TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE (clindamycin phosphate)

Infectious Disease Approved 1972-10-02

CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE is indicated for the treatment of Anaerobic Bacterial Infections; Streptococcal Infections; Pneumococcal Infections; Staphylococcal Infections; Lower Respiratory Tract Infections; Pneumonia; Empyema; Lung Abscess; Skin and Skin Structure Infections; Gynecological Infections.

Source: FDA Label • Pfizer

How CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE Works

Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 23S RNA of the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome. This action interferes with the assembly of the ribosome and the translation process. Clindamycin is typically classified as bacteriostatic.

2
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
53
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1972-10-02
Routes
INJECTION
Dosage Forms
INJECTABLE

CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE Approval History

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Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
52 FDA actions from 1972 to 2026
Mar 2026 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Feb 2026 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
May 2022 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE Treats

10 indications

CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE is approved for 10 conditions since its original approval in 1972. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Anaerobic Bacterial Infections
  • Streptococcal Infections
  • Pneumococcal Infections
  • Staphylococcal Infections
  • Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Empyema
  • Lung Abscess
Source: FDA Label

CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE Boxed Warning

WARNING Clostridioides difficile- associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . Because CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE therapy has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally, it should be reserved for serious infections where less toxic antimicrobial...

CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE

3 of 20

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

LINCOCIN
LINCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE
3 shared
PHARMACIA AND UPJOHN
Shared indications:
Streptococcal InfectionsPneumococcal InfectionsStaphylococcal Infections
AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM
AMOXICILLIN
2 shared
DEVA HOLDING AS
Shared indications:
Lower respiratory tract infectionsSkin and skin structure infections
AMPICILLIN AND SULBACTAM
AMPICILLIN SODIUM
2 shared
ISTITUTO BIO ITA SPA
Shared indications:
Skin and Skin Structure InfectionsGynecological Infections
📋

Clinical Trial Registry

3 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT04469075 19-342 Ph 2 active not recruiting Clindamycin and Triamcinolone in People With Glioblastoma to Prevent Skin-Related Side Effects of Tumor Treating Fields
NCT04321070 CLPL 1907 Ph 1 completed Bio-equivalence Study With Clinical Endpoints in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris
NCT00616330 CBC-302-602-622467 Ph 3 completed Vaginal Infection Study
🔬

Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE is indicated for the treatment of Anaerobic Bacterial Infections; Streptococcal Infections; Pneumococcal Infections; Staphylococcal Infections; Lower Respiratory Tract Infections; Pneumonia; Empyema; Lung Abscess; Skin and Skin Structure Infections; Gynecological Infections.

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

WARNING Clostridioides difficile- associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to o...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.