Cleocin Pediatric is a U.S. brand name associated with clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride for oral solution, a prescription liquid antibiotic formulation. Its labeling describes 75 mg of clindamycin per 5 mL after preparation. This is a concentration, not an instruction to give a child 5 mL. For the formulation rather than the brand, see the oral solution guide.
A caregiver comparing pharmacy listings must distinguish the named oral liquid from Cleocin HCl capsules, topical acne products and vaginal clindamycin. The pharmacy-prepared liquid has product-specific preparation, storage and measuring instructions, and a pediatric dose can only be determined by the prescriber from clinical factors.
This page describes the Cleocin Pediatric brand entity, packaging and safe U.S. pharmacy questions. Broader care considerations belong to the pediatric clindamycin guide; all decisions about whether, when and how to use antibiotics in children require clinical care.
Cleocin Pediatric is an oral liquid clindamycin product whose active ingredient is clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride. The formulation is intended for oral use after preparation according to its package instructions, not for applying to the skin or using vaginally.
The brand name tells you the product family, but the prescription and actual pharmacy label identify what an individual child should receive. Never use brand similarity as a reason to interchange this liquid with Cleocin HCl capsules.
| Check | Cleocin Pediatric oral solution | Avoid confusing with |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride | Clindamycin phosphate topical gel |
| Route | Oral liquid | Skin or vaginal formulation |
| Concentration after preparation | 75 mg clindamycin / 5 mL | 75 mg oral capsule |
| Measurement | Prescriber-directed mL with calibrated device | Unmeasured household spoon |
| Preparation | Pharmacy follows exact label | At-home guessed dilution |
| Safety | Diarrhea/colitis warning and allergy review | Assuming liquid form is risk-free |
The common concentration on oral-solution labeling is 75 mg of clindamycin per 5 mL once prepared. This describes how much active clindamycin is present in a measured volume; it does not specify the prescribed volume, frequency or treatment duration for any child.
A pharmacist should verify the concentration against the order and provide a suitable measuring device with directions explained to the caregiver. Do not convert strengths from a capsule or internet dosing chart into an at-home liquid dose.
Clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride oral solution may also be available in generic labeling. An appropriate generic must match the intended medicine under substitution and dispensing rules, but brand history alone does not prove the pharmacy currently stocks Cleocin Pediatric.
The generic product overview covers route-specific clindamycin identities. The pharmacist can confirm brand availability, permitted alternatives and the prepared-liquid package.
Cleocin Pediatric is supplied as flavored granules that a pharmacy prepares as an oral solution. The branded label specifies the preparation method and the final 75 mg/5 mL concentration. Caregivers should confirm that the dispensed bottle has already been properly prepared and that the pharmacy has labeled the individualized volume and directions; they should not estimate dilution from photographs or another manufacturer’s product.
The Cleocin Pediatric labeling specifically says not to refrigerate the reconstituted solution because chilling can thicken it and make it hard to pour; the prepared solution is stable for two weeks at controlled room temperature. Ask the pharmacy for the exact preparation date, storage instructions and discard date on the supplied bottle. These instructions belong to this formulation and should not be copied to unrelated antibiotic suspensions.
A household teaspoon is not a reliable medication measuring tool. A pharmacist should provide or recommend an appropriate oral syringe or other calibrated device and explain how to measure the clinician-prescribed amount in milliliters.
Do not assume that 5 mL is always the correct administration volume simply because it appears in the concentration statement. The patient directions come from the authorized prescription, not the bottle’s strength description.
The child’s diagnosis, severity of illness, weight, age, allergies and medical history may affect whether clindamycin is appropriate. Antibiotics should not be used for viral illnesses or reused for another episode simply because an unfinished bottle remains.
Broader decision-making and caregiver questions are covered in the pediatric clindamycin care overview. This brand page does not provide a dosing calculator or a recommendation for a particular infection.
Clindamycin carries significant antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis risks, including C. difficile. Caregivers should contact a clinician promptly for severe or persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in stool or concerning systemic symptoms during or following treatment.
The C. difficile risk guide explains the warning in more depth. Do not simply give another antibiotic or antidiarrheal medicine without clinician advice.
Tell the prescriber and pharmacist about known allergies to clindamycin or lincomycin, previous antibiotic-associated colitis and all current medicines or supplements. A previous tolerated course does not guarantee the next exposure is suitable.
The pharmacist may review product ingredients and administration concerns for a specific child. Do not assume the excipients or flavors are identical across brand and generic liquid products.
The Cleocin Pediatric U.S. labeling was revised in May 2026 and shows a 100 mL reconstituted bottle with the 75 mg/5 mL concentration. The DailyMed NDC record distinguishes an older package identifier, 0009-0760-04, whose marketing ended in February 2025, from a newer listed package identifier, 0009-0760-12, which began in November 2025. Package history supports accurate product identification but is not a guarantee of stock at any individual U.S. pharmacy.
For questions about whether the specified formulation can be obtained, see the product availability guide. Product listings and archived labels should not be mistaken for verified stock.
Brand and generic coverage may differ by pharmacy network, insurer formulary, required quantity and whether the prescription specifies the brand. The dispensed volume is a clinical and pharmacy matter; an advertisement for a package with a different volume may not be comparable.
Ask for a quote for the actual prescribed formulation and amount. Our evergreen clindamycin pricing overview explains common cost factors without inventing current dollar prices.
At pickup, ask the pharmacist to confirm that the liquid is prepared as needed, that the concentration matches the order, that the measuring device is suitable and that storage or discard instructions are understood. The caregiver should be able to read the label and repeat the measurement explanation.
If the bottle, concentration or directions differ from what the prescriber explained, resolve the discrepancy before administration. A licensed pharmacist can also review practical challenges with administration and the child’s full medication list.
Verify clindamycin palmitate oral solution rather than a capsule or skin product; confirm the pharmacy-prepared 75 mg/5 mL concentration if prescribed; match the child’s name and directions; and ensure the caregiver understands measurement, storage and safety warnings.
An oral-solution label is not authorization for self-dosing. For prescription handling and legitimate pharmacy access, see the U.S. clindamycin prescription guide.
A brand of prescription clindamycin palmitate oral solution, commonly labeled 75 mg per 5 mL after preparation.
No. It is the liquid concentration, not a prescribed dose. Follow the clinician’s individualized directions.
No. Cleocin HCl is an oral capsule brand, while Cleocin Pediatric refers to an oral liquid formulation.
The branded prescribing label says not to refrigerate the reconstituted solution because it may thicken; it is stable for two weeks at controlled room temperature. Follow the exact storage and discard instructions supplied by the dispensing pharmacist.
Use the calibrated oral measuring device recommended by the pharmacist rather than a household spoon.
Generic clindamycin palmitate oral-solution labeling exists. Availability and appropriate substitution require pharmacy confirmation.
No. Pediatric antibiotic prescribing is individualized and requires a licensed clinician.
Seek prompt medical advice. Clindamycin carries warnings for serious antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis.
No. Confirm the exact product and any substitution with the dispensing pharmacy.