ScienceAugust 13, 2026

clindamycin

klin-duh-MY-sin

Definition

A lincosamide antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.

Etymology

The name is a portmanteau derived from 'lincomycin,' a similar antibiotic discovered in the soil bacterium Streptomyces lincolnensis, with the 'clinda-' prefix indicating the chemical modification of replacing a hydroxyl group with a chlorine atom.

In the news

In this article, clindamycin is mentioned as a clinical example of an antibiotic that can significantly disrupt the gut microbiome, highlighting the balance needed when using such potent medications.

Show 1483: Plant Power: Feed Your Gut and Fight Inflammation

Read the full article ↗

The People's Pharmacy

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