Clindamycin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 4)

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

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "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."

• Man...
• August 10, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "I'm 32 weeks pregnant, and I had an abscess and really bad infection in my mouth. I was put on clindamycin 6 days ago and had 2 of my molars pulled 3 days after I started the meds. I feel a million times better, but I've had diarrhea a couple of times and very mild heartburn once. I already eat yogurt twice a day, so I don't know if that helped me out with some of the side effects. I'm on 300 mg 3 times a day. I do get a bit nauseous. Even though these side effects aren't fun, I would rather deal with them any day than the pain I was feeling from the infection. It was unbearable."

• SLR...
• September 15, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "I took the probiotic (2 hrs before/after) this antibiotic and still slept in my clothes the first night because I was convinced I may be having a heart attack and may have to go to the ER. Now, I'm taking Pepsid as well, but today had to stop on my way to work because the heartburn is so severe. On day 3, I forgot the probiotic and had severe diarrhea - so don't do that. The dental surgery was mild by comparison - I stopped the prescription painkillers after the first day - but the antibiotic is killing me."

• 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 !!"

• Alw...
• March 18, 2011

For Bacterial Infection "I have been in and out of the hospital 6 times in the last year. Clindamycin is always prescribed. (I have ongoing staphylococcus, streptococcus, and cellulitis). WARNING! NEVER EVER lay down after taking this medicine. It will hurt. Drink LOTS of water and get ready for diarrhea. It does its job."

• Job...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "Took this for a gum abscess. Tried Keflex and Flagyl 10 days before this one, and those didn't help much, the abscess came back within 2 days. After those, my dentist gave me some clindamycin for 5 days. It helped perfectly, the abscess has not returned, and now I'm waiting for my wisdom tooth to be removed in 1.5 weeks. It has side effects indeed, it gave me a bit of loose stools, but... I take that over a gum abscess anytime. Thank you for making this antibiotic."

• Wiz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Was prescribed clindamycin for a dental infection. Day 1 - Slight heartburn. Day 2 - Severe heartburn (never had it that bad in my life). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. My guts felt like being twisted and rolled non-stop. Day 3 - I stopped taking them. Same symptoms as day 2, but this time I couldn't get out of bed all day. Day 4 - Still severe heartburn. Been off the pill for 2 days now, but still experiencing horrible heartburn. Hopefully, day 5 will be better, was switched to Z-pack instead. Never going back to clindamycin again in my life."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2017

For Surgical Prophylaxis "Consider another drug. Clindamycin has ruined my gut. I have had diarrhea for over a month (tested for c. diff: negative). The only thing I can eat is peeled, white boiled potatoes. Everything else goes through me in just a few hours. I've lost a lot of weight, and I'm permanently tired. My doctor has run all manner of tests, and I am just not recovering. I was a healthy 70 kg, 31-year-old male. Now 62 kg, one month later. I can't remember being so ill."

• Mer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2015

For Surgical Prophylaxis "I had three wisdom teeth (third molars) removed on Monday. I took two clindamycin (150 mg) before the surgery without anything in my stomach and was fine. I was instructed to take 4 a day and therefore took one pill every six hours (this is important). One night, I fell asleep before taking it, and I noticed I had mild heartburn, but once I made sure I did not miss a dose, this did not return. Remember to sit up straight for at least 20 minutes to prevent heartburn, this medication is concentrated, and you don't want it laying in your stomach. I was warned about diarrhea and increased my intake of plain Greek yogurt and kefir. My poo was mucusy, but no diarrhea. Taking precautions and reading instructions will make this medication effective."

• She...
• February 9, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I was taking 300 mg of clindamycin 4 times a day for 7 days for a gum infection. After a day, I started having extremely loud intestinal rumbling, passing loud, long gas and severe diarrhea. I cannot even pass gas without having to go to the bathroom and wipe myself, or even urinate without having some diarrhea. The rectal/anal area is raw and painful from the diarrhea, my skin is itchy, and I have this weird taste in my mouth. I've now finished the clindamycin, and 4 days later, I still have the gas and loose stools. Can't wait until it's all over. It did work on my gum infection, but the infection was nothing compared to the treatment."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed clindamycin for a middle ear infection. I was terrified of the reviews but was able to finish the bottle. I took the 300 mg 4 times a day for 10 days. The first 3 pills were fine, but by the 4th one, I felt so sick. Since there is limited space, I’ll just give my advice on how to get better. After the 6th day of taking this, I didn’t have any side effects. To avoid heartburn, you HAVE to drink a lot of water when taking this pill. I drank 24 oz each time. DO NOT lie down right after taking it. I usually stood up for 30 minutes after, and I also slept straight up on my couch. I also ate something either right before or 15 minutes before taking this. I got a slight heartburn once, but nothing else. To lower the risks of C. diff diarrhea, you definitely need probiotics in your life. I did have diarrhea and slight stomach pains for the first 4 days, but it was regular for the rest of the time. I ate probiotic yogurt 2 hours after each pill and found a probiotic pill. Be sure to take probiotics at least 2 hours after your antibiotic."

• Eth...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2023

For Peritonitis "Clears up the infection great and can be taken with dairy, no problem at all. Well, there is a problem. Eat more with it because I guess I might have absorbed it rapidly, but there’s the acid reflux, diarrhea, and the fact that my mouth tastes like salt or heavy metal. And not just a little. I’m legitimately trying to suck on a lime with a tooth abscess to get this terrible taste away!"

• ny5...
• March 1, 2014

For Prevention of Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Disease "I'm 31, I have my tonsils, and I have never had any problems with my ears/nose/throat. I was prescribed amoxicillin. The doctor said I was not responding to amoxicillin, the strep was antibiotic resistant, I now had 2 ear infections and was in danger of the strep causing heart or kidney damage. I take clindamycin 300mg 3X a day, I've been on it 3 days and will be taking it a total of 10 days. I experienced diarrhea the first day only. Then again I am not eating much either. My throat is improving, ears too. An added bonus is that my complexion is clear."

• Ano...
• May 30, 2015

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Took this for 10 days after dental surgery. A week or so later, I developed pretty much non-stop diarrhea, which was then diagnosed as Clostridium difficile, aka CD. Took drugs for 7 months (Flagyl) until it finally went away with Vancomycin. Stay away from clindamycin!"

• Ral...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

For Deep Neck Infection "Because the first two rounds of clindamycin were given intravenously, it began to work right away. I was given an oral prescription, and three days in, I began with side effects of diarrhea, itching, burning skin. I was then put on amoxicillin orally, but the effect of clindamycin remained and got worse. Back at the hospital 5 times for bowel issues. Hospital not treating me well due to my complaint. This medication should only be given through IV."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I had an infection in my wisdom tooth. My dentist gave me this antibiotic. After 2 days of taking it, I got very sick. My stomach was hurting really bad to the point I was crying. I was vomiting. That only lasted a day. But now, a week later, I've been having diarrhea like crazy. I've never gone to the doctor yet because I'm hoping this will just go away, but I don't think it will. DO NOT take this antibiotic. Please don't. It's the worst if you get the side effects that I got."

• Dan...
• June 13, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I went to the doctor and prescribed me Clindamycin HCl, 3 pills a day for six days. It's my third day, and I have never actually experienced the worst things people kept saying, including severe heartburn and crippling internal organs. I think we differ in experiences, but I think how it is taken is also important. I've always eaten probiotics before and after this. I drink the pill on a full stomach and also together with 1 1/2 glasses of water. The only side effects I experience were mild, painless diarrhea, light-headedness, and a tolerable burning sensation at my feet. Nothing more. With regard to the healing of my tonsillitis, it was actually fast. The white spots seem to be fading, but still there. The pain when I swallow is still there, but has become better. On this third day, experiencing fever also faded away - thanks to this antibiotic. I will give it 8 stars for being effective, but still hating how the diarrhea wakes me up at night, haha."

• Anonymous
• February 8, 2010

For Surgical Prophylaxis "Clindamycin is a good drug for oral bacteria, and since I had an allergy to penicillin, I was prescribed this for 5 days after my oral surgery. The first dose caused terrible heartburn and nausea. I was very nervous about vomiting after mouth surgery. The next dose I took with a big glass of water, yogurt, and applesauce and sat up for 30 minutes-no problems after that. Except for watery diarrhea, which started the day after stopping. Keeping well hydrated and taking my probiotics should help."

• Mim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Would never recommend this antibiotic! I was prescribed 7 days, 3 times a day. Today, I took this med, so I did. I have a very bad stomach to start with. I was able to do my first 7 days without a problem, then after my seven days, I started to have really bad diarrhea, and I rarely have this. It has lasted now for like two weeks. Now I had to restart another dosage of clindamycin for another 7 days, but I saw that they were not the same color as the other ones I had taken. I don't know why, but anyway, I started them yesterday, and I've never felt sicker! My stomach was very upset, diarrhea, nausea, chills, fever, dizziness, and my throat is hurting. I'm not one to complain usually, but after this, I immediately stopped the medication! Never again."

• Bar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2015

For Surgical Prophylaxis "The swab taken from my wound revealed NO serious bacteria, however, the drug was selected by the consultant. I managed 8 of the 300 mg capsules, which were prescribed 4 daily. What a hellish experience. Severe diarrhea began following the stopping of the drug after only 8 capsules. It continues. Severe fatigue, oral thrush, and feeling 100% worse than having the abscess treated in the OR and the wound packed, etc. I will never touch this poison again, no matter what is wrong with me!"

• Anonymous
• January 28, 2019

For Sinusitis "I have been taking clindamycin for four days now, and it hasn't done anything but give me the runs every day - and I'm taking it with a probiotic daily. It hasn't helped the sinus infection at all. This is my second round of antibiotics."

• eve...
• March 2, 2015

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I took this recently for one week because I had cellulitis on my upper lip and right cheek due to a pimple that was popped by my doctor. I would recommend this especially to those who are allergic to penicillin. I took ceftriaxone before this for two weeks, and in the middle of my medication, I broke into hives. So, to everyone, when the doctor says 'there's only a 3% chance of penicillin allergy,' just say NO. The side effects with clindamycin for me were loose stools and joint pains. Good thing I found this forum, so I'm still taking my probiotic pills and also Activia. So far, my bowel movement is not a problem, and my stool is getting better."

• Cri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2013

For Peritonitis "I was diagnosed with a peritonsillar abscess in the back of my throat on my left side. The medicine is working well, as far as I can tell. I haven't had diarrhea since I was given the medication, but I did forget to not lay down for 10 minutes, and I never thought I was going to fall asleep last night because I was in so much pain."

• no...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "OMG. Dentist gave me clindamycin for a bacterial infection in my mouth before oral surgery. I was taking 300 mg 4 times a day for 10 days. On the 5th day, I became so sick with violent diarrhea and extreme nausea I had to get off. I continued to day 7 at least and told them I could no longer or would no longer take it as I felt like I was going to die. I did my research after, and the horror stories for most people that have taken it should have been an alarm to me. I haven't been on antibiotics for years and years and believe in healing holistically and naturally but felt this was an exception to the rule. Trying to step up eradicating infection with even more natural things but don't know since I have been on those dreadful antibiotics."

• Lab...
• October 2, 2016

For Surgical Prophylaxis "Did fine for 10 days on this drug for an abscessed tooth. Dentist pulled the tooth, and then began the most horrible diarrhea! Dr. prescribed Flagyl, but I'm still having issues after weeks! I will never take clindamycin again! I'm using charcoal and oil of oregano, liquid probiotics, and got prayed for at church! I've lost ten lbs and have gone from normal stools all my life to a mess!"