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CAN CLINDAMYCIN BE USED TO TREAT CHLAMYDIA

Treatment for Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease includes antibiotics, though other medications are also used with similar efficacy. However, the use of other medications is generally only when the first line of treatment does not deliver desired results. A commonly asked question about treatment is – can clindamycin be used to treat chlamydia? Following sub sections offer a detailed look at the condition and clindamycin to help users understand the possible efficacy of the medication to treat the condition. This includes the mechanism of action of the drug, to help understand how it works and its effect on the condition.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common STIs and is easily spread through sexual contact. Chlamydia can infect both men and women, and can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Chlamydia primarily affects the urinary tract and the genitals, but it can also infect the rectum, eyes, throat and in women, the cervix. One of the main reasons that chlamydia is so prevalent is that many people who have the infection do not experience any symptoms and are not aware of the infection. Around 75% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia may not experience any symptoms of chlamydia, including:

Left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain, and epididymitis in men which can lead to infertility. It’s also possible for an infected mother to pass chlamydia to her baby during delivery, which can cause eye infections and pneumonia in newborns.

Infographic explanation of CAN CLINDAMYCIN BE USED TO TREAT CHLAMYDIA

Treatment for Chlamydia

The treatment for chlamydia is typically a course of antibiotics. The most common antibiotics used to treat chlamydia are Azithromycin, Doxycycline, and Erythromycin. Azithromycin, an antibiotic is typically given as a single dose, but may also be given as a three-day course. Doxycycline and Erythromycin, both antibiotics are usually given as a seven-day course.  It is important to take all of the medication exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider, even if the symptoms resolve before the end of the treatment. Any failure to complete the full course of antibiotics can lead to recurrent infection, antibiotic resistance and can also lead to more serious complications.

The three antibiotics listed above typically used for treating Chlamydia and are not effective against all types of sexually transmitted infections. The treatment of chlamydia does not offer protection against other STIs.

Can clindamycin be used to treat chlamydia?

Clindamycin can be used to treat chlamydia in both men and women, but it is not the first line of treatment, it is usually reserved for patients who can’t take other antibiotics. The use of other antibiotics has been proven to be more effective and have fewer side effects. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria, and is often used in combination with other antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline.

It is necessary to add that clindamycin will not prevent re-infection. It is important to take precautions to avoid re-exposure to the bacteria, and this includes practicing safe sex and periodic testing for other STIs.

Mechanism of action of clindamycin

Clindamycin belongs to the category of lincosamide antibiotics, that work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. The drug works by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of the bacteria, that is essential for protein synthesis. By binding to the ribosome, clindamycin prevents the formation of peptide bonds, that are critical for the formation of proteins. This interferes and impacts the ability of the bacteria to grow and divide, ultimately leading to the death of the bacteria. Clindamycin is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is commonly used to treat infections of the skin, bones and joints, respiratory tract, and female reproductive system. Clindamycin is also used to treat certain types of severe or difficult-to-treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Available in several forms including oral capsules, oral liquids, and topical creams or gels, Clindamycin is to be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. As outlined earlier, it is extremely important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms disappear before the end of the scheduled course of treatment. Discontinuation can result in recurrent infection, or the individual may develop antibiotic resistance. Additionally, there is also the possibility of the patient being exposed to possibly serious complications.

What are the side effects of clindamycin?

Clindamycin is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can trigger possible side effects. Some of the commonly reported side effects of clindamycin include Nausea, with some experiencing an upset stomach, or vomiting after taking the antibiotic. Patients may sometimes experience diarrhea, that may be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut (Clostridium difficile colitis). Other possible effects include vaginal itching or discharge. The antibiotic may cause itching or discharge in the vaginal area, especially in women who are taking oral or vaginal forms of the medication.

The possibility of headaches cannot be ruled out in some people on clindamycin. While allergic reactions: are known to be rare, there is the possibility, with tell-tale symptoms such as rash, itching, hives, and difficulty breathing.  Individuals experiencing severe or persistent side effects while on clindamycin, are to contact healthcare providers at the earliest. This will help to prevent the condition from turning serious in nature. It may also help to adjust the dosage or to switch to a different medication. It is necessary to add that all users of the antibiotic may not experience side effects, and these side effects aren’t always attributed to medications but to various other factors. It is necessary to understand the underlying reasons so as to prevent serious outcomes.