Clordelin Inyectable

Quick links to important sections

Clordelin Inyectable

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Clordelin Inyectable

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Lincomycin (as the hydrochloride monohydrate salt)
Form Sterile solution for injection
Pharmacological class Antibiotic (Lincosamide class)
General purpose Controlling bacterial infections
Origin Natural fermentation product

What Type of Medicine is Clordelin Inyectable?

Clordelin Inyectable is a prescription-only medication specifically designed to address systemic bacterial infections. The drug’s core component is Lincomycin, which places it within the Lincosamide class of anti-infective agents. This classification identifies its clinical role as a therapeutic alternative when bacterial strains show resistance to common antibiotic groups, such as the Penicillins, or when a patient has a known allergy to those agents. This targeted application provides an option for managing serious infections where broad-spectrum alternatives may be limited.

Composition and Origin: The Lincomycin Injection

The active ingredient, Lincomycin, is presented as a sterile solution for injection, a form that ensures rapid and complete systemic availability compared to oral routes. Lincomycin itself has a natural origin, being derived from the natural fermentation product of the soil bacterium Streptomyces lincolnensis. As a single active ingredient product, Clordelin Inyectable is designed for high-severity scenarios, typically administered via intramuscular or intravenous routes, utilizing the hydrochloride monohydrate salt dissolved in an aqueous solution base.

General Purpose: How Lincomycin Controls Bacteria

The general purpose of Clordelin Inyectable is to deliver an antibacterial effect to help the body suppress and resolve an existing infection. It functions by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to synthesize the essential proteins needed for their growth and survival. This action, which is predominantly bacteriostatic, works by halting the progression of the bacterial population, assisting the body's natural defenses in the resolution of the bacterial infection.

What side effects are possible with Clordelin Inyectable?

Clordelin Inyectable contains the active ingredient chloramphenicol, an antibiotic associated with a risk of serious and potentially fatal side effects. Because of these risks, its use is typically restricted to serious infections where less hazardous antibiotics are ineffective or contraindicated.

Serious and Potentially Fatal Side Effects

The most serious risk is bone marrow depression, which can manifest in two forms:

  • Irreversible Aplastic Anemia: A rare, non-dose-related, and often fatal reduction in all major blood cell types (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). This can occur weeks or months after treatment is stopped. Symptoms may include unusual bleeding or bruising, persistent weakness, and signs of infection like fever or sore throat.
  • Reversible Bone Marrow Depression: A dose-related effect characterized by a temporary decrease in red blood cells, which typically resolves promptly after the drug is discontinued. Frequent blood tests are necessary to monitor for these changes.

Common and Other Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects are generally related to the gastrointestinal or nervous systems:

System Common Side Effects
Gastrointestinal Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis (inflamed tongue), stomatitis (inflamed mouth)
Nervous System Headache, mild depression, mental confusion

Special Safety Warnings

Gray Syndrome

Chloramphenicol is associated with Gray Syndrome in premature and newborn infants, and sometimes in older children, due to their immature ability to metabolize the drug. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, vomiting, progressive pallid cyanosis (blue/gray skin color), circulatory collapse, and potentially death. Due to this risk, use in neonates and pregnant/breastfeeding women is generally avoided or must be closely monitored.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Allergic reactions, including rash, fever, and anaphylaxis, are possible. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic signs such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory information describes specific manifestations and required actions in the event of Clordelin Inyectable (Lincomycin) overdosage. Documented presentations of overdose include gastrointestinal distress such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as systemic effects like hypotension (low blood pressure) and sensory disturbances like vertigo.

Documented Severe Outcomes and Required Actions

Classification Regulatory Statement
Life-Threatening Risks Can lead to cardio-respiratory arrest when administered too rapidly intravenously. Progression of C. difficile-associated disease to shock or toxic megacolon is also documented.
Population Risk Infants, particularly those premature, are at risk of benzyl alcohol toxicity due to the injectable formulation's preservative.
Immediate Action Contact a regional Poison Centre for suspected overdosage. Immediate medical attention is required for severe acute reactions, which may necessitate Epinephrine and intravenous corticosteroids.

Official Management Guidelines

Official labeling states that no specific antidote is known for Lincomycin overdosage. Management is confined to symptomatic and supportive measures, which may include gastric lavage. Regulatory documents explicitly note that neither hemodialysis nor peritoneal dialysis is an effective method for removing the drug from the body. Serum level monitoring may be advised for patients with renal or hepatic impairment due to a risk of prolonged half-life.

Therapeutic Uses of Clordelin Inyectable

What Clordelin Inyectable Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Clordelin Inyectable (Lincomycin) is commonly used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms for patients facing serious bacterial infections. Its clinical role centers on managing the infectious process and the associated symptomatic burden. The medication is relevant for use in conditions that produce significant symptomatic burden, including septicemia, deep-seated bone and joint infections (like osteomyelitis), severe skin and soft tissue infections, and certain lower respiratory tract infections.

This injectable antibiotic is specifically applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns, particularly when a patient has a known allergy to penicillin or when the infection is caused by bacterial strains that resist common antibiotics. It provides therapeutic support intended to help maintain clinical stability when symptoms are prominent.

“The use of this therapy may be relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden, especially when patient-specific restrictions make other therapeutic options unsuitable.”

Its application is relevant for managing symptoms of conditions characterized by infectious processes, and it may assist with managing signs of systemic imbalance, such as high fever and profound malaise. It may also assist with managing symptoms related to physical discomfort and inflammatory states linked to localized infections.

Quick Fact Relief for Symptomatic Burden
Primary Benefit Provides support that helps ease the overall symptom load during acute infection.
Target Symptoms Used for managing symptoms related to systemic imbalance and localized inflammatory or irritative states.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Clordelin Inyectable?

The eligibility for Clordelin Inyectable (Lincomycin injection) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities and centers on age, allergy status, and physiological conditions. The medication is primarily reserved for use in adults and children over 1 month of age who are facing serious bacterial infections, particularly when other common antibiotics, like penicillins, are inappropriate.


Absolute Contraindications

Population Group Restriction Basis
Newborns/Infants (Under 1 Month) Contraindicated due to risk of benzyl alcohol toxicity.
Hypersensitive Patients Contraindicated due to known allergy to lincomycin or clindamycin.

Conditional Use and Restrictions

Use is not indicated for certain infections, such as meningitis, or for nonbacterial infections. The medicine must be used with caution in patients with a history of severe renal or hepatic impairment, as the drug's half-life is prolonged in these groups, potentially requiring adjustment of the administration frequency. Caution is also required for patients with a history of colitis or gastrointestinal disease.

Regarding Pregnancy and Lactation, use is recommended only if clearly needed. Since Lincomycin is excreted into human milk, a decision must be made to discontinue either nursing or the medication.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile of Clordelin Inyectable (Lincomycin) is defined by specific restrictions and co-administration cautions documented in regulatory labeling. All information is based strictly on formal statements from government drug authorities.

Documented Pharmacodynamic and Substance Interactions

Interacting Entity Interaction Type and Official Outcome
Erythromycin (Macrolide Antibiotic) Co-administration is not recommended due to potential antagonism of antibacterial effects.
Neuromuscular Blocking Agents Lincomycin has intrinsic neuromuscular blocking properties that can enhance the effects of these agents.
Kaolin (Gastrointestinal Adsorbent) Reduces the absorption of Lincomycin, resulting in decreased plasma concentration.
Novobiocin / Kanamycin Lincomycin is physically incompatible with these substances in solution, and co-administration must be avoided.

Interaction-Related Restrictions and Considerations

Contraindicated Combinations: The medicine is formally contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Clindamycin, due to established cross-sensitivity among Lincosamide antibiotics.

Altered Exposure in Specific Populations: The elimination half-life of Lincomycin is officially documented as prolonged in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, leading to altered systemic drug exposure. No specific timing separation rules (e.g., 'administer X hours apart') are explicitly mandated in the regulatory labels for this injectable formulation, other than avoidance of incompatible solutions.

Mechanism of Action

How Clordelin Inyectable Works

Targeting the 50S Ribosome: The Molecular Blockade

The drug's action involves targeting the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit , binding closely to the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) component. This molecular blockade functions as an inhibitor by physically obstructing the polypeptide exit tunnel, thereby halting the bacteria's ability to complete the assembly of all necessary structural and enzymatic proteins.


Arresting Bacterial Proliferation: The Physiological Effect

By stopping protein synthesis, Clordelin Inyectable directly shuts down the bacterial replication and growth pathway. This essential step prevents the pathogen population from increasing further, resulting in a bacteriostatic outcome that limits the proliferation of the microbial population. This action assists the host's defense mechanisms against the remaining non-replicating bacterial population.


Understanding Mechanistic Resistance

The functional activity of this ribosomal inhibition is constrained by biological counter-mechanisms, such as the bacterial ability to enzymatically modify the 23S rRNA through methylation or to utilize efflux pumps. These limitations reduce the drug's binding affinity or concentration, illustrating the constraints of the mechanism itself when specific resistance factors are present.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Clordelin Inyectable

The sterile solution of Clordelin Inyectable (Lincomycin) is administered solely via the parenteral route, which includes deep intramuscular (IM) injection or as a slow intravenous (IV) infusion. The medicine must be given by a healthcare professional in a controlled setting.


Dosing and Administration Schedules

Adults

For serious infections, the typical IM dose is 600 mg every 24 hours. For more severe infections, the IM dose may be increased to 600 mg every 12 hours. When using the IV route, doses are typically 600 mg to 1 gram every 8 to 12 hours. In life-threatening situations, daily IV doses of up to 8 grams may be administered.

Special Populations and Duration

  • Pediatric Patients: For children older than one month, IM dosing is 10 mg/kg every 12 to 24 hours. IV dosing ranges from 10 to 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses, depending on the infection's severity.
  • Organ Impairment: For individuals with severe renal impairment, the recommended dose is often reduced to 25% to 30% of the standard dose.
  • Treatment Duration: Therapy should be continued for a minimum of 10 full days for certain susceptible streptococcal infections.

Preparation Requirements and Restrictions

Intravenous administration requires specific procedural steps. The solution must be diluted before infusion, generally using at least 100 mL of a compatible diluent for every 1 gram of Lincomycin. The infusion must be administered slowly, with a rate that does not exceed 1 gram per hour; therefore, a 600 mg dose must be infused over a minimum of 60 minutes. The medicine must not be injected intravenously undiluted as a bolus. Clinical guidelines structure the use of the medicine as a strictly controlled procedure, defining the dose amounts, frequency, and specific preparation conditions required for its use.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of studies for Clordelin Inyectable

Evidence for Use in Serious Systemic Bacterial Infections

This section summarizes the foundational clinical trials and comparative studies that informed the initial authorization of the medicine, which was studied for susceptible serious systemic infections. It outlines the study designs used and the high-level patient populations included in this key regulatory indication.

Research for this medication began with historical, well-controlled clinical trials that were necessary to establish its regulatory status. These studies primarily focused on populations facing serious systemic infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Researchers monitored outcomes related to the frequency of measured clinical response and the measurement of microbiological eradication (clearing the bacteria from the body) in the observed populations.

Evidence for Use in Deep-Seated Bone and Joint Infections

This part will describe the research available for treating bone and joint infections, such as osteomyelitis. It will detail the types of clinical studies, case reports, and specialized pharmacokinetic research that have examined the drug's use in these complex, localized scenarios.

Research has explored the drug's use in deep-seated infections of the bone and joints. The research base here includes clinical studies, case reports, and retrospective reviews, which represent a different evidence structure compared to modern, large-scale randomized trials. Researchers monitored outcomes such as the measurement of long-term infection recurrence and the tracking of radiographic evidence of healing in the bone.

Evidence in Special Populations

This section will outline what specific research exists regarding the use of the drug in certain groups, such as children and older adults with severe illness. It will also address the evidence base for patients with specific factors like penicillin allergies or certain comorbid conditions.

Older patients with associated severe illness were included in the broader clinical trials for serious infections. The drug was observed in populations for whom penicillin was less suitable, such as patients with a known penicillin allergy, or where the microbiological strain showed resistance to common first-line antibiotics.

What Is Still Uncertain About Clordelin Inyectable's Evidence

The research for this medication, which was developed decades ago, includes historical foundational evidence. This means that comparative evidence is lacking against many modern antibiotics, as the drug has been largely superseded by a related compound. Additionally, evidence remains limited regarding its use in certain complex infections, as the drug appears to have inadequate penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), meaning it was not evaluated for conditions like meningitis.

Key Studies & References

  1. A Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lincomycin Tablet in the Treatment of Surgical Site Infection (SSI) and Skin & Soft Tissue Infection (SSTI) (Observational data on SSTI outcomes and symptom changes)
  2. Drug Corner Real World Evidence Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Tolerability of Lincomycin Injectable and Oral in the Treatment of SSI and SSTI (Real-world evidence on injectable use and symptom tracking)
  3. Lincomycin in Skin and Soft Tissue Infections and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (Review covering historical SSTI and bone infection outcomes)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Clordelin Inyectable (FAQ)

Q: What is the half-life of Clordelin Inyectable in the body?

A: According to the official prescribing information, the biological half-life of the active ingredient is typically around 5.4 hours in individuals with normal liver and kidney function. Regulatory documents also indicate that this half-life is longer in patients with severe kidney or liver impairment.


Q: What category is Clordelin Inyectable listed under for use during pregnancy in official documents?

A: Both active ingredients are generally classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. This classification means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant humans. Official documentation advises that the medication should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.


Q: How quickly does Clordelin Inyectable begin to show an effect after the first dose?

A: Official pharmacological data indicates that peak serum concentrations of the active ingredient are generally reached within 60 minutes after an intramuscular injection. This indicates the active ingredient is rapidly available in the bloodstream to combat the infection.


Q: How long does one injection of Clordelin Inyectable typically last?

A: Studies cited in the prescribing information show that therapeutic levels in the bloodstream are maintained for a significant period. Specifically, therapeutic concentrations are maintained for approximately 17 to 20 hours after a single 600 mg intramuscular dose, depending on the route used.


Q: Does the injection method (intramuscular vs. subcutaneous) change the effect of Clordelin Inyectable?

A: The method of delivery is defined in the official guidelines. Official dosing guidelines define the approved administration routes as deep intramuscular (IM) injection or slow intravenous (IV) infusion. The subcutaneous route (injection just under the skin) is not an approved method of administration.


Q: Are injection site reactions (redness, swelling) common with Clordelin Inyectable?

A: Official information confirms that local reactions can occur with intramuscular use. These reactions, which are reported adverse events, include pain, irritation, induration (hardening of the skin), and the potential for a sterile abscess at the injection site.


Q: What happens if a scheduled injection of Clordelin Inyectable is missed?

A: Official guidance states that doses should not be doubled to compensate for a missed injection. If a dose is missed, regulatory guidance is to contact the administering medical professional immediately.


Q: Can patients who drive or operate heavy machinery use Clordelin Inyectable?

A: Reported side effects include dizziness, headache, and somnolence (drowsiness). Due to these warnings, the official labeling advises caution. Individuals should be aware of how the medicine affects their ability to safely drive or operate heavy machinery.


Q: Has Clordelin Inyectable been subject to a 'Black Box Warning' in the US?

A: Yes. The prescribing information for Chloramphenicol injection, one of the active ingredients, contains a Boxed Warning issued by the FDA. This is the strictest warning and highlights the risk of serious blood disorders, including aplastic anemia.


Q: What is the likelihood of experiencing one of the rare but serious side effects of Clordelin Inyectable?

A: The official warning for the most serious risk, irreversible aplastic anemia, emphasizes that it is rare. While official documents classify this risk as low, its severity is significant enough to warrant a Boxed Warning.


Q: Does regulatory information mention any potential interactions between Clordelin Inyectable and common vaccines?

A: Regulatory restrictions advise against administering live bacterial vaccines (such as BCG) during or shortly after antibiotic therapy. This is due to regulatory-cited data indicating the potential for a decreased vaccine effect.


Q: What are the official guidelines regarding the safe disposal of used Clordelin Inyectable syringes?

A: Official guidance requires that used needles and syringes be immediately placed in a sharps disposal container. Compliance with local waste management regulations is necessary for safe disposal, which may include utilizing community take-back programs.


Q: Can a person with known kidney problems be eligible for Clordelin Inyectable?

A: Yes, but with conditional use. Official documents state that patients with severe renal impairment often require dose adjustments due to the prolonged half-life of the drug. Close monitoring of drug levels may be required during treatment.


Q: Can people with a history of liver disease use Clordelin Inyectable?

A: Yes, but with conditional use. Official documents state that patients with severe hepatic (liver) impairment often require dose adjustments due to the prolonged half-life of the drug. Close monitoring of drug levels may be required during treatment.


Q: Can Clordelin Inyectable be used for long-term health maintenance?

A: Official regulatory documents state that this medication is intended for the treatment of serious acute infections. It is not described in official prescribing information for long-term health maintenance, management, or chronic disease prevention.


Q: Do the side effects of Clordelin Inyectable usually go away after a few weeks?

A: Many common side effects may resolve when the medication is stopped. However, the official label notes that one serious risk, irreversible aplastic anemia, may occur weeks or months after treatment has been finished. This delayed onset is a key factor in the drug's safety monitoring profile.


Q: What is meant by the term 'contraindication' when discussing Clordelin Inyectable?

A: A contraindication is a specific condition or factor that absolutely makes the use of the drug inappropriate because the risk of harm outweighs any potential benefit. For this medicine, a key absolute contraindication is a known allergy to the drug or related compounds.


Q: Why is Clordelin Inyectable only available as an injection and not in pill form?

A: The injectable form is necessary to ensure the drug achieves high, rapid, and complete systemic availability in the bloodstream. This rapid delivery is essential for effectively treating the severe bacterial infections for which the medication is indicated.


Q: Is Clordelin Inyectable a brand name, or is it the generic drug name?

A: The name 'Clordelin Inyectable' is a trade name or brand name. The authoritative content identifies the core components, Lincomycin and Chloramphenicol, as the generic active ingredients.


Q: Is there an official maximum recommended duration of treatment with Clordelin Inyectable?

A: Official regulatory documents typically define a minimum duration of therapy, such as 10 full days for susceptible streptococcal infections. However, they do not generally specify a fixed, official maximum duration outside of specific dosing guidelines.


Q: What is the difference between a common side effect and a serious adverse event for Clordelin Inyectable?

A: Common side effects (like headache or digestive issues) are generally manageable and reversible. Serious adverse events, like aplastic anemia or Gray Syndrome, are rare but potentially fatal and are treated as urgent warnings in the official product information.


Q: Is it possible for the body to build up a tolerance to Clordelin Inyectable over time?

A: Official information indicates that bacteria can develop biological resistance through mechanisms like enzyme changes. This resistance can reduce the drug's effectiveness against the infection it is meant to treat.


Q: Is the evidence for Clordelin Inyectable based on human trials, and what are the study sizes?

A: Yes, the initial regulatory authorization was based on historical, well-controlled clinical trials (human trials) for serious systemic infections. While this foundational evidence is noted, the specific sizes of these older studies are not typically detailed in modern patient-facing summaries.


Q: What kind of research evidence is available regarding the long-term use of Clordelin Inyectable?

A: The core evidence supporting this medication is historical and focuses on short-course treatment for acute, serious infections. Information regarding its long-term safety profile is primarily monitored through ongoing post-marketing surveillance programs.


Q: Where can I find the official regulatory document for Clordelin Inyectable (e.g., FDA label or SmPC)?

A: The full official prescribing information is publicly available and can be found in government databases. Key sources include the U.S. FDA's Drugs@FDA database and the National Institutes of Health's DailyMed service.


Q: What are the criteria for discontinuing use of Clordelin Inyectable?

A: Regulatory requirements state that the drug must be discontinued by a medical professional if a patient develops severe diarrhea. This action is required due to the potential risk of developing pseudomembranous colitis, a serious intestinal complication.


Q: Are there any documented cases of Clordelin Inyectable overdose and treatment?

A: Official information on overdose is available. It notes that the active ingredient, Lincomycin, is generally not removed effectively from the bloodstream by methods such as hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.


Q: What is the purpose of the initial loading dose often associated with Clordelin Inyectable?

A: A loading dose, which is a higher initial dose, is typically used in specific populations like newborns. Its purpose is to quickly raise the drug concentration in the blood to effective therapeutic levels for treating severe infections.


Q: Does research indicate any potential impact of Clordelin Inyectable on fertility?

A: Based on the available regulatory-cited data for the active ingredients, there is no evidence to suggest that this medication reduces fertility in either men or women.


Q: What are the official warnings about stopping Clordelin Inyectable suddenly?

A: Official regulatory documents emphasize that for certain susceptible streptococcal infections, therapy must be continued for a minimum of 10 full days. This is intended to minimize the risk of later complications, indicating that premature cessation is strongly discouraged.


Q: Can patients who are severely immunocompromised use Clordelin Inyectable?

A: Official warnings note that this drug can cause bone marrow depression, which may compromise the body’s ability to fight infection. The regulatory label specifies that close medical monitoring is required for severely ill patients due to this potential risk.


Q: Can Clordelin Inyectable be given in combination with other prescription treatments for the same condition?

A: The drug interaction profile advises against co-administration with certain other antibiotics, such as Erythromycin. This is due to the potential for an antagonistic (opposing) effect that would reduce the overall antibacterial action of the treatments.


Q: Can patients with pre-existing heart conditions use Clordelin Inyectable?

A: Official documents include warnings that severe cardiopulmonary reactions, including cardio-respiratory arrest and hypotension, have occurred when the intravenous dose was administered too rapidly. The regulatory label specifies that patients with pre-existing heart conditions require close medical monitoring during infusion.

How should Clordelin Inyectable be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Handling

Clordelin Inyectable (Lincomycin Injection) must be stored at controlled room temperature, specifically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The medication must be protected from light and it is explicitly prohibited to freeze the product, as stated in official labeling. To maintain stability, the injection is required to be kept in the original container until use.

Once the product is diluted for administration, its stability is limited; the solution must be visually inspected and any unused portion must be discarded after 24 hours. As with all prescription medications, the product must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal

Disposal of unused or expired Clordelin Inyectable must be completed according to local regulations provided by healthcare authorities. The medicine should not be disposed of by pouring it down a drain or flushing it down a toilet to comply with environmental protection guidelines.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Clordelin Inyectable found in:

A-Z Index: