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Clindamycin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

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

Clindamycin has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 787 reviews on Drugs.com. 44% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 35% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Clindamycin

  • Katie
  • September 6, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I saw all the horrible reviews. But I had no choice. I'd already been on amoxicillin for 7 days for a dental abscess and had to try clindamycin. Let me say I have EXTREME anxiety and HATE taking anything. So I was nervous. Anyway I had read some people said drink LOTS of water with it and take a probiotic, so I did. I drank 30oz with every dose (3 times a day) and took a probiotic halfway between doses 2 and 3. I also sipped water throughout the day (no juice, coffee, soda etc. I had almost ZERO side effects. I did notice for about an hour after each dose, I felt a little dizzy/out of it. Nothing major (could have just been my anxiety too). I also did use the bathroom more often, but honestly with my level of anxiety I was not surprised. That was it. And it cleared up my infection totally! I will continue the probiotics and lots of water at least for a month to be sure. But this stuff works. Don't let the reviews scare you. I think lots of water is key."

10 / 10
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  • Sha
  • September 4, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "This is the second time I've been prescribed this for tooth infections. The first time I had very little side effects and it cleared up a very bad tooth infection but this time after first couple days taking it I all of a sudden got horrible pains in my chest. It would hurt breathe in or even to swallow. I was considering going to hospital but now I have read this has happen to others on this medication. It does work on getting rid of bad infections but the chest pains are very hard. Definitely drink lots of water with and after taking it and also eating something right before of after helps also."

7 / 10
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  • Chesh...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 2, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I've had a reoccurring tooth infection from a chipped tooth . What started out as the usual throbbing pain and swelling in my gums against my tongue turned into my face and neck puffing up until my eye started closing. This occurred about 36 hours after the throbbing had started. Went to a walk-in clinic and was given the typical Amoxicillin 500mg every 8 hours for 14 days. After 8 days, in excruciating pain, I went back to the walk-in and got Clindamycin 300mg every 6 hours for 14 days...after 2 doses the abscess burst and drained, swelling & pain went down immediately and I was allowed to heal. Dentist was able to do root canal and have been problem free for 3 years now."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Anonymous
  • March 14, 2012

For Sinusitis "I have been taking this for a little over a week and I got results in about 48 hours. My only concern was the horrific heartburn its giving me. I was originally told that I could not take with milk, but have since got other medical opinions to the contrarey. Every pharmacist told me that this drug is VERY potent so it was just a side effect, and nothing more serious. I too like many others found out the hard way that laying down after taking this is a big no-no. Take with food, have plenty to drink and it gets better. Also it's a good idea to have a source of probiotic (yogurt, or pill form) as this medicine destroys some of the good bacteria in your stomach which causes the pooping problems! Lots of instructions, but it works."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • September 11, 2012

For Bacterial Infection "I can not yet tell you if this works or not for my tooth infection. HOWEVER, what I can tell you is to NEVER NEVER LAY DOWN AFTER TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. I did last night, and thought I was having a heart attack. I had major chest pains. WORST HEART BURN I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED! "

7 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 7, 2018

For Sinusitis "Lots of sinus issues....2 sinus surgeries, allergy shots, whole nine yards. This antibiotic WORKS for me. I felt better after my first dose and continued feeling better and better as I continued with the medicine. Other antibiotics don't work this fast or as well. Thanks"

10 / 10
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  • AndyJB
  • July 15, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "I didn't notice the heartburn until the second day of taking the medicine and it wasn't really too bad until the fourth.. that's when I decided to read the label. Here's the thing with this one, I think the main problem is the capsule and our tendency to take medicine just before going to bed - with this one that is very bad! I can take pretty much any pill without water (I wasn't doing that), I almost *never* get heartburn and it took me a while to figure out what was going on. Reading the pill container label it specifically tells you - do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this. That should be your first warning that this one doesn't go down easily. So drink plenty of water with it and be prepared for the burn."

5 / 10
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More FAQ

  • eleut...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 3, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed Clindamycin 300mg 3 x per day for an abscess after a root canal. I have a history of acid reflux and heartburn as well as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). I normally tolerate antibiotics well. After reading these reviews I was scared to death to take this medication. When I take it I eat a piece of bread first, drink a small amount of water and then take the capsule followed by 16oz of water. I've not had one of the side effects mentioned by others and the drug is clearing this infection very quickly. Taken with food and plenty of water along with not lying down for 30 minutes after taking it has proven to be a good experience. I'm not basing my decision to take a medication on reviews. This one gets a bad wrap here in my opinion."

10 / 10
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  • tab
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 9, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed clindamycin 4 days ago for a gum/nerve infection due to an absessed tooth. I started to get pretty nervous about the heartburn I was experiencing. Worst of my life! Water is key, and so far so good. My swelling and pain went away after 2 days. I also noticed taking it every 6 hours EXACTLY (or however long you're prescribed to) helps a bunch too. Oh, and water, not laying down for about 30 minutes after, and more water."

10 / 10
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  • Ulcer...
  • December 24, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I took this medication for a tooth infection. I have ulcers so I was concerned. My dentist told me a trick.. drink a half glass of water then eat half of your meal, take the pill, finish your meal and follow with full glass of water. Don't lay down for an hr. I followed his instructions and boom not one side effect. No stomach pain at all. ALWAYS take with food. Medication works wonders. I take 300mg 3x a day."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 12, 2010

For Bacterial Infection "Let me just say this about this medicine. DO NOT LIE DOWN FOR AT LEAST 20-40 MINUTES AFTER TAKING DOSE! I just did like a half hour ago and I am regretting it. I started taking the Clinamycin for a very nasty, very large abscess that took up a huge portion of the roof of my mouth. The infection started in the tooth to the right of my right front tooth. The pain was UNBEARABLE. I've been taking the medicine since Wednesday night (5 days ago) and I haven't had the problems that I've had with Penicillin (nausea, twitching, hunger pains that don't stop). But I ignored the warning and lay down. So much burning in my chest! I hope it goes away soon. It's so weird!"

8 / 10
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  • Jayfr...
  • April 10, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "Was prescribed the meds for a tooth infection after the first part of root canal (just had pulp removed due to inflammation but not the roots). Took my first dose before bed, woke up the next morning feeling wonderful. I have not suffered from the heartburn or anything. My tooth really feels great, no pain, all the tartar left on my teeth have started to fall off while brushing, and I can notice a big difference in my overall health. It does make me extremely sleepy and nauseous though. I believe it is worth it. The tooth pain was so bad I could not talk, close my mouth, or even drink. Even hurt to swallow my own saliva. I will recommend this antibiotic for anyone that has a weak immune system already. DO NOT USE TOBACCO WHILE USING THIS MED."

9 / 10
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  • Soka
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 3, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "I woke up two days ago with the entire right side of my face swelled up like a balloon (from back of jaw to mid chin). Normally I try to tough things out - but this was quite frankly terrifying, so I ended up going to the ER. I was prescribed clindamycin 300mg every 6 hours, and naproxen twice daily. The first night (after taking two doses of the clindamycin, 1 of the naproxen) the swelling had increased by about 6%. However, a further 6 hours would have the swelling down about 50% and the pain nearly non-existant (battled with plain Advil). This is day three on the medicine and the pain is practically gone (only sore to the touch) - as is the swelling (about down to 20%, possibly even 15%). No side effects to speak of... yet."

9 / 10
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  • LFG
  • June 27, 2017

For Sinusitis "I don't usually post reviews but thought I would share my basically good experience. Taking 300mg every 6 hrs for maxillary tooth (molar) and sinus pain - doctor and dentist were not sure if sinus infection or periapical (an acute or chronic inflammatory lesion around the apex of a tooth root which is caused by bacterial invasion of the pulp of the tooth) abscess. (Clogged sinus, pain in face and upper jaw, fatigue, squinty eyes, foul tasting drainage) In two days pain was virtually gone. Very few side effects - BUT - be absolutely sure to drink lots of water (at least 8oz) and don't lie down for 15 minutes. Now on Day 7 or 8. My stomach is a little bloated more than usual, but bearable. Fairly normal bowel movements once a day. I should also mention: 1) Wake up with bitter taste in mouth - but it goes a way - not a lingering taste. 2) Pharmacist warned of sun sensitivity - I have not experienced that yet, but being cautious. Now started taking Sacchromyces boulardi 5-10 billion units - recommended as a probiotic for Clindamycin in particular against C Diff."

7 / 10
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  • SAmom
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 4, 2019

Cleocin (clindamycin) for Bacterial Vaginosis "Cleocin ovules in the pink and white box that get inserted at bedtime are a lifesaver it is the only thing that gets rid of my BV!! All other meds for BV make me so sick and this is the only one with no side effects and feeling 90% better after 1st night. There are three nightly doses in one box and it is gone after the treatment!"

10 / 10
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  • Sxoxo
  • February 22, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I took this for one week for a dental abscess which turned out to be chronic so it did not work for me. As far as side effects go, I read all the horror stories in these reviews and I did my best to avoid them. I took a probiotic every morning and I ate probiotic yogurt twice a day. I ate a full meal before the pill each time and waited about 10 minutes before I took it. I drank two glasses of water with the pill and I did not lay down for 40 minutes. I avoided all the crazy side effects, I didn't get heartburn or anything like that. For reference I am 23 years old, female and I weigh about 135. The only side effects that I experienced was actually after the pill and it is constant pooping, multiple times a day, for about a month now. I only started to experience this when I stopped taking the probiotics which were countering the effects of the antibiotic which I guess last a while after you finish it. So take your probiotics and don’t stop them for a while."

5 / 10
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  • Bsmith
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 3, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I was perscribed this medication for a tooth infection and upon reading reviews I was TERRIFIED of it. So many negatives! I went ahead and took the advice of those who gave it higher ratings. I am on four 300mg doses everyday, so I take a pill at noon, 6pm, midnight, and 6am. I take it with 20 ounces of water and a small snack or near a meal. Afterwards I make sure to sit up or sleep a little elevated for at least the next 30 minutes. I also am taking a probiotic everyday to counter act against all the "good" bacteria this medication is also killing off. So far I've had ZERO side effects, my tooth pain has gone away and gums no longer swollen. I still have a couple days left but I am assuming it'll be the same."

10 / 10
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  • Kat
  • September 19, 2015

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I had a serious Cellulitis infection in my leg this year (Summer of 2015) and since I am allergic to Penicillin, I asked the doctor for Clindamycin. It worked well! I didn't have any side effects that I could notice. I am still on the watch for any tummy trouble though, since I read the FDA warning about C-diff and this drug. Hopefully I won't get that. But as for the Cellulitis, the Clindamycin completely resolved it, I am so happy to say. I tolerated the drug well. I drank lots of water while on it and when taking it. That's very important. So happy that this antibiotic worked so well. The prescription was for 300mg/pill 4 times per day."

10 / 10
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  • Brill
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 1, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed 150mg clindamycin for an armpit boil. I just had slight stomach discomfort, no diarrhea or any complications. Everyone's system reacts differently to the medication. I made a mistake by looking at reviews before taking it. It's not always a horrible experience."

9 / 10
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  • magic...
  • November 1, 2009

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed clindamycin 8 days ago as a result of an extraction of two roots in a molar. The other root remained so the dentist can do a root canal to keep the tooth for a bridge. I developed a bad infection. My face became swollen, red and inflamed. I was taking clindamycin 3x a day 500 mg. Almost all better except for jaw spasms. The only problem I had was last night. I took the pill with a sip of water and went to sleep. Bad mistake. I didn't know you should not lay down for 30 minutes and to drink 8 oz with it each time taken. I woke up with the worst heartburn ever in my life. Antacids didn't work at all. Had to take pepto bismol. It helped. It still hurts when I swallow but better. Warning: sit up for 30 min & drink h20"

9 / 10
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  • anon
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 12, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I've had 3 abscessed teeth and taken clindamycin for all of them before I could get in to the dentist. The pain was almost totally gone within 24 hours every time and the infection cleared up in a couple of days. I would highly recommend it for an abscess. Just listen to the instructions and take it after a meal. It is a powerful antibiotic and will cause stomach problems if not taken properly."

10 / 10
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  • Ekim
  • March 31, 2016

For Bone infection "I was put on Clindamycin for cellulitis, but the doctor missed the concurrent jawbone infection, so I was taken off of it too early (16 days). It was doing a marvelous job on my jaw pain. 11 days of being off it allowed the bone infection to come back and spread painfully. Finally, a dentist diagnosed the jaw infection that moved over from the sore throat and cellulitis (teeth fine), and my PCP put me back on Clindamycin. After several days, the improvement has been steady. I hope they treat me long enough to help fully clear up the bone infection this time. Great stuff. Absolutely drink lots of water with it. Helps a lot. Food too. Prayer too."

10 / 10
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  • Peacsha
  • August 14, 2018

Cleocin Phosphate (clindamycin) for Bacterial Vaginosis "Had an infection for years clear and watery wore thru 5 heavy pads per day very bad odor. I went to gyn after gyn prescibed flagyl, metronidazole gel and clyndomycin pills for yrs nothing worked. I finally went to a female private doctor that actually knew what she was doing and cared. With no hope I filled prescription of cleocin 150mg inserts that came in pink and white box ( ***there is other cleocin medication but BEWARE it DOESN'T WORK LIKE THE PINK AND WHITE BOX CLEOCIN - DON'T LET THE DR TELL U ITS THE SAME ITS NOT GET THE PINK AND WHITE BOX*** )That very moment I used it I was cured!! After years of being on meds with no hope"

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  • PSteele
  • July 12, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed 300mg, 4 times a day for 10 days for a tooth abscess. I too felt the "burn", but my burn was immediately after taking the capsule. I could feel the burn as it went down my esophagus. What I found relieved it was drinking at least 8oz of water with the pill, and then topping it off with a few spoonfuls of yogurt. No more burn as it went down, no more stomach upset."

8 / 10
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  • eelhead
  • November 3, 2013

Cleocin (clindamycin) for Bacterial Infection "Tooth infection. After taking 5 of the 28 pills I had the worst heartburn of my life and could not even lay down. After 10 of them I ended up in the ER with chest pains, excruciating heartburn, diarrhea, and the itchiest hives from head to toe. They were however very effective at clearing up the infection which in turn reduced the pain in my mouth significantly. So for me, where tooth pain is almost intolerable it was a trade off I accept."

1 / 10
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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.