clindamycin phosphate

For External Use

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution and clindamycin phosphate topical lotion contain clindamycin phosphate, USP, at a concentration equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter. Clindamycin phosphate topical gel contains clindamycin phosphate, USP, at a concentration equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per gram. Each clindamycin phosphate topical solution pledget applicator contains approximately 1 mL of topical solution.

Clindamycin phosphate is a water soluble ester of the semi-synthetic antibacterial drug produced by a 7(S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent compound lincomycin.

The solution contains isopropyl alcohol 50% v/v, propylene glycol, and water.

The gel contains allantoin, carbomer 934P, methylparaben, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and purified water.

The lotion contains cetostearyl alcohol (2.5%); glycerin; glyceryl stearate SE (with potassium monostearate); isostearyl alcohol (2.5%); methylparaben (0.3%); sodium lauroyl sarcosinate; stearic acid; and purified water.

The structural formula is represented below:

The chemical name for clindamycin phosphate is Methyl 7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-(1-methyl-trans-4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L-threo-α-D-galacto-octopyranoside 2-(dihydrogen phosphate).

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution, clindamycin phosphate topical gel and clindamycin phosphate topical lotion are indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In view of the potential for diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, the physician should consider whether other agents are more appropriate (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS).

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution, clindamycin phosphate topical gel and clindamycin phosphate topical lotion are contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin, a history of regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis, or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis.

Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may result in patient death. Use of the topical formulation of clindamycin results in systemic absorption from the skin surface. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin.

Studies indicate a toxin(s) produced by clostridia is one primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. Endoscopic examination may reveal pseudomembranous colitis. Stool culture for Clostridioides difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically.

When significant diarrhea occurs, the drug should be discontinued. Large bowel endoscopy should be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea.

Antiperistaltic agents such as opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine may prolong and/or worsen the condition. Vancomycin has been found to be effective in the treatment of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis produced by Clostridioides difficile. The usual adult dosage is 500 milligrams to 2 grams of vancomycin orally per day in three to four divided doses administered for 7 to 10 days. Cholestyramine or colestipol resins bind vancomycin in vitro . If both a resin and vancomycin are to be administered concurrently, it may be advisable to separate the time of administration of each drug.

Diarrhea, colitis, and pseudomembranous colitis have been observed to begin up to several weeks following cessation of oral and parenteral therapy with clindamycin.

In 18 clinical studies of various formulations of clindamycin phosphate using placebo vehicle and/or active comparator drugs as controls, patients experienced a number of treatment emergent adverse dermatologic events [see table below].

Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally.

Cases of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported as adverse reactions in patients treated with oral and parenteral formulations of clindamycin and rarely with topical clindamycin (see WARNINGS).

Abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, gram-negative folliculitis, eye pain and contact dermatitis have also been reported in association with the use of topical formulations of clindamycin.

Topically applied clindamycin phosphate can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. (see WARNINGS).

Apply a thin film of, clindamycin phosphate topical lotion, clindamycin phosphate topical gel, clindamycin phosphate topical solution, or use a clindamycin phosphate topical solution pledget for the application of clindamycin phosphate twice daily to affected area. More than one pledget may be used. Each pledget should be used only once and then be discarded.

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, and smoking during and immediately following application.

Lotion: Shake well immediately before using.

Pledget: Remove pledget from foil just before use. Do not use if the seal is broken. Discard after single use.

Keep all liquid dosage forms in containers tightly closed.

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter is available in the following sizes:
30 mL applicator bottle—NDC 59762-3728-1
60 mL applicator bottle—NDC 59762-3728-2
Carton of 60 single-use pledget applicators—NDC 59762-3728-3

Clindamycin phosphate topical gel containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per gram is available in the following sizes:
30 gram tube—NDC 59762-3743-1
60 gram tube—NDC 59762-3743-2

Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter is available in the following size:
60 mL plastic squeeze bottle—NDC 59762-3744-1

Rx only

LAB-0048-14.0
Revised November 2025

NDC 59762-3728-2
60 mL

GREENSTONE^® BRAND

clindamycin
phosphate
topical
solution, USP

1%*

Solution for topical use
only

Rx only

NDC 59762-3728-2
60 mL

GREENSTONE^® BRAND

clindamycin
phosphate
topical
solution, USP

1%*

Solution for topical use
only

Rx only

NDC 59762-3728-3
1 Pledget

GREENSTONE^® BRAND

clindamycin
phosphate
topical
solution, USP

1%*

Pledget for topical use only

Rx only

NDC 59762-3728-3
60 Pledgets

GREENSTONE^® BRAND

clindamycin phosphate topical solution, USP

1%*
Pledget for topical use only

Rx only

NDC 59762-3744-1
60 mL

GREENSTONE^® BRAND

clindamycin
phosphate
topical lotion

1%*

For topical use
only

Rx only

NDC 59762-3744-1
60 mL

GREENSTONE^® BRAND

clindamycin
phosphate
topical
lotion

1%*

For topical use only

Rx only

NDC 59762-3743-2
60 gram

GREENSTONE^® BRAND

clindamycin phosphate
topical gel

1%*

For topical use only

Rx only

Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
[see USP]. Protect from freezing.

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.

See crimp of tube for Expiration Date and Lot Number.

DOSAGE AND USE: See accompanying prescribing information.

*Each gram contains clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg
(1%) of clindamycin. Also contains allantoin, carbomer 934P,
methylparaben, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, sodium
hydroxide, and purified water.

G
Distributed by:
Greenstone LLC, Peapack, NJ 07977

NDC 59762-3743-2
60 gram

GREENSTONE^® BRAND

clindamycin phosphate topical gel

1%*

For topical use only

Rx only