Clindamycin Pathway


Clindamycin is a semisynthetic derivative of lincomycin, a natural antibiotic produced by the actinobacterium Streptomyces lincolnensis. Lincosamides (e.g. lincomycin, clindamycin) are a class of drugs that bind to the 23S portion of the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes and inhibit early elongation of peptide chain by inhibiting transpeptidase reaction. In this sense, they have a similar action to macrolides. Clindamycin has a bacteriostatic effect. It is used primarily to treat infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, including infections of the respiratory tract, skin and soft tissue infections, and peritonitis. In patients with hypersensitivity to penicillins, clindamycin may be used to treat infections caused by susceptible aerobic bacteria as well. Clindamycin may also be used in combination with chloroquine and quinine to treat malaria caused by Pasmodium falciparum. It is commonly used as a topical treatment for acne, and can be useful against some methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Clindamycin may also be used to treat bone and joint infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

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References

  1. Dalacin C. (2009). [Electronic version]. e-CPS. Retrieved July 17, 2009.
  2. Song, K.S. (2004). Ribosomal protein synthesis inhibitors. In S. Offermanns, & W. Rosenthal (Eds.). Encyclopedic reference of molecular pharmacology (pp. 827-833). Berlin, Germany: Springer.