WHY ARE THE IVs NECESSARY IN SEVERE OR LONG STANDING DISEASE?
In severe or long standing disease, or in very resistant cases, the oral route may be inadequate for the antibiotic to reach its target and suppress antigen formation. The intravenous clindamycin would then be required. The IV clindamycin jump-starts the therapy, eradicating long-standing microorganisms in the gut, respiratory tract and other areas, creating greater receptivity for the tetracycline drug. IV clindamycin therapy is recommended in the treatment of all scleroderma patients from mild to severe. When lab figures return to normal, these patients may still require occasional IVs or a weekly dose of oral clindamycin to remain stable.
