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Clindamycin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

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

Clindamycin has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 807 reviews on Drugs.com. 43% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 35% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Clindamycin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Anonymous
  • September 11, 2012

For Bacterial Infection "I cannot yet tell you if this works or not for my tooth infection. However, what I can tell you is to 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 heartburn I have ever experienced!"

7 / 10
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  • 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 it's giving me. I was originally told that I could not take with milk, but have since got other medical opinions to the contrary. 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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  • 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 the first couple of days taking it, I all of a sudden got horrible pains in my chest. It would hurt to breathe in or even to swallow. I was considering going to the hospital, but now I have read that this has happened 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 or after helps as well."

7 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

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

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed clindamycin 300 mg 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 16 oz 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 rap here, in my opinion."

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

For Bacterial Infection "I've had a recurring 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. I went to a walk-in clinic and was given the typical Amoxicillin 500 mg every 8 hours for 14 days. After 8 days, in excruciating pain, I went back to the walk-in and got Clindamycin 300 mg every 6 hours for 14 days... after 2 doses, the abscess burst and drained, swelling and pain went down immediately and I was allowed to heal. The dentist was able to do a root canal, and I have been problem-free for 3 years now."

9 / 10
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  • And...
  • 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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  • 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 abscessed 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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More FAQ

  • Jac...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 31, 2023

Clindamycin for Bacterial Infection "With every medicine, there will be negative reviews, and I understand that every antibiotic works differently for everyone. I was nervous to take this because I had a bad experience with Bactrim (a different class of antibiotics) before. But I had absolutely zero side effects with this antibiotic. I took probiotics 2 hours after every dose (a general probiotic and also S. Boulardii, which prevents C Diff), and I never had any issues or any diarrhea. Heck, I never even had any type of heartburn or fatigue. This cleared my skin infection up in 3-4 days. I then tapered the dose down from what I was prescribed because 3 pills 3 times a day was a lot to take. I just wanted to be an encouragement to those nervous to take this medicine. Just start with one capsule and see how you feel, then work your way up. It could save your life depending on your condition. But remember to take probiotics between doses because like any antibiotic, this will wipe your gut!"

10 / 10
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  • Ulc...
  • 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 a full glass of water. Don't lay down for an hour. I followed his instructions and boom, not one side effect. No stomach pain at all. Always take with food. Medication works wonders. I take 300 mg three times 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 Clindamycin 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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  • LFG...
  • June 27, 2017

For Sinusitis "I don't usually post reviews, but thought I would share my basically good experience. Taking 300 mg 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 8 oz) 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 a bitter taste in mouth - but it goes away - not a lingering taste. 2) Pharmacist warned of sun sensitivity - I have not experienced that yet, but am being cautious. Now started taking Saccharomyces boulardii 5-10 billion units - recommended as a probiotic for Clindamycin in particular against C. diff."

7 / 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 300 mg/pill, 4 times per day."

10 / 10
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  • Jay...
  • 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 has 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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  • Bsm...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 3, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed 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 300 mg doses every day, so I take a pill at noon, 6 pm, midnight, and 6 am. 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 every day to counteract 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 are no longer swollen. I still have a couple of days left, but I am assuming it'll be the same."

10 / 10
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  • Eki...
  • 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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  • Sok...
  • 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 swollen like a balloon (from the back of my 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 300 mg every 6 hours and naproxen twice daily. The first night (after taking two doses of the clindamycin and 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-existent (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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  • mag...
  • 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 water"

9 / 10
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  • SAm...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 4, 2019

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 the 1st night. There are three nightly doses in one box, and it is gone after the treatment!"

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

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed 150 mg 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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  • Sxo...
  • 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 effect 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 lasts a while after you finish it. So take your probiotics and don’t stop them for a while."

5 / 10
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  • Ann...
  • September 15, 2013

For Bone infection "Taking clindamycin has been difficult for me. It's caused nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. But it's also been the only thing to clear up my jawbone infection. They gave me two other types of antibiotics before this, and neither helped. If you can endure the unpleasant side effects, it's a good medicine for it."

9 / 10
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  • PSt...
  • July 12, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed 300 mg, 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 8 oz 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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  • Dal...
  • August 20, 2016

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Had a deep gum abscess, not tooth, but gum, from a piece of popcorn. Dr. Rx was 300 mg 3x a day, for 10 days. No problems. You HAVE to drink tons of water when taking the pill and all day long. Why? To flush out the toxins. When STRONG antibiotics work, they KILL the good and bad bacteria. That die-off is called a 'Herxheimer' reaction. Thus, the headaches, eye aches, etc. So, up your intake of WATER to help. Then, take probiotics, kefir, and yogurt because the GOOD bacteria are killed off in your gut, hence severe diarrhea. C. diff is a dirty hospital issue, it's their big secret, but probiotics will reestablish the GOOD bacteria, very quickly. Hang in there, it is the best medicine ever."

10 / 10
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  • ano...
  • 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 into 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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  • Pea...
  • August 14, 2018

Clindamycin for Bacterial Vaginosis "Had an infection for years, clear and watery, wore through 5 heavy pads per day, very bad odor. I went to a gyn, after gyn prescribed Flagyl, metronidazole gel, and clindamycin pills for years, nothing worked. I finally went to a female private doctor that actually knew what she was doing and cared. With no hope, I filled a prescription of Cleocin 150mg inserts that came in a 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 YOU IT'S THE SAME, IT'S 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."

10 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.