know: Clindamycin is an older antibiotic sold as a low-cost generic by many manufacturers. There is no single manufacturer assistance program for it. Pharmacy discount programs or a pharmacist can help with cost.
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Common questions about Clindamycin
▸What is Clindamycin (Cleocin)?
A lincosamide antibiotic used with quinine as the alternative (second-choice) treatment for babesiosis, mild or severe, when atovaquone plus azithromycin cannot be used or has not worked. Also used for immunocompromised patients with high parasitemia.
▸How does Clindamycin work?
Clindamycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of Babesia parasites, blocking protein synthesis. When combined with quinine, the 2 drugs attack different molecular targets in the parasite, improving clearance rates in severe infections.
▸What are the side effects of Clindamycin?
Clindamycin carries a boxed warning for Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, which can range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis and can start more than 2 months after the last dose. Because of this risk, the label says it should be saved for serious infections when less risky antibiotics are not suitable. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and rare but serious, sometimes fatal skin reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, TEN, and DRESS) can also happen. The label also warns about kidney injury. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and rash. When combined with quinine, patients often experience cinchonism (tinnitus, hearing changes, dizziness, nausea), which is attributable to the quinine component.
▸How is Clindamycin taken?
In the 2020 IDSA guideline, adults in the hospital with severe babesiosis get clindamycin 600 mg by IV 4 times a day, and outpatients get 600 mg by mouth 3 times a day, each with oral quinine 650 mg 3 times a day. Once symptoms improve, patients switch to all oral doses to finish 7 to 10 days in total. Immunocompromised patients often need longer treatment.
▸Is Clindamycin FDA approved?
Yes, Clindamycin (Cleocin) is FDA approved (1970) for the treatment of Babesiosis.