Clindamycin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Bet...
• July 16, 2018

For Surgical Prophylaxis "So I had my wisdom teeth removed on June 5th of this year and was prescribed this medication in case I developed a post-op infection. As I'm 17, my immediate favorite 'side effect' of this medication is that it began to improve my acne. Here's where everything begins to go south. About a week later, I began to notice urgent diarrhea. This problem persisted for several days, at least 10 times a day. I began to lose weight, insane stomach cramps, nausea, I couldn't sleep, severe dehydration. I began to have bowel movements that only consisted of blood and mucus. I was admitted to the hospital for GI scopes. The next morning, my surgeon came to review the procedure. He said I was positive for C. diff and immediately asked if I had been on clindamycin. He then explained how powerful this antibiotic is and how it basically stripped my colon of all of my 'good bacteria', allowing the C. diff bacteria to become toxic. Do not take this antibiotic if you can at all help it!"

• Dim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Clindamycin did wonders for relieving my tooth pain caused by an infected impacted molar. Just be sure to drink at least an entire bottle of water at the time you take it, not slowly over the course of an hour, and definitely stay upright as long as possible after taking it (a half hour at least, 45 mins to be safe). Take probiotics too; you almost certainly will get diarrhea whether you do or do not, but taking them, in my experience, made it much less severe. I noticed no real heartburn whether I ate before or not, but would recommend eating anyway as that usually is better with stomach-rough drugs than not eating."

• acc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2018

For Bone infection "I had a tooth infection that spread into the bone and was making me ill. The dentist extracted the tooth and cleaned it up, put me on clindamycin 150 mg every 6 hours for a week. I looked here first and was scared to take it - almost emailed him to ask for a different antibiotic, but I tried it and it seems to be working! It didn't give me heartburn or diarrhea, I'm just tired, but that could be the pain meds and healing."

• Ugh...
• August 17, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I had a bad skin infection that turned into a blood infection rather quickly. While this antibiotic kicked its ass, it also kicked mine. I was on 500 mg 3 times a day for about 2 weeks (starting off with IV and then when I was discharged, pills). The side effects I experienced were like a living hell. I'd rather cut off my leg than take them again. Heartburn, metallic taste, my skin started peeling off on my hands, face, and legs. My eczema broke out terribly, but my acne cleared up, so there's that. But the worst part was the diarrhea and nausea. I feel so faint and tired, 24/7, no appetite, and my stomach feels like I have bowling balls in it. I've been vomiting almost every day along with nonstop diarrhea. It works. But it's HELL, even after you stop."

• Nev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2020

For Surgical Prophylaxis "I blindly took this as prescribed for my wisdom tooth removal. 1000 mg 3x a day for 7 days to prevent post-op complications. DO NOT TAKE IT! A week later, it caused me to have a severe case of C. diff colitis. I didn't know about any of this, but I would have taken my chance on complications (look up studies about if antibiotics even help prevent complications). I've lost so much weight, so tired, bedridden, diarrhea for two weeks now with blood and severe cramps and pain, 102.5 fever, nausea, loss of appetite. The diarrhea being impossible to keep clean has also caused a UTI from E. coli with another fever, blood/clots/tissue, severe pain. NOT WORTH IT. I feel like I was uninformed."

• lak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I have taken this medication about four times in my life. First two times because I was pregnant with a tooth abscess. Other two, same story. First time, it cleared the infection with little side effects as I already have IBS. Third time was terrible, and I stopped taking it. This time, I found it again and am on day 2. I'm nauseous, have horrid cramping and diarrhea, severe lightheadedness, migraines, chills, slight fever, and the pain is still immense. Not worth the side effects."

• B I...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "Given clindamycin after an infected tooth pulled. On day 5 of 7, 300 mg every 8 hours. I have IBS and diverticulosis anyway, but do seem to be having more diarrhea. Last night I thought I was going to die, not really, but I almost wished I would. First of all, my whole digestive tract felt very irritated. My jaw, ear, throat, and whole right side of my face were hurting worse than it did before. Managed to sleep for a while but awoke with that side of my face feeling like it was on fire. No fever, though. I put an ice pack on it. I felt fine this morning. To me, it seemed like all the infection came to a head and must have drained or something. If anyone has bad diarrhea, don't fool around, see a doctor ASAP. It could be C. diff and can be fatal!"

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

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "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."

• Ari...
• July 28, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Prescribed 300 mg 3x a day for five days. Take during a normal-sized meal. Side effects have been occasional diarrhea and now the worst chest pain/heartburn. Took the medicine before bed, didn't lie down until later, but woke up with incredible pain in my chest that spread. Before reading these posts, the chest pain was so bad I was ready to go to the ER. Unsure how long this heartburn will last, otherwise, this antibiotic did its job and the infection is mostly gone. Very effective. Still have a couple more days to go."

• sew...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I was taking this for a tonsil infection that neither amoxicillin nor erythromycin could take care of. It worked like a charm and is the first antibiotic I have taken that didn't have any side effects at all. My vision also became better, so now I don't have to use glasses anymore. Penicillin makes me tired. Erythromycin wrecked me totally in ways I couldn't imagine, it even made my asthma I didn't know I had a hundred times worse, permanently! Azithromycin (the two chlamydia/gonorrhea pills) made me tired and gave me a day of extreme diarrhea. Clindamycin (called 'Dalacin') is the first one that just works without ANY side effects at all. And it also made my vision go from poor to HD, so I haven't used glasses ever since."

• suz...
• March 13, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I was given clindamycin following an emergency tooth removal because I had some infection. I went back a week later, and everything healed up just fine, no sign of infection. Only problem I had was a bit of diarrhea, but nothing severe. All in all, a good medication."

• lou...
• April 15, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "Real-world experience: this is a great antibiotic if you are allergic to penicillin. I gave this an 8 because no medication is perfect. Some real simple, easy-to-follow instructions to help lessen any side effects: 1. Take with plenty of water, 16 oz minimum. 2. If you get an upset stomach, take your next doses with a meal or snack (I've taken it with food to ensure no issues). 3. Do NOT lay down after taking clindamycin, wait at least an hour or more. 4. Ties into #3: schedule your doses accordingly and do NOT miss a dose. 5. The most common dose is a 300 mg pink capsule, if you have trouble swallowing big pills, try asking for 2x 150 mg capsules instead of the 300 mg capsule (the pink capsule is a bit of a 'horse pill,' even though it's a gel cap). All in all, any real side effects are stomach-related (gas, loose stools, and heartburn). If those side effects are too intense for you, please ask your doctor for another antibiotic ASAP. Hope this helps."

• Rat...
• June 26, 2013

For Deep Neck Infection "I was prescribed this medication to treat a serious glandular infection in my neck. An allergy to penicillin made clindamycin the most effective choice, despite the potential of fairly serious side effects. I followed the dosing instructions, making sure that I took it with something in my stomach (I ate a 1/2 portion of oatmeal porridge 30 minutes before each pill); walked around for a 1/2 hour after taking it; had either an active culture yogurt drink or 1/2 cup of plain yogurt 2 hours after each dose to help restore the bacteria in my gut. I only had minor loose bowel movements at about day 4 and had excellent results in combating the infection."

• LVC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I am taking clindamycin 300 mg every 6 hours for an infected bug bite. Currently, it has been six days since I started the meds, and overall it has been good. The most important thing is that the infection has gotten much better. However, I do remember the first night I got severe headaches, and I also have been experiencing mild diarrhea. I recommend anyone taking this to drink a lot of water to avoid severe diarrhea, also, do not lay down for at least 20-30 minutes after taking it, as many others have been reporting heartburn if they lay down right away."

• Anonymous
• October 4, 2009

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed clindamycin in a hospital emergency room for a bacterial infection (cellulitis) in my lower leg and was on it for only about 36 hours (six 300 mg doses). I experienced a severe headache and began experiencing diarrhea. I called my doctor and asked for a different medication because I have to work and couldn't while experiencing diarrhea. My doctor put me on metronidazole (500 mg) 3 times a day. I've been off of clindamycin for 11 days today and am still experiencing mild diarrhea, depression, anxiety, and shortness of breath."

• Cli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2023

For Surgical Prophylaxis "I was prescribed clindamycin following major non-sterile plastic surgery as a prophylactic for MRSA and other potentially serious infections. I took the medication 4 times daily for one week as prescribed. Only after I had been taking it for a few days did I learn it could cause Clostridium difficile infections, but since I hadn't had any symptoms, I assumed I would be alright. Fast forward one month after finishing the regimen, and I'm in the ER with a positive Clostridium difficile test after 48 hours of intensifying diarrhea and cramping just above the groin. Thankfully, the first dose of my vancomycin regimen knocked out the symptoms. I'm now on probiotics and will probably continue taking them for three months just to ensure that the Clostridium difficile is gone for good. It sure would have been nice if someone had warned me of the potential for Clostridium difficile in advance so I could have requested a different antibiotic."

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

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "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!!"

• alw...
• February 24, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed Cleocin (clindamycin) for an infected tooth. I have never had this antibiotic before, called the pharmacist, and was told to drink a lot of water because it has a tendency to cause diarrhea. Well, I stayed on it for five days while enduring terrible stomach cramps and uncontrollable diarrhea until I came to my senses. I called the dentist and switched to Augmentin, which did the trick. Now, ten days later, I'm still recovering from the side effects of the Cleocin. I will never take this antibiotic again. There are too many alternatives to endure these reactions, let alone the fact that this drug strips your body of probiotics that affect the colon and can cause serious, and yes, even fatal consequences."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Clindamycin helped a lot with tooth infection pain within a couple doses. Tolerated it well for the week. Last day taking it, started loose stools and still dealing with that 2 weeks later. Great at treating the infection, but the side effects will make me ask the doctor for an alternative if needed again."

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "This antibiotic messed my whole body up. Gut-wrenching pain while taking it followed by severe diarrhea for months. In and out of the doctor's office and emergency room because of problems with diarrhea and stomach pain after use. Left feeling fatigued every day, this medication I will say knocked the poop out of me."

• Sel...
• September 15, 2019

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "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

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "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."

• Aly...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Do not take this medicine! With almost any antibiotics, it's smart to take a probiotic and to take on a full stomach (except the ones you need to take on an empty stomach). So I had the normal slight nausea. But about 5 days into taking it, I started to hurt in my muscles like before you get the flu. Then I woke up in the middle of the night, and I could hardly move. The joint pain in my wrists and back was unbearable. Not to mention extreme diarrhea. It's been about two weeks with the pain, I'm not sure I'll ever start to feel better."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "So I just started clindamycin 2 days ago. I have been taking probiotics in between taking the clindamycin (150 mg). Told to take it 4 times a day, but have only been taking it 2-3 times a day, which I'm worrying about. I have experienced dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, very alert of my surroundings, sharp pains in my chest and shoulder, as well as stomach pains and cramps. I have also been experiencing twitching in my fingers, as well as diarrhea. Not sure what to do at this point. As my belly button was infected, it's healing super fast. I just don't know about these side effects."

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

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "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 !!"