Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used in the treatment of orofacial infections caused by anaerobic bacteria. It is also active against aerobic bacteria, such as streptococci and staphylococci. Clindamycin is an alternate drug used for patients who are allergic to or intolerant of penicillin and penicillin-derived drugs. Oral infections often involve infection caused by more than one type of bacteria. Since clindamycin is effective against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, it can treat a wide variety of bacterial pathogens and is therefore a good choice for infections of the teeth, gums, and mouth. Though most patients take clindamycin orally, in some cases, the drug may also be given intravenously. The dose a patient is prescribed will depend on the type of infection being treated as well as patient factors such as age and weight. Though clindamycin has a low risk of serious side effects, it can cause stomach upset, throat irritation, and loss of appetite.