Clindamycin Side Effects
Brand Names: Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin Phosphate
Please note - some side effects for Clindamycin may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).
Side Effects of Clindamycin - for the consumer
Clindamycin
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clindamycin:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clindamycin:Infrequent urination; mild diarrhea; nausea; vomiting.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe or continuing diarrhea; severe stomach cramps/pain; stools/diarrhea with mucus or blood; yellowing of skin or eyes.
Clindamycin/Tretinoin
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clindamycin/Tretinoin:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clindamycin/Tretinoin:Dry skin; mild burning, itching, peeling, redness, scaling, or stinging of the skin; temporary change in skin color.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blistered, crusted, or swollen skin; bloody, severe, or persistent diarrhea; mucus in stool; severe or persistent burning, itching, peeling, redness, or scaling of the skin; stomach cramps or pain.
Clindamycin Cream
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clindamycin Cream:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clindamycin Cream:Fungal infection; genital itching or burning; inflammation or pain; vaginal discharge.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood/mucus in stool; diarrhea; new or worsening vaginal or vulvar itching; painful sex; stomach cramps/pain; white vaginal discharge.
Clindamycin Foam
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clindamycin Foam:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clindamycin Foam:Burning sensation on treated areas; dry or itchy skin; headache.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood/mucus in your stools; severe or persistent diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; swelling, redness, burning, or peeling of your skin.
Clindamycin Gel
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clindamycin Gel:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clindamycin Gel:Dryness; itching; oiliness/oily skin.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood/mucus in your stool; bloody or severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; swelling, redness, burning, or peeling of your skin.
Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide Gel
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide Gel:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide Gel:Dry skin; flushing; itching; redness; sunburn.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; peeling; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain.
Clindamycin Lotion
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clindamycin Lotion:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clindamycin Lotion:Dryness; itching; oiliness.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood/mucus in your stools; diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; swelling, redness, burning, or peeling of your skin.
Clindamycin Solution
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clindamycin Solution:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clindamycin Solution:Diarrhea; infrequent urination; nausea; pain or irritation at the injection site; vomiting.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood or mucus in stools; difficulty swallowing; severe or continuing diarrhea; stomach pain/cramps; swelling of hands, eyes, or throat; yellowing of skin or eyes.
Clindamycin Suppositories
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clindamycin Suppositories:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clindamycin Suppositories:Genital itching or burning; irritation not present before use of Clindamycin Suppositories; vaginal pain.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood/mucus in your stool; diarrhea; painful sex; severe stomach cramps; new or worsening vaginal or vulvar itching; white vaginal discharge.
Clindamycin Suspension
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clindamycin Suspension:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clindamycin Suspension:Mild diarrhea; nausea; vomiting.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); decreased urination; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or continuing diarrhea; severe stomach cramps/pain; stools or diarrhea with mucus or blood; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor; yellowing of skin or eyes.
Clindamycin Swab
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clindamycin Swab:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clindamycin Swab:Dry skin; mild stinging after applying.
TopSevere allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood/mucus in your stool; diarrhea; stomach pain; swelling, redness, burning, or peeling of your skin.
For the professional
Clindamycin
The following reactions have been reported with the use of Clindamycin.
Gastrointestinal
Abdominal pain, pseudomembranous colitis, esophagitis, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Generalized mild to moderate morbilliform-like (maculopapular) skin rashes are the most frequently reported adverse reactions. Vesiculobullous rashes, as well as urticaria, have been observed during drug therapy. Rare instances of erythema multiforme, some resembling Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and a few cases of anaphylactoid reactions have also been reported.
Skin and Mucous Membranes
Pruritus, vaginitis, and rare instances of exfoliative dermatitis have been reported.
Liver
Jaundice and abnormalities in liver function tests have been observed during Clindamycin therapy.
Renal
Although no direct relationship of Clindamycin to renal damage has been established, renal dysfunction as evidenced by azotemia, oliguria, and/or proteinuria has been observed in rare instances.
Hematopoietic
Transient neutropenia (leukopenia) and eosinophilia have been reported. Reports of agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been made. No direct etiologic relationship to concurrent Clindamycin therapy could be made in any of the foregoing.
Musculoskeletal
Rare instances of polyarthritis have been reported.
TopClindamycin Capsules
The following reactions have been reported with the use of Clindamycin.
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, pseudomembranous colitis, esophagitis, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Generalized mild to moderate morbilliform-like (maculopapular) skin rashes are the most frequently reported adverse reactions. Vesiculobullous rashes, as well as urticaria, have been observed during drug therapy. Rare instances of erythema multiforme, some resembling Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and a few cases of anaphylactoid reactions have also been reported.
Skin and Mucous Membranes: Pruritus, vaginitis, and rare instances of exfoliative dermatitis have been reported.
Liver: Jaundice and abnormalities in liver function tests have been observed during Clindamycin therapy.
Renal: Although no direct relationship of Clindamycin to renal damage has been established, renal dysfunction as evidenced by azotemia, oliguria, and/or proteinuria has been observed in rare instances.
Hematopoietic: Transient neutropenia (leukopenia) and eosinophilia have been reported. Reports of agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been made. No direct etiologic relationship to concurrent Clindamycin therapy could be made in any of the foregoing.
Musculoskeletal: Rare instances of polyarthritis have been reported.
TopClindamycin Capsules USP
The following reactions have been reported with the use of Clindamycin.
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, pseudomembranous colitis, esophagitis, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Generalized mild to moderate morbilliform-like (maculopapular) skin rashes are the most frequently reported adverse reactions. Vesiculobullous rashes, as well as urticaria, have been observed during drug therapy. Rare instances of erythema multiforme, some resembling Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and a few cases of anaphylactoid reactions have also been reported.
Skin and Mucous Membranes: Pruritus, vaginitis, and rare instances of exfoliative dermatitis have been reported.
Liver: Jaundice and abnormalities in liver function tests have been observed during Clindamycin therapy.
Renal: Although no direct relationship of Clindamycin to renal damage has been established, renal dysfunction as evidenced by azotemia, oliguria, and/or proteinuria has been observed in rare instances.
Hematopoietic: Transient neutropenia (leukopenia) and eosinophilia have been reported. Reports of agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been made. No direct etiologic relationship to concurrent Clindamycin therapy could be made in any of the foregoing.
Musculoskeletal: Rare instances of polyarthritis have been reported.
TopClindamycin Injection
The following reactions have been reported with the use of Clindamycin.
Gastrointestinal: Antibiotic-associated colitis, pseudomembranous colitis abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment. An unpleasant or metallic taste occasionally has been reported after intravenous administration of the higher doses of Clindamycin phosphate.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Maculopapular rash and urticaria have been observed during drug therapy. Generalized mild to moderate morbilliform-like skin rashes are the most frequently reported of all adverse reactions. Rare instances of erythema multiforme, some resembling Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been associated with Clindamycin. A few cases of anaphylactoid reactions have been reported. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the drug should be discontinued. The usual agents (epinephrine, corticosteroids, antihistamines) should be available for emergency treatment of serious reactions.
Skin and Mucous Membranes: Pruritus, vaginitis, and rare instances of exfoliative dermatitis have been reported..
Liver: Jaundice and abnormalities in liver function tests have been observed during Clindamycin therapy.
Renal: Although no direct relationship of Clindamycin to renal damage has been established, renal dysfunction as evidenced by azotemia, oliguria, and/or proteinuria has been observed in rare instances.
Hematopoietic: Transient neutropenia (leukopenia) and eosinophilia have been reported. Reports of agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been made. No direct etiologic relationship to concurrent Clindamycin therapy could be made in any of the foregoing.
Local Reactions: Pain, induration and sterile abscess have been reported after intramuscular injection and thrombophlebitis after intravenous infusion. Reactions can be minimized or avoided by giving deep intramuscular injections and avoiding prolonged use of indwelling intravenous catheters.
Musculoskeletal: Rare instances of polyarthritis have been reported.
Cardiovascular: Rare instances of cardiopulmonary arrest and hypotension have been reported following too rapid intravenous administration..
TopClindamycin Injection USP
The following reactions have been reported with the use of Clindamycin.
Gastrointestinal: Antibiotic-associated colitis, pseudomembranous colitis abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment. An unpleasant or metallic taste occasionally has been reported after intravenous administration of the higher doses of Clindamycin phosphate.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Maculopapular rash and urticaria have been observed during drug therapy. Generalized mild to moderate morbilliform-like skin rashes are the most frequently reported of all adverse reactions. Rare instances of erythema multiforme, some resembling Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been associated with Clindamycin. A few cases of anaphylactoid reactions have been reported.
If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the drug should be discontinued. The usual agents (epinephrine, corticosteroids, antihistamines) should be available for emergency treatment of serious reactions.
Skin and Mucous Membranes: Pruritus, vaginitis, and rare instances of exfoliative dermatitis have been reported.
Liver: Jaundice and abnormalities in liver function tests have been observed during Clindamycin therapy.
Renal: Although no direct relationship of Clindamycin to renal damage has been established, renal dysfunction as evidenced by azotemia, oliguria, and/or proteinuria has been observed in rare instances.
Hematopoietic: Transient neutropenia (leukopenia) and eosinophilia have been reported. Reports of agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been made. No direct etiologic relationship to concurrent Clindamycin therapy could be made in any of the foregoing.
Local Reactions: Pain, induration and sterile abscess have been reported after intramuscular injection and thrombophlebitis after intravenous infusion. Reactions can be minimized or avoided by giving deep intramuscular injections and avoiding prolonged use of indwelling intravenous catheters.
Musculoskeletal: Rare instances of polyarthritis have been reported.
Cardiovascular: Rare instances of cardiopulmonary arrest and hypotension have been reported following too rapid intravenous administration.
TopClindamycin Pledget
In 18 clinical studies of various topical Clindamycin formulations of Clindamycin phosphate using placebo vehicle and/or active comparator drugs as controls, patients experienced a number of treatment emergent adverse dermatologic events [see table below].
| Treatment Emergent Adverse Event | Solution n=553 (%) |
Gel n=148 (%) |
Suspension n=160 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
# not recorded | |||
* of 126 subjects | |||
| Burning | 62 (11) | 15 (10) | 17 (11) |
| Itching | 36 ( 7) | 15 (10) | 17 (11) |
| Burning/Itching | 60 (11) | # ( – ) | # ( – ) |
| Dryness | 105(19) | 34 (23) | 29 (18) |
| Erythema | 86 (16) | 10 ( 7) | 22 (14) |
| Oiliness/Oily Skin | 8 ( 1) | 26 (18) | 12*(10) |
| Peeling | 61 (11) | # ( – ) | 11 ( 7) |
Orally and parenterally administered Clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally.
Cases of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported as adverse reactions in patients treated with oral and parenteral formulations of Clindamycin and rarely with topical Clindamycin.
Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disturbances as well as gram-negative folliculitis have also been reported in association with the use of topical formulations of Clindamycin.
TopClindamycin Topical Solution
In 18 clinical studies of various formulations of Clindamycin phosphate using placebo vehicle and/or active comparator drugs as controls, patients experienced a number of treatment emergent adverse dermatologic events.
| Treatment Emergent Adverse Event |
Solution n=553 (%) |
Gel n=148 (%) |
Lotion n=160 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| # not recorded | |||
| |||
| Burning | 62 (11) | 15 (10) | 17(11) |
| Itching | 36(7) | 15 (10) | 17(11) |
| Burning/Itching | 60 (11) | #(-) | #(-) |
| Dryness | 105 (19) | 34 (23) | 29(18) |
| Erythema | 86 (16) | 10(7) | 22(14) |
| Oiliness/Oily skin | 8(1) | 26 (18) | 12* (10) |
| Peeling | 61 (11) | #(-) | 11(7) |
- Orally and parenterally administered Clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally.
- Cases of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported as adverse reactions in patients treated with topical Clindamycin.
- Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disturbances as well as gram-negative folliculitis have also been reported in association with the use of topical formulations of Clindamycin.
More resources:
Clindamycin - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
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