The story of clindamycin begins in 1953, when researchers at the Upjohn Company discovered a natural antibiotic called lincomycin. It was isolated from a soil-dwelling bacterium known as Streptomyces lincolnensis, found in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Although lincomycin showed promise, its clinical use was limited due to poor absorption and moderate potency. To overcome these limitations, scientists began modifying its structure.

In 1966, they successfully developed a more effective version by chemically altering lincomycin — specifically by replacing a hydroxyl group with a chlorine atom. This small change resulted in a new compound called clindamycin, which had improved antibacterial activity and better absorption in the human body.

This marked a significant advancement in antibiotic therapy, offering a more reliable option against Gram-positive bacteria and anaerobes, especially for patients allergic to penicillin.

Common side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  
  

• Skin rash, itching
  
  

• Pain at injection site
  
  

Serious side effects:

• Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can be severe or fatal
  
  

• Allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling)
  
  

• Liver function abnormalities
  
  

• Blood disorders (rare