Dalacin C (clindamycin) is a powerful antibiotic reserved for severe infections of the lungs, joints, pelvis, skin, soft tissue, and dental infections. It is not effective against viral or fungal infections, and will not be effective against all types of bacteria. For best results patients should have the offending bacteria identified by a doctor prior to starting treatment.

Dalacin C can be used in patients of all ages, though those under age 16 will require modified dosing.

What Dalacin C Treats

Dalacin C is effective against certain aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, though unfortunately resistance to it is growing in many applications. It is still effective in a range of infections, however, some of which can be quite serious.

The medication can also be used when penicillin is unsuitable, due to lack of availability, allergic reaction to it, or bacterial resistance to it. Patients who are allergic to penicillin are not at increased risk of allergic reaction to clindamycin.

Some infections Dalacin C is frequently used to treat include:

• Empyema
• Pneumonitis
• Lung abcesses
• Other severe respiratory illnesses
• Toxoplasmosis
• Severe skin infections
• Severe soft tissue infections
• Endometritis
• Ovarian abcesses
• Peritonitis
• Other pelvic infections
• Dental infections
• Joint infections

It works by interfering with the bacteria's production of proteins; without these needed proteins, bacteria are unable to grow and thrive. The body's immune system is then able to easily overcome the bacteria.

Dosage & Administration

Dalacin C comes in tablets, typically 75 or 150 mg each. In the interest of preventing mouth or throat irritation each dose should be followed by a glass of fluid. Food is optional, but may help ease gastrointestinal side effects if experienced.

In patients age 16 and up, treatment is very similar regardless of what's being treated:

• For moderate to severe infections, take 150 to 300 mg every 6 hours.
• For severe to very severe infections, take 300 to 450 mg every 6 hours.
• Each dose should be followed with a glass of fluid.
• Food is optional.

And in patients ranging from 1 month to 16 years dosing is determined by weight:

• For moderate to severe infections, 8 to 16 mg per kg of weight per day (4 to 8 mg/lb/day), divided into three or four doses.
• For severe to very severe infections, 16 to 20 mg per kg of weight per day (8 to 10 mg/lb/day), divided into three or four daily doses.
• Tablets should be followed with a full glass of fluid when possible.
• Food is optional.

Duration of treatment is a bit more variable, depending on the condition being treated and its severity. In most cases treatment lasts 10 to 14 days, though it might be a bit shorter or considerably longer. Regardless, patients taking Dalacin C should complete treatment even if feeling fine after the first few days. Failure to do so can cause the infection to reappear and contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Potential Adverse Effects

Most side effects from Dalacin C are mild and not cause for concern, including:

• Nausea
• Gas
• Abdominal discomfort
• Mild diarrhea

Taking tablets with food may alleviate the above.

Rarely more serious side effects develop, which warrant medical attention:

• Joint pain or swelling
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Difficulty urinating
• Rash
• Sores in mouth, throat, nose, or eyes

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea may occur. Individuals with a history of chronic diarrhea or other gastrointestinal conditions will want to make sure the prescribing doctor is aware. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Severe, persistant diarrhea
• Blood in stools
• Severe nausea
• Severe bloating
• Unexplained fever

Again it's a rare condition, but it does happen---patients should be alert for the above symptoms throughout treatment and for several months after treatment. Don't be afraid to contact a doctor with any concerning side effects, no matter how trivial they may seem.

Dalacin C may interact with other medications; of particular concern are other antibiotics that end in -mycin, such as erythromycin. Double-check with a doctor or pharmacist if unsure of the safety of mixing treatments.