Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Clindamycin

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Updated April 14, 2026 - 1:47pm

Alternate Name(s): 
Dalacin C
Classification: 
Antibiotic
Original Date: 
March 1992
Revised Date: 
April 2026
Indications: 
  • Treatment of infections due to anaerobic bacteria and some Staphylococci
Administration: 
  • IV intermittent infusion: over 15 - 30 minutes
Dosage: 

 

Weight PNA Dose
< 2 kg 0-28 days 15 mg/kg/day divided q8h
29-60 days 30 mg/kg/day divided q8h
> 2 kg 0-7 days 21 mg/kg/day divided q8h
8-28 days 27 mg/kg/day divided q8h
29-60 days  30 mg/kg/day divided q8h
  • Consider dose adjustment in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment.  Refer to available references or clinical pharmacist for dosage adjustment
Side Effects: 
  • GI: pseudomembranous colitis (due to Clostridium difficile overgrowth)-characterized by bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain- treat with metronidazole or oral vancomycin
Parameters to Monitor: 
  • Observe for changes in bowel frequency and stools, abdominal tenderness
Reconstitution and Stability: 

CHEO:

  • Clindamycin 150 mg/mL
    • Take 2 mL (300 mg) and add to 23 mL D5W or 0.9%NaCl
    • Final concentration: 12 mg/mL

TOH:

  • Clindamycin 150 mg/mL
    • Take 1 mL (150 mg) and add to 24 mL D5W
    • Final concentration: 6 mg/mL
Compatibility: 

- Solutions Compatible: D5W, D10W, 0.9% NaCl, dextrose-saline combinations

- Y-site Compatible: acyclovir, gentamicin, heparin, hydromorphone, midazolam, milrinone, morphine, TPN

Incompatible: azithromycin, caspofungin, fluconazole, pantoprazole

References: 

-Taketomo CK, Hodding JH, Kraus DM. Pediatric Dosage Handbook 22nd Edition. Hudson: Lexi-Comp Inc.; 2015.

-American Society on Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Handbook on Injectable Drugs. 19th Edition. Bethesda: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2017

-Gonzalez D, Delmore P, Bloom BT, Cotten CM, Poindexter BB, McGowan E, Shattuck K, Bradford KK, Smith PB, Cohen-Wolkowiez M, Morris M, Yin W, Benjamin DK Jr, Laughon MM. Clindamycin Pharmacokinetics and Safety in Preterm and Term Infants. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2016 Apr 22;60(5):2888-94.

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