Clindamycin topical and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Gig...
• January 22, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Best med for bacterial imbalance in the vagina. It stopped the terrible smell I was getting from my pH imbalance. Just that it gave me diarrhea, stomach cramps, and a metallic taste in the mouth, but who cares about those when you have a clean vagina? Also, I stopped having pimples while on the meds. I don't know if they will come back after I stop, but hey, I love this med, it works great."

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2018

For Bacterial Vaginosis "This was by far the most horrendous experience I have encountered with any medication to date. I went to the ER for pain, fever, nausea, and diarrhea. They thought I had the flu. Since we are in the midst of a deadly flu season and currently pregnant, I freaked out. My second thought was listeria. After several days terrified of food poisoning and feeling on the brink of death, my provider mercifully took me off this. If my life depended on this drug to survive, I would have to seriously debate whether to take it or not. Seek other options if available."

• Aid...
• September 30, 2009

"My 18-year-old son was prescribed clindamycin phosphate by the dermatologist for his severe, large, boil-like acne, a side effect from all the medication given to him to treat his severe Crohn's disease. I did not research the drug, but he quit using it on his own. I am now shocked to read the side effects associated with this medication, especially about the colon-related ones, since his Crohn's is in his ileum, the worst place to treat. He did have diarrhea when using it, and thankfully he did quit using the medication. Very, very glad this forum is here, to perhaps warn others of this side effect, and to research medications before used!"

• VA ...
• February 13, 2020

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I've had two rounds of treatment of clindamycin applications to treat my recurring BV. My first round felt like it didn't completely cure all the symptoms during my 10-day course, but most symptoms subsided. Three to four weeks later, my BV came back with a vengeance. My second round of treatment was for 7 days with an additional prescription of Diflucan to treat yeast. Normally, I'll start feeling better within 2 days of the course of treatment, but I never felt any of my symptoms got away except the itching, which I think the Diflucan resolved. I experienced mild burning, cramping, fatigue, and diarrhea the entire time taking clindamycin. Spoke with my GYN by day 3, and she said to continue treatment and I should get better. Then, I spoke with her on my last day and told her my symptoms felt worse, even having an odor I didn't have initially, as well as burning and discharge. Now she's prescribed me a steroid ointment to mask the symptoms but not treat the BV."

• Bye...
• February 19, 2020

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Been with the same partner for 5 years. Then one day his semen smelled of fish and very metallic and actually caused a rash on my chest and legs. I was convinced he had Trichomoniasis. After ruling out any STD, I was prescribed Clindamycin Phosphate Vaginal Cream 2% (I am allergic to Metronidazole) for seven days to be inserted at the same time every night (which I found difficult to do because of my work schedule, so I just made sure to get it in before the stroke of midnight) for BV. Apparently, with semen being alkaline, it lowered the pH balance of my vagina. It didn’t matter how much yogurt or probiotics I took in. After the first treatment, I could smell the difference the next morning. I have one more treatment to go and have only experienced diarrhea once and mild itching of my arms and face, but no rash anywhere on my body. Maybe due to my insurance prescription plan, the medication only cost $9.00. It also came with 7 applicators."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2010

For Acne "This was a terrible experience. The pharmacist warned me of the side effects, but I just thought it would not affect me as other medicines have not. This stuff gave me diarrhea, cramps, and nausea. My doctor had instructed me to take it for 7 days. After 1.5 days, I could not stomach this. I called him, and he told me not to take any more of this medicine."