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Clindamycin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

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
  • cal...
  • February 12, 2013

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I read so many scary reviews that I was quite hesitant to take clindamycin. But it really seemed to work with no strange side effects other than more bowel movements (but that may have also been from increasing my probiotics). The main point is: It worked for me, minimal side effects. I wish you the best of luck."

8 / 10
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  • old...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 15, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "The doctor prescribed clindamycin for an infection. I did not know that lying down after a dose of this would feel like your insides were burning up. It was the worst heartburn I have had. Of course, this was due to the fact that I was trying to be diligent and take them every 8 hours, causing me to take them in the middle of the night. It's good to know that others have this problem. Like others, I was scared I was having a heart attack."

9 / 10
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  • tex...
  • January 15, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "My dentist put me on clindamycin after I had my wisdom teeth taken out because of the infection in my gums (and I'm allergic to penicillin). I read reviews before taking this and was terrified. I've always had a weak stomach, suffering from both IBS and acid reflux. I always made sure to drink half a bottle of water and eat part of my meal before taking this. After taking the pill, I'd drink a full bottle of water and finish my meal. Besides feeling bloated from so much water, I never had any side effects from this antibiotic. I was on 300 mg every 6 hours. No issues."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • fun...
  • March 27, 2017

For Sinusitis "I will concur with everyone on here that is recommending the water, no lying down within 30 minutes after taking your current dose (try not to take it right before bed) and taking probiotics to help stave off GI issues. These three actions are the holy trinity with taking this stuff - I cannot stress that enough. My first night taking it, I forgot about the aux warning of 'do not lie down within 10 minutes of taking this drug' (I recommend 30 min) - extreme heartburn ensued. Lots of water, and yes, do eat; you will have a better experience. Note: 'a lot of water' = at least a cup or two of water (8-16 ounces)."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 6, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "A lot of people say clindamycin makes them feel sick. Hell, I couldn’t ever finish a cycle because it would make me feel sick and have chest pains. Come to find out, this antibiotic likes to get stuck in your esophagus, and that’s when the negative side effects begin. Make sure to drink a lot of water and eat something after taking it to ensure it moves through your esophagus and gets to where it needs to. Ever since I found that out and I drink about 16 oz of water right after taking, the ill feeling side effects have vanished."

8 / 10
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  • Tia...
  • October 15, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Soft gel probiotic and a ton of water. I can't stress this enough! After reading the reviews, I was absolutely mortified about starting this antibiotic (clindamycin 300 mg, 2x a day). I'm one of those people who always gets every possible side effect of medication. I stumbled upon a very helpful review of someone suggesting taking a softgel probiotic. I took the probiotic once daily, approximately one hour before my first dose. I am entering day 3 of this regime and have yet to get any of the unpleasant side effects mentioned. I also drank about a liter or more of water with each pill. I will update this post once I finish the med. Don't let all of the scary reviews get you down. You can do this!"

6 / 10
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  • Jav...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 18, 2016

Clindamycin for Bacterial Infection "This is my second time using Cleocin HCl, this time for a dental abscess (300 mg every 6 hours). Today is day 3 of a 7-day course, set by the ER doctor. The swelling of my gumline, lip, and cheek has all but disappeared (just a tiny bump on the gumline left). The pain too is almost nonexistent unless, of course, I bite down hard on the tooth that needs extraction. Side effects are slight nausea and heartburn if taken without 8 oz of water or lying down soon after taking a dose."

8 / 10
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More FAQ

  • eel...
  • November 3, 2013

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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  • Cra...
  • January 18, 2019

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I've never posted a review before but wanted to reassure people that are freaking out reading the scary reviews that not every experience is like that. I was having panic attacks when taking the pills because of reviews I'd seen. My anxiety about it made me feel sick this week, not the pill. Made sure to drink 2 big glasses of water when taking a pill... ate before taking it... had yogurt every day and didn't lay down or recline for one hour after taking it. Other than getting mild diarrhea a few times, I haven't experienced any other side effects. I was taking 300 mg/3x a day for 7 days. I take my last pill tonight."

7 / 10
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  • Dr ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 16, 2019

For Bone infection "Clindamycin works if taken correctly. To remedy the side effects from not only this antibiotic but really any antibiotic, first, it is imperative to replenish the vital gut bacteria killed by antibiotics by eating probiotic-packed foods. This will deter stomach aches, acid reflux, and usually will prevent diarrhea, however, if it still happens, add lots of fiber-rich foods and leafy greens to one's diet. One must also have the not-so-common-nowadays common sense when it comes to understanding instructions. If the bottle states 'take 3 times daily,' take it at the same exact time every 8 hours, this evenly spaces it, providing continuous coverage. Lastly, take with food unless instructed otherwise. If not able, milk alone provides similar stomach relief. I hope this helps someone out there!"

9 / 10
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  • Sun...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 12, 2024

For Bacterial Infection "I was so scared to take this due to the negative reviews. It took me 2 weeks to begin the course. The tablets worked very well for me, working on the infection in my ear very quickly, and I had little to no side effects. Only the first night I had a bit of stomach disturbance, and I needed to go to the toilet more than normal, but by the second day, that was resolved. After that, there were no side effects. I took 150 mg 4 times a day for 5 days. I want to reassure others who are as scared as I was that this medication worked well and did not give me any problems. It is now 3 weeks after I finished the course, and still all is well, and my stomach is fine. I did drink a lot of water and ate something with each tablet and did not lie down for half an hour after taking it. I also took a probiotic every day. All the best for everyone out there who is struggling like I was."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 20, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I noticed right away that after I took clindamycin, I had a bad taste in my mouth and tightening in my chest, which increased in intensity and longevity each day of taking it. After 5 days, my chest hurt so bad I almost went to the ER. It felt like a ton of bricks on my chest, but I was breathing normally."

5 / 10
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  • Joe...
  • April 11, 2015

For Sinusitis "Had sinus surgery last Tuesday and was prescribed Amox. My surgeon's office called me at home that night, I believe to change my medication to Clindamycin because some matter that was removed from my sinus tested positive for MRSA. Wonderful!!! Anyhow, my medical team gave me a prescription for Clindamycin, taken 3x daily, 300 mg. On the recommendation of a scientist friend of mine and the medical staff, I bought a softgel probiotic, which I take a half hour before my first Clindamycin in the morning. Only one probiotic is needed per day. I have had no side effects of the Clindamycin at all so far on my fifth day of use!!!! Taking the softgel probiotic is highly recommended. Hopefully, the Clindamycin works as well as the probiotic."

6 / 10
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  • Mam...
  • December 12, 2011

For Peritonitis "I had a severe dental infection that had me in intense pain, and it was one of the worst painful experiences of my life. I didn't have the money to get the tooth pulled or worked on. After 30 hours on this medication, my pain had subsided. I have now been off the medicine for 2 days and no crazy side effects. I also tried to take some probiotics between doses to ward off any bad bacteria buildup. This medicine is a godsend. Very strong antibiotic. Must take each dose with at least 10 oz of water. Please don't let bad reviews steer you away from this medicine."

10 / 10
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  • fla...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 24, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "Being treated for a leg ulcer with this medication. I have 5 pills left out of the 2-week dose, and I am finding it hard to finish. I too am experiencing extreme heartburn on top of the acid reflux I already have, so bad I have knots in my stomach, which is making it hard for me to eat. It is very painful when the food goes down. My chest hurt, and I was tired a lot after taking this. It did, though, clear up this infection right away. Going to try and get through the last 5. Reading others' posts have been so helpful. I knew nothing about not lying down for 30 minutes after taking it, and I will get back on yogurt too. Thanks for all the tips."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • May 4, 2010

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I am using this medication as an alternative to Flagyl. I found out about this medication on the internet to treat trichomoniasis, and it definitely beats Flagyl's metallic taste. It started working within minutes of the first dose. I wish the doctor would have told me sooner. I am experiencing some mild itching and more frequency in bowel movements."

9 / 10
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  • Jul...
  • August 8, 2014

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I am allergic to many antibiotics, including amoxicillin, and this is after taking it many times before and suddenly developing a reaction. I was given clindamycin (doc said it is one of the milder antibiotics) for 5 foot/ankle/calf surgeries. Months of my surgeries: Aug., Sept., Dec. 2013, and Aug. 7, 2014 (last night). The doctor didn't want me to develop an infection, which is why he prescribes it. It is now the ONLY medication that works for me. PLUS, I have a medium-sized hiatal hernia, GERD, and bad acid reflux and esophagitis. The previous 4 surgeries, I had to take the capsules 3 times a day for 10 days, and this last surgery 3 times a day for 3 days. THE KEY TO TAKING CLINDAMYCIN IS TO DRINK A LOT OF WATER AFTER SWALLOWING IT. I never had one problem."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 20, 2012

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I read the reviews before taking the medicine and almost did not take it. The reviews scared me, but I had to give it a chance, and I am glad I did. I did not experience anything mentioned in the reviews. It cleared my skin infection in 7 days. I did take it on a full stomach and ate 2 yogurts with live cultures daily to keep the normal balance in my stomach. I think this really helped."

10 / 10
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  • mis...
  • March 20, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I was given 300 mg to take 3x a day for 7 days for an abscess. Dentist and pharmacist warned of nasty side effects. Enclosed papers with instructions and warnings were scary and only recommended taking with food, water, and avoiding laying down for 10 minutes after taking. I looked online to see if taking probiotics would help prevent colitis. Found these ratings and was even further scared. I noticed everyone who gave positive reviews mentioned probiotics, yogurts, and staying upright for at least 30 minutes. So that is what I did. No side effects whatsoever. No heartburn, diarrhea (I actually became constipated), or belly pain. I took a probiotic with 10 billion strains 1x a day and ate a 0% Activia yogurt at every dose. Pain gone by day 3."

10 / 10
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  • For...
  • May 25, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Had pericoronitis several times and once a small abscess on the gum flap, which partially covers my wisdom tooth. Dose was 300 mg 4x a day for a week, only took 3x a day and took longer to finish the dose. Very effective at taking care of the infection. Side effects: feeling out of it/dizzy, headache/head pressure some days, strange powdery/metallic taste in mouth, diarrhea when I came off the medicine (lasted for months the first time, ate a lot of Activia, and that greatly improved stool). I have anxiety/panic disorder, and these symptoms made it really hard for me to take it. TAKE WITH A LOT OF WATER, STAY HYDRATED. HAVE SMALL MEAL BEFORE + YOGURT. DON'T SKIP MEALS. DO NOT LAY DOWN FOR 30 MINS AFTER TAKING."

8 / 10
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  • Sjm...
  • March 1, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "4th time on clindamycin. Twice for tooth infections. Second time now in a month for strep throat. 3 pills at a time, 4x a day for 10 days = 120 pills. I find it works but must be taken with lots of water and after you eat! And don't lie down for 10-15 minutes after taking it, or you'll get horrible heartburn that goes from your chest up into your throat."

8 / 10
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  • Man...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 13, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I took this medicine, clindamycin, for an infection I had after getting my wisdom teeth removed, and it was awful! The first few pills didn’t really do anything, but then I woke up one morning to take my pill and had immediate heartburn so bad I couldn’t even lay down for the next two hours, not to mention that it gave me esophagitis! I had no appetite, nor was I thirsty, but I knew I had to keep drinking water to get the awful taste out of my mouth! It made me nauseous a few times, but the last straw was when I hadn’t been able to eat without pain for 24 hours, so I had to force down some chicken noodle soup around 1 PM. I took my next pill at 3 PM and immediately threw up and called my oral surgeon and told him I was no longer taking the pill. It cleared up my infection, but I do NOT recommend this pill unless you want 24/7 heartburn."

2 / 10
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  • ano...
  • August 9, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "Dr. gave me this prescription for a tooth that was abscessed. The swelling had intensified after taking a hot shower, which made it look like I had a softball in my jaw. The pain from it was utterly unimaginable, and I was popping Vicodin and Tylenol 3s like Skittles. I did hear this particular antibiotic is linked to causing a specific disease in the colon because antibiotics do not discriminate when it comes to bacteria. Good or bad, it has to go. However, after taking my first dose of this and ibuprofen, the pain literally disappeared within 30 minutes. It was amazing. I cried, then went to sleep. No terrible side effects other than soft stool."

10 / 10
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  • Eli...
  • July 4, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I took Clindamycin because of a severely painful infection that was present both before and after a root canal. I was apprehensive about taking this drug due to all of the bad reviews, however, the only side effect I experienced was the metallic taste, which honestly wasn't so bad. After what felt like childbirth pain near my root canal for two weeks that wasn't responding to other antibiotics, the pain subsided after just three days of taking this medication. If I had to take it again, I would do it in a heartbeat. I took precautions when taking this medication, which is why I believe I didn't have any of the nasty side effects. While taking Clindamycin, I ate a bready substance both before and after taking each pill along with water."

10 / 10
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  • Tda...
  • May 6, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "Had an awful infection along the right side of my gum line, including a tooth that was abscessed. I have terrible side effects to almost any antibiotic, so I was not very impressed having to take it. I started the medicine yesterday and drank it with tons of water, made sure I didn't lay down for almost an hour, and also took acidophilus. I had no issues whatsoever, however, this morning after taking the first dose, I started with heartburn. I've also noticed an odd taste in my mouth. I took Pepcid and hope that will help knock the heartburn back a bit. Seems to have been improvement with the abscess already, so I hope this is as bad as it gets. In comparison to the toothache, I'll take the heartburn. Drink plenty of water!"

8 / 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.