What are the primary uses of clindamycin. How should it be administered. What are the potential side effects of clindamycin. Who should avoid taking clindamycin. How does clindamycin interact with other medications.

Understanding Clindamycin: An Overview of the Antibiotic

Clindamycin is a powerful antibiotic used to combat serious bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of medications known as lincomycin derivatives. This versatile drug is available in various forms, including oral capsules, liquid solutions, and injectable formulations.

The antibiotic exists in three salt forms: clindamycin phosphate, clindamycin hydrochloride, and clindamycin nicotinamide. While these forms differ slightly in their chemical composition, they all convert to active clindamycin once inside the body or applied to the skin.

Different Forms of Clindamycin

• Clindamycin phosphate: Commonly used in intravenous, intramuscular, and topical formulations
• Clindamycin hydrochloride: Primarily used in oral forms
• Clindamycin nicotinamide: Another topical form of the antibiotic

Can clindamycin treat viral infections? No, clindamycin is not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu. It specifically targets bacterial infections and should only be used as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

The Medical Applications of Clindamycin

Clindamycin plays a crucial role in treating various bacterial infections. Its broad spectrum of activity makes it effective against many types of bacteria, particularly those responsible for serious infections.

Common Uses of Clindamycin

• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Dental infections
• Certain types of bacterial vaginosis

Is clindamycin effective against all types of bacteria? While clindamycin has a broad spectrum of activity, it is not effective against all bacteria. Some strains may be resistant to the antibiotic, which is why it’s crucial to use it only as prescribed and complete the full course of treatment.

Proper Dosage and Administration of Clindamycin

The correct dosage and administration of clindamycin are essential for its effectiveness and to minimize the risk of side effects. The dosage varies depending on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient’s age and overall health.

Oral Administration

When taking clindamycin orally:

• Take the capsule with a full glass of water to prevent throat irritation
• Use the provided dosing syringe or a medicine dose-measuring device for liquid formulations
• Follow the prescribed dosage schedule strictly

Injectable Administration

For injectable clindamycin:

• A healthcare provider typically administers the first dose
• They may teach you how to self-administer subsequent doses
• Follow proper injection techniques and hygiene practices

How long should one take clindamycin? The duration of treatment varies depending on the infection being treated. Always complete the full prescribed course, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Clindamycin

Like all medications, clindamycin can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences them, it’s important to be aware of potential adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Skin rash or itching
• Vaginal yeast infection

Serious Side Effects

Some side effects require immediate medical attention:

• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
• Fever
• Severe skin reactions
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Can clindamycin cause life-threatening intestinal problems? Yes, in rare cases, clindamycin can lead to severe diarrhea and potentially life-threatening intestinal conditions. If you experience persistent or bloody diarrhea, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately.

Precautions and Contraindications for Clindamycin Use

Certain individuals may be at higher risk for adverse reactions to clindamycin or may need to avoid the medication altogether.

Who Should Exercise Caution?

Inform your healthcare provider if you have:

• A history of colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Asthma or eczema
• Allergies to aspirin or yellow food dye

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Considerations

While animal studies haven’t shown harm to fetuses, the effects on human pregnancies are not fully known. Clindamycin does pass into breast milk and may affect nursing infants. Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking clindamycin.

Is clindamycin safe for all age groups? Clindamycin injection may contain ingredients that can be harmful to very young or premature infants. Always consult a pediatrician before administering clindamycin to children.

Drug Interactions and Considerations

Clindamycin can interact with various medications and substances, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.

Common Drug Interactions

• Erythromycin and other macrolide antibiotics
• Certain muscle relaxants
• Drugs used in anesthesia
• Some antidiarrheal medications

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting clindamycin treatment.

Should you avoid alcohol while taking clindamycin? While there’s no direct interaction between clindamycin and alcohol, consuming alcohol may exacerbate certain side effects like stomach upset. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider about alcohol consumption during treatment.

Proper Storage and Handling of Clindamycin

Correct storage and handling of clindamycin are crucial for maintaining its effectiveness and safety.

Storage Guidelines

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
• Protect injectable forms from high temperatures
• Do not refrigerate the oral liquid form
• Discard unused oral liquid after two weeks

How should you dispose of expired or unused clindamycin? Proper disposal of antibiotics is important to prevent environmental contamination and antibiotic resistance. Follow local guidelines for medication disposal or ask your pharmacist about take-back programs.

Monitoring and Follow-up During Clindamycin Treatment

Regular monitoring is essential during clindamycin treatment to ensure its effectiveness and detect any potential complications early.

Monitoring Considerations

• Regular medical tests may be required during treatment
• Report any persistent or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider
• Be vigilant for signs of severe diarrhea or allergic reactions
• Follow up with your healthcare provider as scheduled

When should you see improvement in symptoms? While the timeline can vary depending on the infection being treated, you should generally start to see improvement within a few days of starting clindamycin. If symptoms persist or worsen after several days of treatment, consult your healthcare provider.

Clindamycin is a potent antibiotic that plays a crucial role in treating serious bacterial infections. However, its use requires careful consideration of potential side effects, drug interactions, and individual health factors. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any concerns promptly to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Clindamycin Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Generic name: clindamycin (oral/injection) [ klin-da-MYE-sin ]
Brand names: Cleocin HCl, Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin Phosphate, Cleocin Phosphate ADD-Vantage, Clindesse, ClindaMax Vaginal
Drug class: Lincomycin derivatives

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 3, 2023.

What is clindamycin?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Clindamycin is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria.

Clindamycin is usually available as one of three salts: clindamycin phosphate, clindamycin hydrochloride, or clindamycin nicotinamide. These salt forms are all prodrugs of clindamycin but once inside the body or applied to the skin, they are rapidly converted to active clindamycin by hydrolysis. All three salt forms of clindamycin: clindamycin phosphate, clindamycin hydrochloride, and clindamycin nicotinamide have the same antimicrobial spectrum and effectiveness.

Clindamycin phosphate salts are usually used for intravenous, intramuscular, and topical formulations of clindamycin. Clindamycin hydrochloride salts are usually used for oral forms of clindamycin, and clindamycin nicotinamide is another topical form of clindamycin.

Clindamycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Clindamycin can cause diarrhea, which may be severe or lead to serious, life-threatening intestinal problems. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using this medicine and call your doctor.

Before using clindamycin, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, an intestinal disorder such as colitis or Crohn’s disease, or a history of asthma, eczema, or allergic skin reaction.

Take clindamycin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Clindamycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin.

To make sure clindamycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• colitis, Crohn’s disease, or other intestinal disorder;

• eczema, or allergic skin reaction;

• liver disease;

• asthma or a severe allergic reaction to aspirin;

• an allergy to yellow food dye.

Animal studies have not shown any harm during pregnancy, but in humans, it is not known whether clindamycin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Clindamycin does pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. If you are breastfeeding while taking this medicine, call your doctor if your baby has diaper rash, redness or white patches in the mouth or throat, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea that is watery or bloody. Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding before taking clindamycin.

Clindamycin injection may contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young or premature babies. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use clindamycin?

Take clindamycin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Clindamycin oral is taken by mouth. Clindamycin injection is injected into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Take the capsule with a full glass of water to keep it from irritating your throat.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You may need frequent medical tests during treatment.

If you need surgery, let your surgeon know you use clindamycin as it may interact with certain drugs used for anesthesia.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Clindamycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Protect the injectable medicine from high heat.

Do not store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused oral liquid after 2 weeks.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using clindamycin?

Do not use clindamycin at the same time as the antibiotic, erythromycin.

Clindamycin side effects

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using clindamycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to clindamycin: (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. This reaction may occur several weeks after you began using clindamycin.

Clindamycin can cause diarrhea, which may be severe or lead to serious, life-threatening intestinal problems. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using clindamycin and call your doctor.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• any change in bowel habits;

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• little or no urination; or

• a metallic taste in your mouth (after clindamycin injection).

Common clindamycin side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• mild skin rash; or

• vaginal itching or discharge;

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect clindamycin?

Other drugs may interact with clindamycin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Popular FAQ

There are several antibiotics that kill the common mouth bacteria that cause tooth infections. The best (first-line) antibiotics for tooth infection include: Amoxicillin, Penicillin, Cephalexin, Clindamycin, Azithromycin. Amoxicillin is often the first choice because it is widely effective and has the fewest gastrointestinal side effects. Continue reading

Penicillin or amoxicillin are considered the best first-line treatments for Strep throat. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) “ There has never been a report of a clinical isolate of group A strep that is resistant to penicillin”. For people with a penicillin allergy, treat Strep throat with either a narrow-spectrum cephalosporin (such as cephalexin or cefadroxil), clindamycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin. Note that resistance to azithromycin and clarithromycin has been reported. Continue reading

Clindamycin is a strong broad-spectrum antibiotic, typically prescribed for serious infections, such as life-threatening methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin infections. Continue reading

Yes, you can. It is recommended that the use of the antibiotic clindamycin be reserved for patients who are allergic to penicillin or for those patients a healthcare provider determines penicillin to be an inappropriate treatment. Continue reading

No, clindamycin is not a penicillin antibiotic. Instead, it belongs to a class of medications known as lincomycin antibiotics, or lincosamides. Clindamycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, with the ability to impact many types of bacteria in the body. Continue reading

More FAQ

• Why can’t you lay down after taking clindamycin?
• Can clindamycin be used to treat chlamydia?

View more FAQ

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Other brands

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 12.01.

Clindamycin Oral Capsule Side Effects: Mild to Serious

If you have an infection, you may be interested in learning more about clindamycin. It’s a generic prescription drug used to treat certain infections in adults and children, including:

• genital or pelvic infections
• skin infections
• respiratory infections

Clindamycin comes as a capsule that you swallow. It also comes as a liquid solution that you swallow and in vaginal, topical, and injectable forms. But this article focuses on the capsule form.

Clindamycin is typically used as a short-term treatment. This article describes clindamycin’s side effects. For more information about clindamycin, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their clindamycin treatment. Examples of clindamycin’s commonly reported side effects include:

• itching
• nausea and vomiting
• mild diarrhea
• abdominal (stomach) pain*

Read on to learn about other possible mild and serious side effects of clindamycin.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Clindamycin’s side effects explained” section below.

Some people may have mild side effects while taking clindamycin. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with this drug include:

• nausea and vomiting
• mild diarrhea
• mild skin reactions, such as itching, rash, and hives
• metallic taste in your mouth
• vaginal infections
• abdominal (stomach) pain*
• joint pain and swelling*
• mild allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Clindamycin’s side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using clindamycin. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking clindamycin unless your doctor recommends it.

Clindamycin may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Serious side effects are not common with clindamycin, but they can occur.

Serious side effects that have been reported with clindamycin include:

• kidney problems, such as urinating a smaller amount than usual
• liver problems, such as abnormal results of liver function tests
• low levels of certain blood cells, such as white blood cells and platelets (a type of red blood cell)
• swelling, irritation, or sores in your esophagus
• severe skin reactions, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
• risk of severe diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)*
• severe allergic reaction†

If you develop serious side effects while taking clindamycin, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* Clindamycin has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Clindamycin’s side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using clindamycin. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies. To learn more, see the “Clindamycin side effects explained” section below.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with clindamycin, visit MedWatch.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about clindamycin’s side effects.

How do side effects of clindamycin capsules compare with those of its topical forms, such as the lotion, gel, or vaginal cream?

The capsule and topical forms of clindamycin may have different side effects.

To view a list of possible side effects of clindamycin capsules, see the “What are the mild side effects of clindamycin?” and “What are the serious side effects of clindamycin?” sections above.

Topical forms of clindamycin can be applied to an affected area of the skin. These forms of the drug aren’t typically absorbed by the rest of your body. As a result, topical forms of clindamycin mainly cause side effects that affect your skin.

Examples of possible side effects from topical forms of clindamycin include skin dryness, peeling, and burning. And clindamycin vaginal cream may cause swelling or pain in the vagina.

If you have questions about side effects of clindamycin based on the form of the drug you’re using, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does the 300-mg strength of clindamycin cause different side effects compared with other strengths?

No, it’s not likely. The side effects of clindamycin are expected to be the same regardless of the strength you take.

Clindamycin capsules are available in three strengths:

• 75 milligrams (mg)
• 150 mg
• 300 mg

You could have a greater risk of side effects if you take a higher dosage of the drug. But this hasn’t been shown in studies of clindamycin.

For lists of possible side effects, see the “What are the mild side effects of clindamycin?” and “What are the serious side effects of clindamycin?” sections above.

Can clindamycin be used in cats or dogs? If so, will they experience different side effects?

Yes, a veterinarian may recommend clindamycin for use in cats or dogs.

It’s important to note that you should not give your pet medication that you’ve been prescribed by your doctor.

To learn about possible side effects of the drug when used in cats or dogs, talk with your pet’s veterinarian.

Will I experience side effects after stopping clindamycin?

It’s not likely. Stopping clindamycin treatment isn’t known to cause any specific side effects.

But it’s still important to take clindamycin exactly as recommended by your doctor. This includes taking all of the clindamycin you’re prescribed. You should do so even if the symptoms of your infection have stopped before you finish your treatment with clindamycin.

This is because stopping clindamycin treatment early could cause your infection to come back. And it’s possible the infection may be harder to treat than previously.

If you have questions about stopping clindamycin treatment, talk with your doctor.

Does clindamycin cause long-term side effects?

Yes, clindamycin may cause long-term side effects. But how long these side effects last can vary from person to person.

Most side effects of clindamycin are expected to be mild and should ease within hours to days of taking your first dose. But in rare cases, side effects may last longer.

For example, kidney and liver problems from clindamycin could last for weeks or months after you stop taking the drug.

In addition, clindamycin has a boxed warning for the risk of diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff).* This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Your risk of this side effect can continue for up to 2 months after you’ve stopped taking this drug.

For more details about what to expect with clindamycin treatment, talk with your doctor.

* To learn more, see the “Clindamycin’s side effects explained” section below.

Learn more about some of the side effects clindamycin may cause.

Risk of diarrhea caused by C. diff

Clindamycin has a boxed warning for the risk of diarrhea due to a bacterium called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

It’s not clear how often this side effect occurred in studies of the drug.

C. diff is a bacterium that may live in your intestine. Taking antibiotics such as clindamycin can cause an overgrowth of this bacterium. This could lead to a C. diff infection.

The main symptom of a C. diff infection is diarrhea, which can be mild to severe. Other symptoms include abdominal (stomach) pain, loss of appetite, and bloody stool. In rare cases, a C. diff infection can be fatal. If you have concerns about your risk of this side effect with clindamycin, talk with your doctor before starting treatment.

Keep in mind that your risk of diarrhea caused by C. diff can continue for up to 2 months after you’ve stopped taking clindamycin.

Because of the risk of diarrhea caused by C. diff, doctors usually will not prescribe clindamycin for infections that are mild or have other treatment options.

What might help

If you have diarrhea with clindamycin, tell your doctor right away. They may test your stool for C. diff to find out if this is the cause of your diarrhea.

If you have a C. diff infection, your doctor will likely have you stop taking clindamycin. And they’ll prescribe treatment for your C. diff infection.

Abdominal (stomach) pain

Abdominal (stomach) pain is a possible side effect of clindamycin. But it’s not clear how often this side effect occurred in studies of the drug.

Keep in mind that belly pain can be a symptom of a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. And clindamycin has a boxed warning for the risk of diarrhea due to this bacterium. For details, see “Risk of diarrhea caused by C. diff” directly above.

What might help

If you have stomach pain while taking clindamycin, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the cause of your pain and recommend ways to ease it.

Joint pain and swelling

Clindamycin may cause joint pain and swelling. But it isn’t known how often this side effect was reported in studies of the drug.

What might help

If you have bothersome joint pain and swelling with clindamycin, talk with your doctor. It’s especially important to tell them if your symptoms are long lasting. They can help determine whether clindamycin may be the cause.

Your doctor can also suggest ways to relieve your joint pain and swelling. For example, they may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Aleve, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, clindamycin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
• swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

• an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to clindamycin, they’ll decide whether you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to clindamycin, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your clindamycin treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

• what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
• how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
• what your symptoms were
• how it affected your daily activities
• what other medications you were taking
• any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how clindamycin affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Below are important warnings for clindamycin.

Boxed warning: Risk of diarrhea caused by C. diff

Clindamycin has a boxed warning for the risk of diarrhea due to a bacterium called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Because of this risk, doctors usually will not prescribe clindamycin for infections that are mild or have other treatment options.

To learn more, see the “Clindamycin’s side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

Clindamycin may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These are known as drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether clindamycin is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting clindamycin. Factors to consider include those described below.

Liver problems. It should be safe to take clindamycin if you have a liver problem. But be sure to tell your doctor if you have a severe liver problem, such as liver failure. In some cases, your doctor may give you a lower dosage of clindamycin.

If you have a severe liver problem, your doctor may do liver function tests from time to time during your clindamycin treatment. This is because the drug may cause liver problems, which could worsen any severe liver problem you already have.

Digestive system problems. Before taking clindamycin, tell your doctor if you have a digestive system problem. This is especially important if you have colitis (swelling of your large intestine).

Clindamycin may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects could worsen any digestive system problem you already have. Your doctor can tell you if it’s safe to take clindamycin with your condition.

Allergic conditions. Before taking clindamycin, tell your doctor if you have an allergic condition. Examples include asthma and atopic dermatitis (eczema). You may have a higher risk of skin reactions, such as itching and rash, as a side effect of clindamycin.

Your doctor can tell you whether it’s safe to take clindamycin if you have an allergic condition.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to clindamycin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe clindamycin. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Being age 65 years or older. Older adults may have a higher risk of diarrhea from clindamycin. If you’re age 65 years or older, your doctor will determine whether this drug is right for you.

Alcohol and clindamycin

It should be safe to drink alcohol during your clindamycin treatment.

But it’s important to note that drinking alcohol can worsen certain side effects of clindamycin. For example, combining alcohol and clindamycin could worsen any nausea and vomiting you have with the drug. For this reason, your doctor may suggest that you limit or avoid alcohol while taking the drug.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about the amount (if any) that may be safe for you to consume while taking clindamycin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking clindamycin

Studies of clindamycin have shown the drug to be safe if it’s taken in the last 6 months of pregnancy. But the drug hasn’t been studied in the first 3 months of pregnancy. It isn’t known if clindamycin is safe to take during this time.

It’s unknown whether clindamycin is safe to take while breastfeeding. Studies have shown that the drug passes into breast milk. This may cause certain side effects in a breastfed child. Examples include diarrhea, diaper rash, and bloody stool.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before starting clindamycin treatment. They can help determine whether this drug is right for you.

Clindamycin is used to treat certain infections. Both mild and serious side effects from clindamycin are possible. If you have any questions about side effects of the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Below are a few questions you may want to ask your doctor to help determine whether clindamycin is right for you:

• Could any other medications I take increase my risk of side effects from clindamycin?
• How do the side effects of clindamycin compare with those of other drugs used to treat infections?
• If I have side effects from clindamycin, will I need to stop taking it?

You can also ask your doctor about Cleocin, which is the brand-name version of clindamycin capsules. And they can tell you about other forms of clindamycin and their brand names.

A generic drug and its brand-name version are expected to have the same side effects because they contain the same active ingredient. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Cleocin (clindamycin) side effects, warnings, uses

Cleocin

• Generic Name: Clindamycin
• Brand Name: Cleocin

• Overview
• Consumer Information
• Professional Information
• Related Resources

Clindamycin Side Effects Center

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

What is clindamycin?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria. Clindamycin is available in generic form.

What are the side effects of clindamycin?

Common side effects of clindamycin include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• joint pain,
• vaginal itching or else fire,
• skin rash or itching,
• heartburn,
• sore throat, or
• changes in bowel habits (especially in the elderly).

Tell your doctor if you experience any serious side effects of clindamycin, including:

• yellowing of the eyes/skin (jaundice),
• dark urine, or
• change in the amount of urine.

Dosage for clindamycin

The adult dose of clindamycin is 150 to 300 mg every 6 hours. For more severe infections, 300 to 450 mg every 6 hours.

Clindamycin in children

The dose for pediatric patients is 8 to 16 mg/kg/day divided into three or four equal doses. For more severe infections, 16 to 20 mg/kg/day divided into three or four equal doses.

What drugs, substances or supplements interact with clindamycin?

Other drugs may interact with clindamycin HCl. Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines and supplements you are taking.

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Clindamycin during pregnancy and lactation

During pregnancy, Clindamycin should only be used as directed. This medicine passes into breast milk. Although there have been no reports of harm to infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

More Information

Our Clindamycin Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive overview of available drug information about the potential side effects of this medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and they may occur. Ask your doctor about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Clindamycin Consumer Information

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (urticaria, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat) pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical attention if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, severe weakness, unusual bruising or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

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• any change in bowel habits;
• severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, watery or bloody;
• little or no urination; or
• metallic taste in the mouth (after injection of clindamycin).

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain;
• mild skin rash; or
• vaginal itching or discharge;

This is not a complete list of side effects and they may occur. Ask your doctor about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the full patient monograph for Clindamycin

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Learn More ‘ Clindamycin Professional Information

SIDE EFFECTS

The following reactions have been reported with the use of clindamycin.

Infections and infestations: Clostridium difficile colitis

Gastrointestinal tract: Abdominal pain, pseudomembranous colitis, esophagitis, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (see WARNING IN THE BOX ). Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis may appear during or after antibiotic treatment (see WARNINGS ). Esophageal ulcer has been reported. An unpleasant or metallic taste has been reported after oral ingestion.

Hypersensitivity reactions: The most common adverse reactions are mild to moderate generalized morbilliform-like (maculopapular) skin rashes. During drug therapy, vesiculobullous rashes were observed, as well as urticaria. Serious skin reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, some fatal, have been reported (see WARNING ). Cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), erythema multiforme, some of which resemble Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anaphylactic shock, anaphylactic reaction, and hypersensitivity have also been reported.

Skin and mucous membranes: Itching, vaginitis, angioedema and rare cases of exfoliative dermatitis have been reported. (See Hypersensitivity reactions .)

Liver: Jaundice and abnormal liver function tests have been observed during clindamycin therapy.

Renal: Although no direct association of clindamycin with renal damage has been established, renal impairment has been observed as evidenced by azotemia, oliguria and/or proteinuria.

Hematopoiesis: Transient neutropenia (leukopenia) and eosinophilia have been reported. There have been reports of agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia. No direct etiological relationship with concomitant clindamycin therapy could be established in any of the above.

Immune system: Cases of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported.

Musculoskeletal: Cases of polyarthritis have been reported.

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Read all FDA Prescribing Information for Clindamycin

Read More’ Related Resources for Clindamycin

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• Nuvessa

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• Tylenol

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Clindamycin Patient Information is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.