Clindamycin Patient Tips

How it works

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It may be used to treat a wide range of infections including those by anaerobic bacteria (anaerobic means "living without air").

Upsides

Treats a wide range of infections such as those occurring in the abdomen, gastrointestinal tract, lower respiratory tract, in skin and soft tissue, and genitourinary area.

Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Serious diarrhea has been reported during or soon after antibiotic use; risk may be higher with clindamycin. May occur more than two months following clindamycin administration.
• Side effects include serious skin reactions, abdominal discomfort, nausea, unpleasant or metallic taste, and liver function test abnormalities.

Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here.

Bottom Line

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is usually reserved for treating anaerobic infections (infections caused without the presence of air) and serious other infections. Clindamycin should be discontinued if significant diarrhea develops during therapy.

Tips

• May be taken with or without food.
• Take exactly as directed and for the duration intended.
• Only use when prescribed by a doctor to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria as improper use increases the risk of resistant bacteria developing.
• Report any instances of diarrhea, occurring either during clindamycin administration or in the months following to your doctor.
• Some strengths (eg, 150mg capsules) contain FD & C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) which may cause allergic reactions; people with aspirin sensitivity may be more at risk.

Response and Effectiveness

Peak concentrations are reached within 45 minutes; however, it may take up to 48 hours before infection-related symptoms start to abate.