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
† 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
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
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
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 effectsDuring 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
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.)
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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.