clindamycin + rifampin

Clindamycin + rifampin is a combination of two antibiotics used primarily for the treatment of certain bacterial infections where dual therapy is indicated. Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 23S rRNA of the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing peptide chain initiation and elongation. Rifampin (also known as rifampicin) belongs to the rifamycin group and acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking RNA synthesis and thus halting protein production[1][6][8]. This combination is often used in conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and staphylococcal osteoarticular infections (SOAI), especially when monotherapy may be insufficient or resistance risk is high[1][3][5]. The use of both drugs together can reduce inflammation in addition to their antibacterial effects. However, co-administration leads to significant pharmacokinetic interactions; specifically, rifampin induces hepatic enzymes that markedly lower blood levels of clindamycin—potentially reducing its efficacy[2][3][4][5]. Both drugs are approved individually for various infections but their combined use for some indications like HS may be off-label[1].

Brand names

DalacinCleocinRifadinRimactane

Other names

clindamycin + rifampicin