The Role of Clindamycin Phosphate in Combating Bacterial Infections

  

 Clindamycin phosphate

Clindamycin phosphate is a semi-synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic, which is derived from lincomycin. It is often prescribed to combat skin infections, acne, and other bacterial ailments.  Clindamycin phosphate was the 125th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States. It was first made in 1966 from lincomycin. It is a white or almost white crystalline powder soluble in water. The molecular weight of clindamycin phosphate is 505 gm/mol.

Structure:

The molecular formula of Clindamycin phosphate is,[C­­­­­18H34Cl N2O8PS].

Clindamycin Phosphate Structure

The IUPAC name of Clindamycin phosphate is, [(2R,3R,4S,5R,6R)-6-[(1S,2S)-2-chloro-1-[[(2S,4R)-1-methyl-4-propyl pyrrolidine-2-carboxyl]amino]propyl]-4,5-dihydro-2-methyl sulfanyloxan-3-yl] dihydrogen phosphate.

Mechanism of action:

Clindamycin phosphate is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, that affects gram-positive bacteria(like pneumococcus, streptococcus, and staphylococcus ) and anaerobes (like Fusiobacterium, B.fragilis, and Bacteroides). It inhibits the bacterial protein synthesis. Clindamycin binds with 23S RNA of the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, which blocks the bacterial protein synthesis.

Uses:

• The common use of clindamycin phosphate is for the treatment of acne.
• It is also prescribed for various skin infections, including impetigo, folliculitis, and cellulitis.
• In some cases, it is used to treat oral infections like Periodontitis and dental abscesses.
• Used to treat respiratory tract infections.
• Used to treat bone and joint infections.
• It is rarely used in the treatment of Gynecological infections.

Side-effects:

The overdose of clindamycin phosphate shows different types of side effects like,

• Skin irritation.
• Dryness, itching, or peeling at the application site.
• Allergic Reactions.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.