Clindamycin (Dalacin C) is an approved antibiotic that has been investigated as an alternative treatment for toxoplasmosis and Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), often in combination with pyrimethamine (Darapim) or primaquine.

Clindamycin is considered to be of limited usefulness because of its potentially serious side-effects, including pseudo-membranous colitis (which can be fatal), diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, liver impairment, blood abnormalities and rash. However, a recent trial reported that people taking clindamycin experienced fewer side-effects compared with people on standard treatment for PCP^[1].

Clindamycin is available either in capsule form or as a liquid for intramuscular injection or intravenous infusion. It is usually used in combination with primaquine for PCP and in combination with pyrimethamine for toxoplasmosis.

Clindamycin is manufactured by Pharmacia & Upjohn.