Dalacin C 300 Mg Capsule (10 Cap)

DALACIN C 300 MG CAPSULE is an antibiotic medication manufactured by Pfizer Limited, widely used to treat various bacterial infections.

• Name

  • Brand Name: DALACIN C
  • Common Name: Clindamycin (as clindamycin hydrochloride)

• Composition Each capsule contains clindamycin hydrochloride equivalent to 300 mg of clindamycin. Inactive ingredients typically include maize starch, lactose monohydrate, talc, and magnesium stearate.

• Uses DALACIN C 300 MG CAPSULE is prescribed for serious bacterial infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria and susceptible strains of gram-positive aerobic bacteria (such as streptococci, staphylococci, and pneumococci). These include:

  • Upper and lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., tonsillitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, bronchitis).
  • Skin and soft tissue infections.
  • Bone and joint infections.
  • Dental infections (e.g., periodontal abscess).
  • Toxoplasmic encephalitis and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with AIDS. It is not effective against viral infections.

• Dosage and Administration

  • Adults: The usual daily dose is 600-1800 mg, divided into 2, 3, or 4 equal administrations. For serious anaerobic infections, doses may range from 150-300 mg every 6 hours, potentially up to 450 mg every 6 hours for severe cases. Doses up to 4800 mg daily have been used in very serious infections.
  • Children (over 1 month, able to swallow capsules): Dosage is typically 8-25 mg/kg/day, divided into 3 or 4 equal doses, depending on the severity of the infection.
  • Administration: Capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water, at least 30 minutes before lying down, to prevent esophageal irritation. For beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections, treatment should continue for a minimum of 10 days.

• Side Effects

  • Common: Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, skin rash, and vaginal itching or discharge.
  • Serious: Severe or persistent diarrhea (which may indicate Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea or pseudomembranous colitis), severe skin reactions such as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Other serious effects include severe allergic reactions and acute kidney injury.

• Precautions

  • Contraindications: DALACIN C is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any other component of the formulation.
  • Warnings: Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis, due to the risk of severe diarrhea. Liver and kidney function should be monitored during prolonged therapy, especially in patients with pre-existing dysfunction. Clindamycin does not adequately diffuse into cerebrospinal fluid, so it should not be used for meningitis. It may interact with neuromuscular blocking agents and can affect the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills. Increased coagulation tests and bleeding may occur with Vitamin K antagonists (e.g., warfarin). DALACIN C should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if clearly needed.

• Storage Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, at a temperature below 25°C or 30°C. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

What is Dalacin C 300 mg Capsule used for?

Dalacin C 300 mg Capsule is an antibiotic primarily used to treat various bacterial infections in the body. These can include infections of the skin, respiratory tract (like pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis), female reproductive organs, stomach, intestines, bones, joints, and blood. It is important to note that Dalacin C is not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

How does Dalacin C 300 mg Capsule work?

Dalacin C contains the active ingredient Clindamycin. It works by preventing bacteria from producing essential proteins required for their growth and survival. This action inhibits bacterial growth and reproduction, effectively stopping the infection from spreading.

What is the usual dosage of Dalacin C 300 mg Capsule?

For adults, the typical oral dosage ranges from 600 mg to 1800 mg per day, divided into 2, 3, or 4 equal doses, depending on the severity of the infection. It is advised to take the capsule whole with a full glass of water and avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking it to prevent esophageal irritation. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding dosage and duration.

What are the possible side effects of Dalacin C 300 mg Capsule?

Common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, and skin rash. More serious, though less common, side effects can include severe diarrhea (which may contain blood or mucus and could indicate Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)), severe skin reactions (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome), and vaginal itching or discharge. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Is Dalacin C 300 mg Capsule safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, Dalacin C should only be used if clearly necessary and after a thorough discussion with your doctor, as the active ingredient clindamycin can cross the placenta. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding because clindamycin can pass into breast milk and potentially cause adverse effects on the infant's digestive system, such as diarrhea or blood in the stool.

Can Dalacin C 300 mg Capsule be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, you are currently taking. Dalacin C may interact with certain medications such as muscle relaxants (potentially enhancing their effect), other antibiotics (like erythromycin or rifampicin), blood thinners (like warfarin, which may increase the risk of bleeding), and oral contraceptive pills (which may reduce their effectiveness). Additionally, avoid taking Dalacin C while receiving live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine), as it may reduce the vaccine's activity.

What precautions should be taken while using Dalacin C 300 mg Capsule?

Before taking Dalacin C, inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal issues, especially colitis or Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. Do not use this medicine if you have a known allergy to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any of its components. Always complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning or developing antibiotic resistance.

What happens if a dose of Dalacin C 300 mg Capsule is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects.

How should Dalacin C 300 mg Capsule be stored?

Store Dalacin C 300 mg Capsules in a cool, dry place, typically below 25°C or 30°C, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the medication out of the sight and reach of children.