Why can't you lay down after taking clindamycin?

You should avoid lying down after taking the antibiotic clindamycin because it may prolong the time it takes for the medication to move through your esophagus into your stomach, potentially irritating your esophagus.

In some cases, clindamycin has been linked to irritation and inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) and esophageal ulcers. Esophageal irritation related to medications like clindamycin is thought to be caused by the drug remaining in the esophagus for too long and releasing chemicals that damage the lining of your esophagus. Lying down soon after swallowing a pill, or lying down while swallowing a pill, is one factor that can increase the risk of irritation by prolonging the time it takes for a drug to travel through your esophagus.

Drinking little or no water when swallowing a pill is another factor that can slow down a medication’s progression through your esophagus and increase the chances of irritation.

To prevent irritation in the esophagus, try to remain upright for at least 10 to 30 minutes after taking clindamycin, and swallow the pill with a full glass of water.

Many other common medications may cause the same complications, including:

• Other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), iron (ferrous sulfate) and potassium (potassium chloride) are also causes of drug-induced esophagitis.