Clindamycin for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection User Reviews (Page 2)

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2017

"Prescribed clindamycin for stubborn skin infection. I have a great (medical) doctor, whose base is a teaching hospital. I asked my doctor if clindamycin had side effects. She said some develop digestive irritation and started me on yogurt, three times daily, for five days before medication start, then twice daily while taking the antibiotic. Following this advice, plus plenty of water (like at least one 'Big Gulp' size ingested with pills), I had no side effects--and I've suffered excruciating (antibiotic) side effects mirroring leg amputation sans morphine while giving birth. Yes--that bad! The day I skipped my regimen, I had mild diarrhea and heartburn only. This discomfort had me back on yogurt and water, and zero side effects."

• Cli...
• August 11, 2016

"I cut my finger working on my car. It was a very dirty wound that required stitches, and I was given clindamycin in order to prevent infection. I do not remember any specific warning about the increased chance of any type of intestinal problems associated with this antibiotic. The clindamycin caused me to get a C. diff infection that sent me to the ER. Very painful and passing mucus and blood in the stool. I have never experienced anything like this before. I will never take this drug again and suggest doing research before taking this or any other antibiotic. The problems seem to be clearing up after a course of Flagyl and Cipro. More antibiotics to fix the other side effects. Good luck to anyone suffering from this."

• can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2019

"I had a tooth infection, and I'm allergic to most antibiotics, so my doctor told me he had to give me 'one that would be hard on the stomach.' As someone who is afraid of vomiting, I decided to research it, and let me tell you... these reviews terrified me. However, I can say that this medication was (mostly) okay! I was taking it three times a day. Each time I'd take it, I'd drink a bottle of water and eat a piece of toast. They recommend not to lay down for 10 minutes after taking it-- wait longer. I attempted to lay down after 20 minutes and had the worst burning in my esophagus ever, and that's coming from someone with GERD who is no newbie when it comes to heartburn. I waited 45 minutes to an hour after that and had no issues until the last day. At the end of my script, I began breaking out in hives, then had the worst heartburn I could ever imagine anytime I tried to lay down. While I didn't face the typical stomach issues, the heartburn was enough to make me wary to ever take this medication again."

• Kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2018

"DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG! I was prescribed this drug for what a doctor thought was a staph infection on my skin. It wasn't. It was just an irritation, and this doctor overreacted and didn't culture it. I was prescribed it for 7 days, twice a day. THIS DRUG RUINED MY LIFE. I took only 3 pills, realizing that this really wasn't staph and my body was healing it on its own. About 3 weeks later, I was sicker than I've ever been. Intense stomach pain and water coming out of both ends every 15 minutes. I was diagnosed with severe C DIFFICILE (c. diff). My gastroenterologist who treated me said that had I taken more, it would have killed me. I was treated for c. diff for 7 months. After taking all of the drugs to treat c. diff, we almost did a fecal transplant. This drug shouldn't even be on the market. There are so many other drugs out there that won't hurt you the way this does. I am warning you all!!"

• Bek...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2018

"I got a bad case of folliculitis from a hot tub all over my body. Was prescribed 300 mg 2x a day for 7 days. I had zero side effects from the medication, and it worked great. I was terrified to take it after reading the reviews, as I have a very sensitive stomach and am allergic to penicillin. I took a probiotic and stayed hydrated. I am on day 6 now and no side effects so far. It also cleared up the infection relatively quick."

• Anonymous
• August 29, 2010

"Severe skin infection on ankle due to weed-wacking accident - infection and swelling gone in 5 days. No side effects despite having eczema, no allergic reaction so far with 3 and 1/2 days of 300 mg capsules remaining."

• pin...
• August 18, 2017

"This has honestly been one of the worst experiences with medicine I've ever had. Dr. prescribed me 300 mg of this medicine, three times a day. First, no issues. I took my second pill with some yogurt and bread since it was later into the night. I sat up for about 20 minutes as the bottle says not to lay down for at least 10 minutes after taking. I woke up about 45 min with the worst pain in my chest and back, sharp burning pain, excruciating heartburn pain, and constant large painful burps. I seriously thought I was dying and almost went to the ER. After two pills, I stopped. It's been 2 days, and now it hurts to swallow down in my esophagus like there is a chemical burn. Feel like I have the flu all over. NEVER AGAIN."

• kat...
• November 3, 2016

"I am allergic to many antibiotics and have taken clindamycin for abscess in my gums due to a tooth infection. It seemed like it was working, then seemed like it was getting worse. The antibiotic was working, but it takes about 7 to 10 days for a full recovery. If you can stand side effects, it is worth it. But it must be taken with food due to stomach discomfort and dizziness for me."

• ret...
• September 16, 2016

"Well, so far I've been taking this drug for 5 days. First day: upset stomach and threw up in the middle of the night, and felt rumbling in my stomach. However, I had a staph infection maybe on my face. A few pimples, which I've never had acne problems with. What made me notice them is they were all painful to the touch. I mean very painful. So, the doctor said staph infection. Take 10 days, 300 mg 4 times a day. So far, no issues. 5 more days to go, and I will finish as instructed. I'm taking it about every 6 hours, give or take a few mins into it. So far, no issues, and I hope none either."

• Sel...
• September 15, 2019

"I made sure to check with the doctor and the pharmacist on the correct way to take the medication because I know many antibiotics can upset your stomach if taken on an empty stomach. I was told to eat something before taking it and to expect diarrhea. Before I took it, I also read the little pamphlet that came with the medication from my pharmacy. The directions said to take it with a little bit of food and to drink a full 8 ounces of water with the pill and to not lay down for 10 minutes after. I followed those rules and did not have diarrhea or any other side effects. The only side effect that I did have is a ridiculously awful taste in my mouth. I wouldn't even call it metallic, but it tastes like the worst morning breath times ten. Even brushing and rinsing with mouthwash hasn't gotten rid of it. My last dose was over 24 hours ago, and I still have the taste in my mouth. Hoping it will go away soon. Otherwise, I have no issues with this antibiotic. I was on 300 mg four times a day for 10 days, and it worked for my issue!"

• Tbo...
• September 8, 2013

"I have cellulitis on the neck and face. This disease can be very dangerous and must be treated very quickly and aggressively. I was told by urgent care to go to the ER, which I did and received the I.V. version for 1/2 an hour and was released. Then, I took the oral version at 300 mg 4 times daily for 7 days. I am on day 5. It gave me mild diarrhea. I changed my diet to something that's easy to digest and it's better now. My rash and the pains in my head are gone almost completely. I am still very scared about day 8 when I stop taking these pills. The doctor says I should be fine, so I have to believe it."

• era...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2014

"This medicine did get rid of my skin infection (MRSA), however, it gave me a slew of other problems. I had awful headaches, pain in my intestines, a change in my bowel habits/change in stool, and now, about a week off of the medication, I still have pain in my intestines, and now I have a vaginal yeast infection. I have been taking acidophilus tablets since I stopped clindamycin."

• Mel...
• January 9, 2017

"I have an abscess on my jaw, and I've been on clindamycin for 3 days (450 mg 3x per day). The abscess was originally about 2' x 2' and just under my skin. I have been using hot packs as well as following my prescribed dose of clindamycin, and in 3 days' time, most of the swelling has gone down, and the abscess is about half of the size it originally was. I'm only giving it an 8 because I haven't finished the 7-day script yet, but I'm hoping things will continue to heal up and go down and will be mostly or all the way gone, but so far it seems the clindamycin is working well for me."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2020

"I was prescribed clindamycin for a horrible infection of my finger that was swollen, and I couldn't bend it. I had cramps and diarrhea the same day I started on it. I took a 300 mg dose every 8 hours for 10 days. I broke out in hives on day 4 or 5. Had the worst heartburn I've ever experienced. Also felt like I was getting a yeast infection. Then, 2 days after finishing the mess, I woke up with every joint from head to toe hurting like never before. Every muscle ached also from head to toe for 2 days. Horrible headache, lethargic and weak, and sweating and clammy, and absolutely miserable. These symptoms were worse than any flu I'd ever had. I could barely get out of bed for 48 hours. Then the body aches subsided quite a bit. I kept having chronic headaches, nausea, diarrhea still going on since day one. Still clammy and sweaty and weak. My GI system hurts from sternum to my butt. I will never take this pill again !!"

• DoD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2019

"I'm on my 5th day of taking this med, and on the second day, it was already clearing those stubborn boils that kept busting and were popping up all over me. The only side effect I'm having (and it's pre-existing prior to taking this med) is GERD, therefore, it's giving me heartburn, but I've cut the coffee out and I'm on the water. But I'll live with that side effect if it means getting rid of those boils. It's even clearing recurring problems with my sinuses that I could never get cleared up. I personally can't complain about this med."

• Anonymous
• May 1, 2014

"Medicine worked for my soft-tissue skin infection. However, it caused tremendous heartburn that generally lasted a couple of hours. Tums helped that side effect. Did better when I took the medicine with food, even though the label said to take with an empty stomach."

• Ger...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2018

"I got a deep laceration in my finger with a rusty, sharp blade while cutting tree limbs. Went to the emergency room, got five stitches, and they gave me 40 capsules of clindamycin 300 mg to take for 10 days. I noticed no side effects whatsoever, I even took them on an empty stomach several mornings. I did have an unrelated infection in my gums at this time, which was very aggravating and had been hard to get rid of. I noticed my gum infection completely disappeared within 2 days of clindamycin. This is some serious antibiotic. I wish I had saved 10 or 12."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2019

"I was prescribed clindamycin for an ingrown hair. I only took 2 out of the 21 pills prescribed. I got extreme throat and chest pain from taking this, as well as tingling in my tongue. It’s been almost two weeks since I stopped taking it, and my stomach is burning in pain all day, every day. I can barely eat, can't drink coffee or wine. Can’t enjoy any of the foods I like. NEVER AGAIN!!! Worst antibiotic I’ve ever taken in my life. I regret taking those two pills."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2019

"I was put on this antibiotic, clindamycin, at a hospital for a tooth infection. The infection was getting worse and moving, and it was going up into my eye. This antibiotic was hard on my stomach, I had to eat and drink a lot of fluids with it. It is an antibiotic and is a very effective one."

• Bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2019

"I am on day 2 of 300 mg qid for a molar infection turning to a possible root canal. I started with 2 doses at 600 mg. I am allergic to penicillin, so I need to take this. I have previously taken this with mild side effects: heartburn. This time, so far, no side effects. I requested this medication as I know it works. I take it along with Aleve because of the naproxen for pain. If you follow the Dr.'s instructions on how to take it: no lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking, you won't feel heartburn. Take with lots of water and with food, you shouldn't feel the upset stomach. Make sure you eat bowel-friendly food to help keep the flora balance in the bowels. My doctor informed me of potential side effects. I would rather have some diarrhea than excruciating tooth pain. Have patience, it will do its job."

• Mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2019

"I am on my day 2 of clindamycin to treat cellulitis from a bug bite on my face. The swelling has gone down, and I don't want to stop taking the medication, but I started getting pain in my left armpit after the 3rd dose. I was just checking here to see if that was normal. Unfortunately, it's Christmas, and I can't call my doctor, but I guess I can call advice. What happens if I continue? It's not unbearable pain. I just really want to be better ..."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2015

"I have more of a concern/question than an experience to share. I have been taking clindamycin 450 mg 4 times daily, and started feeling a bit strange, but nothing acutely abnormal, just have felt off. So, I came to read up on it and get other users' reviews. Let's just say that had I known what could possibly happen weeks/months after stopping this drug, I wouldn't have taken it. However, now that I'm halfway through the prescription, I've taken notice that, in complete contradiction to the norm, I've had absolutely ZERO bowel movements in the last 6 days since starting this med, and I'm getting concerned. Considering the norm reaction to this med is loose stools and/or diarrhea, I'm just concerned that it's doing something to my GI tract."

• Sel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2022

"I've been on clindamycin multiple times: 450 mg every 8 hours for 7 days, 300 mg every 8 hours for 7 days, 300 mg every 12 hours for 10 days. Knocks out MRSA cellulitis/folliculitis like no other. A combo of Keflex and doxy for 20 days did nothing except land me in the ER with MRSA sepsis, where IV clindamycin took care of it in 24 hours. I now ask for it by name. It's going to work, trust me. Side effects for me personally are body/joint aches, tiredness, and a bit of brain fog. Extreme nausea and reflux occurred the first time I took it, until I learned to only drink water while taking it. Cut out everything else you drink, especially carbonated drinks, and stick to water."

• Jet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2018

"I have been taking this for 6 days now, 3 times a day (300 mg). I have not had an issue as I am taking a probiotic (50 billion) and have had no digestive issues. It looks like after 5 days, it really showed a difference. Waiting to finish the script, and hopefully, this does the trick. I am allergic to penicillin and sulfa meds, so this was prescribed and I started taking it right away. Everyone has different reactions to meds, but this was fine for me, and the probiotic must be helping."

• Mee...
• July 16, 2017

"I would love to give it a 10 because it is pretty great. It is really helping me with my cellulitis at the moment. The reason why I gave it a 9/10 is due to the mood swings that I am having. I checked through the side effects and didn't see mood swings. I have been feeling from happy to mad to sad. Also, the bloating is pretty bad, but bloating was stated in the side effects. Overall, this gets the job done quickly, just has its effects."