Clindamycin and Heartburn: What Users Say (Page 5)

• ann...
• November 3, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I’ve taken clindamycin a couple of times over the last few years and have had minor side effects. Heartburn is the worst side effect I have experienced, but I started taking the pill during meals, and it helped greatly. I guess it’s because it’s going down with other food and not by itself. This antibiotic is definitely strong and does the job of getting rid of infections. Take some probiotics and Zantac with it, and you’ll be good to go."

• Thi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Took this for blepharitis. Day 1, totally fine. Day 2, first dose, still good. Went to lunch and took a dose and then 5 minutes later, BOOM. It was like the worst feeling heartburn I have ever possibly experienced in my life. I had to drive across town, white-knuckling the steering wheel. Then the nausea set in. Ran into the drugstore in tears to find the antacids. Those did not help. I ate like 5. Then this kept going in cycles of excruciating pain in my esophagus to wanting to vomit and back again. I managed to drink a slight bit of water, which helped ease a bit. It is now nearly two hours later, and I’m still feeling like my esophagus is just going to dissolve. I managed to call my doc and ask for a different med."

• 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 !!"

• 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."

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

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "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."

• 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."

• tan...
• November 23, 2011

For Bacterial Infection "Took for root canal and tooth infection. Take with water and most likely after eating. If chest pains and/or heartburn, I found Alka-Seltzer worked the best and fastest. Also try the live culture yogurt and foods high in fiber."

• Dia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2021

For Joint Infection "I had a jaw infection and was prescribed clindamycin 300 mg dose 3 times a day. Now, I need to add that I have GERD and ulcers, but I'm pretty much allergic to everything else, so I take this. Now, the trick that helps me anyway: ALWAYS EAT WHEN TAKING IT. I eat 3/4 of my meal, then take the antibiotic with a full glass of water, then I finish my meal to make sure the pills don't stay stuck in the throat. Then I sit up for half an hour to an hour. This helps me not get heartburn! This is a great antibiotic and works rather quickly, but make sure you take it with food or you will be up with miserable heartburn and vomiting all over the place."

• att...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I am a Type 1 diabetic with a chronic leg ulcer. Prescribed 600 mg clindamycin 2x daily. Now I figured out the heartburn after reading this. The leg wound isn't healing yet, am in day 6 of treatment out of 20 days. Pray this works."

• Anonymous
• May 1, 2014

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "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."

• App...
• December 26, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I was given clindamycin 300 mg for a sinus infection. My chest is really tight, and I feel like my throat is also tight. Heartburn is like you would not believe, and there are sores on my tongue. I would not recommend this medicine at all to anybody. Calling my doctor in the morning."

• sea...
• June 19, 2011

For Bacterial Infection "Clindamycin (300 mg 4 x a day for 2 weeks) was prescribed for a very serious staph infection in my knee/bursitis. The pain and swelling began subsiding within 36 hours. Should be taken with a lot of water. Side effects include a little heartburn after taking the pills and a mild vaginal infection after 2 weeks, so lots of yogurt should be eaten to avoid this infection."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2012

For Bacterial Infection "I got stung by a wasp and got a terrible secondary infection. The clindamycin cleared up the infection, but the heartburn and stomach ache I got as a result was almost worse than the infection. I had to constantly take Tums and Pepto-Bismol to fight off the nausea and heartburn."

• 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."

• 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."

• Acl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Was given clindamycin 300 mg three times a day for a severe sinus infection. The heartburn and irritation right after I take it and for hours afterwards have made me stop. At first, I thought it was the probiotics I started with it, so I stopped taking them at the same time, but I still have the same result taking it with water and bread. Nothing helps except waiting it out. I’m done."

• Shu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Taking clindamycin 300 mg three times a day for 3 weeks due to cellulitis. I'm about to end my third week, and for the past 4-5 days, I've had horrible heartburn, feels like something is stuck in your throat, and horrible acid feeling in my stomach. The medication has worked wonderfully. I just hate these side effects. The doctor recommended I eat before taking it to prevent these side effects, but even though I eat and take the pill afterward, I still feel the heartburn starting in a matter of minutes right after taking the pills. If you're on this, get something strong for these effects because they are a nightmare."

• C G...
• March 12, 2011

For Bacterial Infection "This medicine has relieved all of my pain in 24 hours at 300 mg, 3 times daily. The heartburn is very real and somewhat unpleasant. Antacids are not doing a lot. I did not lay down, but sitting still isn't a great idea either. This medicine is doing its job, so unless the infection comes back, I would say it is worth the heartburn."

• 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."

• lau...
• July 20, 2010

For Bacterial Infection "I had a gum infection that got so bad that my face swelled up and was red and hot to the touch. My dentist put me on clindamycin 3 times a day (4 times a day for the first 2 days). This did clear up the infection (was on it for 2 weeks), then was able to have the surgery needed (had to wait for the infection to disappear first), then had to stay on it for 5 days after surgery to prevent infection. I had to stop after 4 days, my heartburn and indigestion were so bad and I have had black stools for the past three days. Going to wait to see if everything clears up after stopping medication. I haven't taken it since yesterday morning, I haven't had heartburn since yesterday afternoon."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2017

For Sinusitis "I was given this for a severe sinus infection. I have taken the full prescription as noted and am still suffering ailments of the sinusitis. Each time the med is taken, I cough uncontrollably, have the nastiest metallic taste in my mouth along with nausea and an enormous amount of heartburn, a feverish feeling almost like I am sunburned. I took 2 150 mg 4 times a day for 10 days. Will try to avoid this one next time."

• Jos...
• January 5, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I hate taking Flagyl, it makes me so sick, but by taking this, it really cleared up most of my symptoms within days. The only side effect I got is heartburn and a bit of dizziness. I definitely recommend taking this with a meal."

• Ria...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I was given one pill (125 mg) when I was in the ER for a sore ear and throat. The next morning, I had the worst heartburn/stomach pain I had in my life! Tums chews didn’t help. Pepto didn’t help. Clindamycin is the pits, and it will ruin your insides! And I was supposed to take it every 6 hours for 6 days! What? Please do not take it!"

• Mel...
• September 19, 2018

For Peritonitis "I was prescribed this medication for a gum infection at 150 mg, 4 times a day for 10 days. The side effects are brutal! I didn't have stomach upset or heartburn like some of the reviewers, but I felt as if I had been hit by a truck. Lethargic, itchy, and just generally felt unwell. However, within 24 hours of taking it, my infection started to clear, so I didn't want to stop taking it. After suffering 4 days of side effects, I started taking it 3 times a day instead of 4 (one at each meal) and felt much better. It is excellent for clearing up infections if you can get past the side effects. Definitely take with food, lots of water, and a probiotic or yogurt."