Skip to main content

Clindamycin for Bacterial Infection User Reviews (Page 5)

Brand names: Cleocin, Cleocin Phosphate ADD-Vantage, Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin HCl, Cleocin Phosphate

Clindamycin has an average rating of 5.5 out of 10 from a total of 473 reviews for the treatment of Bacterial Infection. 40% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 36% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Clindamycin

  • Ftuser
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 2, 2014

"I had a severe dental and gum infection. After two bouts of penicillin my dentist prescribed Clindamyacin. I have two days left of seven. I read all the Rx materials and nothing on it about not laying down. Every night I got heartburn. This morning my stomach is in knots and I have terrible heartburn. Your comments here have helped me feel at ease about it. I have been eating yogurt and taking probiotics to help but not at my 3:30 am dose. Will fix that right away. It has helped my infection."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
38 Report
  • Baseb...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 8, 2013

"Just took my first dose and got in the shower and immediately felt severe heartburn. Worst heartburn ever. It made my ears hurt. I thought I was dying. I had to tell my 7 year old if something happens and you can't wake me up call 911 and tell them our address. It was that bad. I drank a full bottle of water after seeing what everyone else said and the heartburn is still there but not severe anymore. I didn't even lay down before the heartburn started so now I'm scared to go to bed in case it gets bad again."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report
  • Dawn...
  • August 3, 2019

"OMG!! This clindamycin stuff is fabulous!! I've had a toothache for almost a full week. The dose was 300mg 3 times daily. I've only taken 3 doses and my toothache pain is gone! My pain was so bad it triggered a migraine. Was throwing up, light made the migraine worse. Suffered for 4 days before I realized I had this script sitting in my medicine cabinet. Haven't experienced any side effects just yet. Now I have time to wait until I get paid to go see a dentist. I know I have a cavity that needs to be filled. Won't have to wait long to get it filled now. This is a miracle drug in my humble opinion."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Mike
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 12, 2018

"I went to dentist had a left molar removed. My dentist is an idiot. I see a new dentist next week. I told the dentist after he pulled the tooth about nasty taste and that I had boils from abscess. After he said what I was describing didn't sound like abscess 8 days later could barely open mouth nasty taste lymph nodes like rocks along outer left jaw an under neck. I went to minute clinic. I also had pain in left ear and jaw bone pain was given clindymycin 300mg 3x day 8 days, it was a miracle that I had no side effects. It took about 3 days for pain to go away by 4th day could eat solid food again. I could of died because my dentist acts like antibiotics are smack. Only one time when I went to bed 10 minutes after taking it did I have heartburn got back up drank iced tea heartburn went away quick. No other side effects this was a miracle drug for me ."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Facial...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 3, 2014

"I was diagnosed with Facial Cellulitis in the ER 3 days ago. Was given this medicine via IV while in the ER, and sent home with a 10 day script taking 300mg 4 times daily. I have a small case of heartburn, nothing too bad. I have no other side effects to report from this medicine. My only complaint is the taking it 4 times a day. It means in the middle of the night (3am to be exact) I have to wake up for about 30 minutes just to take a pill. I like my sleep. So far it has worked. The swelling has gone down, and it seems the infection has stopped spreading. That was it's first job! I still have to take it for 7 more days, so hoping by the time I finish, this medicine completed it's final job in killing the bacteria."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • CandyY
  • October 16, 2014

"I am having the same problems. Terrible taste in my mouth and after three days of taking the medicine I was up all night with horrible pain in the center of my chest and it is still ranging through the day. I had no idea what was happening until I read this site. I will be seeing my doctor today to change out this medication ASAP!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 13, 2019

"I've had a bad abscess tooth infection for 10 days now. Went to 2 dentists, urgent care and visited the E.R twice because my face swells so bad at night that I have trouble swallowing and slight trouble breathing. They switched me to this when amoxicillin wouldn't work. I honestly experienced more stomach pain from the amoxicillin then I do with this. I'm on day 3, I haven't had to take near as many pain meds today,. I've been able to actually talk and choke some food down so I can't complain. I hope this means it's working"

Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report

More FAQ

  • Bad...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • March 2, 2017

"TRUST ME: While you're waiting for your script to be filled, walk on over to the vitamin aisle & grab a bottle of good old Acidophilus. Whichever brand has the highest 'count' (1 Billion, 1 Million, etc.). It may pricey but believe me, it's worth it. This will counteract & help gastrointestinal upset & possible yeast infection. Antibiotics rid the body of bad bacteria but also the good which is why we have side effects. Take it with any antibiotic! Plus, it won't go wasted! This is a beneficial probiotic for afflictions you may not think of i.e. gas, IBS, skin issues & you can't take too much. Take it daily- even after finishing any antibiotic."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
28 Report
  • Fayfay
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 17, 2016

"Horrible horrible horrible. I experienced so many side effects. Ruined my life and caused so many other issues within my body. Messed up my gut and its been months and I'm still trying to recover after taking this medicine. I refuse to ever take it again"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Trudi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 19, 2016

"Aug 27 2016 my mother took 2 heart attacks a direct result of CLINDAMYCIN, she was on it just 5 days & this was not listed as a side effect. Our Dr. and pharmacist confirmed. If I had I known she had this prescription I'd have refused it immediately. 1974 CLINDAMYCIN caused me permanent digestive damage & I must deal with to this day! & that is also not listed as a side effect. I hope you will add both to your site. Since CLINDAMYCIN is used mainly for toe & feet infection which mainly affects seniors & diabetics, obviously they don't warrant research to make this product just as effective without killing the patient! As we have no reporting system in Canada, god only knows how many have died."

Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • Penny
  • July 31, 2015

Cleocin (clindamycin) "Well, just took my last dose of this drug, Good Riddance!!! While it was effective in getting rid of the infection, it brought with it some very awful side effects. A strange metallic taste, fatigue, loose stools, pelvic cramping, abdominal pain on both sides, stomach discomfort, mood swings. I had to send my kids to a relatives house to finish this med because I have been feeling awful. No one told me to eat probiotics religiously, I do eat yogurt during any antibiotic treatment, but this specific drug requires a little more than a cup of yogurt a day, Day 2 I started taking Florastor, plus eating plain yogurt a lot, I hope I don't get the diarrhea that others have after stopping it. If you must take this,drink water and take probotics"

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
32 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 9, 2012

"I had a tooth abscess for a about a month. It's been really persistent. Today was my first day on the 150mg clindamycin. The swelling and hot feeling on my face went away within 3 hours after taking the pill. I'm eating probiotics and much oatmeal with molasses etc. I'm drinking my water and not laying down after taking the pills. I would rate it a 10 for speed and effectiveness, but the stuff can be so scary and dangerous, I cannot give it a 10. So far so good."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
39 Report
  • 63yFe...
  • July 29, 2016

"prescribed for a tooth infection. on day 5 I experience severe pain below the breastbone, extending on both sides under the ribcage. Excessive pain upon swallowing liquids of any kind and any temperature, pain was in the esophogus area near the diaphram. Hearburn and desire to burp without any ability to do so. I discontined use of the drug, symptoms are subsiding but still present slightly. I hope it is reversible! I have not had any GERD or other type problems prior to this drug."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 18, 2012

"I took clindamycin for 8 days every 6 hours for my tooth infection after amoxicillin failed. I was very concerned at first after I heard about the severe side effects and the fact that I have a very sensitive stomach and had bad reaction to antibiotics before. Here is what prevented any bad side effects: I took one capsule every six hours, even at night, ALWAYS with food and ALWAYS with a 16oz. glass of water. After that I DID NOT lay down for at least 30 minutes. Most importantly I took probiotics (from the fridge in the health food store) three times a day, two hours after my clindamycin dose. I had minor nausea occasionally, and looser stool but both weren't bothersome at all. It cleared the infection within a week and I would recommend."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
41 Report
  • dogby...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 21, 2014

"I had six upper teeth that were erupted pulled yesterday. The night before I had major swelling in my face from my upper lip to my lower eye. My wife was afraid of the swelling but there was little we could do due to the fact that it was late at night and I had a dental appointment the next morning at 9.00 am. I went in and had the teeth yanked out, anyway I started with clindamycin that afternoon and I have had four doses of 300mg now. I haven't had that much problem with heartburn (which I always get but I had taken Zantac last night). I do get a burpy after taste but it's manageable. I will update as to any further developments. But my swelling has greatly been reduced."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • Space...
  • November 5, 2019

"I was proscribed this for strep throat. I’ve been taking three 300mg pills for 3 days now and I haven’t had many issues. The only time I noticed anything was with my second dose. I took it laying down and yes it made my chest and tummy hurt. I drank a bunch of water and sat up and it cleared up in about 30 minutes. Just read the instructions and drink lots of water and you will be ok. I am wondering if I should go to the store and get probiotics... as I know that antibiotics can destroy gut health."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 5, 2009

"It started halfway through the prescription, had trouble swallowing pills and water. Thought it was just me. By the time I was done with the script I had severe heartburn and acid reflux. I couldn't eat anything because it would upset my stomach. This medicine inflamed my esophagus, that's why I had trouble swallowing. The doctor put me on Protonix to repair it. "

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
47 Report
  • Badddd
  • November 25, 2014

"My dentist prescribed me this after having a tooth pulled. After the first day on this medication I woke up around 2am with diarrhea. I've been on it for a week now and still have diarrhea numerous times throughout the day. I've lost 4 pounds because of it. Also it's left a small rash around my pubic area that hurts and itches like crazy making it painful to use the bathroom and wipe. "

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
33 Report
  • Marsh...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 10, 2019

"I'm not sure whether people don't follow the instructions (drink 16oz. of water WITH the dose / optionally with food) or whether there are some legitimate intolerance to this drug. I've had practically zero side effects and it seems to be working for my folliculitis decalvans which has haunted me for the last 6 months. If you are having bad side effects I feel sorry for you. I take 300mg x3 daily."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • Joe
  • June 2, 2017

"I just got put on clindamycin for cellulitus, and immediately when I took it, started having the worst chest pains as if I was having an anxiety attack. I thought it was my infection until the side effects of the medicine kept occuring into the next two days! I said enough was enough, I stopped taking them and went to my doctor. I couldn't sleep or lay down. Heartburn is an understatement, this antibiotic made me feel like I was dying. Never ever again will I take it, I'll go with the alternative. If anyone is freaking out about clindamycin and these side effects, I hope this helps. Stop taking them, Go see your doctor again, find an alternative. No one should have to deal with these side effects."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Tahoe...
  • April 2, 2013

"I had a horrible infection affecting my whole left side gum line. The pain was terrible. My Dentist prescribed Amoxicillin and it didn't touch the infection. He then prescribed Clindamycin 300mg every 6 hours. Within a couple of days the pain was so much better but the side effects are a nightmare. I have diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating & dizziness. I've been watching for C. Diff but I think I just have diarrhea. This medicine is taking care of my infection but I can't wait until it's done so I will feel better. I recommend it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
37 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 3, 2010

"I took this drug for two abscesses. After 48 hours my pain was bearable after the recommended 6 day course (4 x's daily at 150mg) it took care of the infections. I did experience heartburn and diarrhea 1 day. Took probiotics to try to counter all the bacteria in my body being destroyed. On the second full day of taking clindamycin I did experience terrible joint pain in my arms and legs and felt very uncomfortable but that subsided after a good nights sleep. Overall I liked the fact that it took care of the infection but am always leery of the side effects and what they can do in the long run. I strongly recommend taking probiotics or a good homemade kefir or yogurt product during and after treatment, take 2-3 hOUrs after each dose."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
44 Report
  • Kris...
  • August 14, 2016

"I took this medicine for 5 days, and then I decided it was not worth the suffering. The dentist wasn't even sure I needed it, but prescribed it anyway. I stopped taking it because of extreme pain on my left side, right below my breast. It didn't feel like any gas I've ever had, but I guess it was some type of intestinal pain. I was also having frequent, urgent bowel movements though not diarrhea as they warn about. Now five days without the meds, and I'm still nauseous, especially after bowel movements. I'm bloated, gassy, and just generally feel awful. What a mistake it was to trust my dentist on this one!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
28 Report
  • Willyo
  • July 3, 2017

"I have taken Clindamycin (150 mg) ( 4 times per day) on many occasions and I started another round today due to a tooth infection. For me, it stops the swelling and pain typically after the first dose. It does give me severe indigestion-like burning at the top of the stomach, as well as, a slight case of diarrhea after a couple of days. I have found eating yogurt helps the diarrhea. Drinking lots of water reduces the indigestion. NEVER take on an empty stomach. Soft drinks and caffeinated products are irritants, so basically drink only water while taking this product. I rarely drink alcoholic beverages, but I would recommend NOT imbibing. As for the 300mg capsules, I will never take that strength again. It made me extremely sick!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 18, 2009

"I found that of all the penicilin-type medications I've ever used, this one gave me little to no stomach upset or that gnawing always hungry feeling. Diarrhea, yes, and some skin irritation. Overall a very positive experience."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
46 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.