Clindamycin Side Effects Can Be Serious

Urgent Message from Portland to the abscessed tooth person:
My husband Dan took the same drug clindamycin for a infection on his leg and had the same symptoms with the non stop diarrhea and did get C-Difficle. Nine days in critical condition and 41 days total in the hospital and rehabilitation. He lost his large intestine and gall bladder. He has an illestomy now. Please inform your readers. It has drastically changed his life. Thanks, Camilla and Dan

I read with interest the comments concerning diarrhea and C. Diff. My 25yo daughter was having digestive issues and had an endoscopy to help diagnose the problem. Within days she developed worsening, unrelenting diarrhea. Thinking it was a gastrointestional virus or part of her stomach problem, she suffered through it for nearly 2-3 weeks. Finally after losing weight and being unable to eat without rushing to the bathroom, she called her family doctor. She saw a partner in the practice who immediately suspected C. Diff after learning of the endoscopy procedure. (Apparently, this is how the C. Diff infection was introduced.)

A stool culture was ordered for confirmation. It would be through the weekend, though, before the results were in. The first stool culture was negative. The doctor ordered a second culture. Again, it would take a couple of days for the results. For a long time, I had been trying to get my daughter to try eating yogurt to help with her stomach problems and now her diarrhea. Finally, after the false negative culture result, I convinced her to try it.

The brand of yogurt I have always eaten is Stonyfield. She ate 3-4 servings per day until the results from the second culture were back. This time it was positive for C. Diff. But her diarrhea had stopped! The doctor prescribed appropriate medication just to be on the safe side. My daughter was astounded by the effect eating yogurt had had on her C. Diff infection. Her doctor was amazed as well and took note of the Stonyfield yogurt effect!

He now recommends it for his patients. Needless to say, we continue to eat this particular yogurt regularly. My daughter's stomach issues have improved significantly. I really feel that Stonyfield yogurt was literally a lifesaver for my daughter and I pass the word to everyone I know. Maybe this can help others as well.

I had the same problem after taking clindamycin. Probiotics did not help me. My gastroenterologist did tests for all sorts of pathogens (including Clostridium) and eventually she recommended a colonoscopy. That also found nothing wrong, but following the procedure, my diarrhea cleared up (expensive treatment? coincidence? who knows, but I'm much better now).

Thank you for printing the letter re clindamycin. I had a far more serious reaction to the drug. Why is it still on the market and why do dentists prescribe it?

I had a root canal done at the end of January of this year. The dentist prescribed clindamycin. I began to have serious diarrhea and three days later called 911 and the paramedics took me to the hospital. After I was examined in their emergency department, they transported me by ambulance to Kaiser Hospital.

I spent a week in the hospital with C. diff and finally went home with a prescription for Vancomycin. This prescription was for a six week period, followed by an additional six week session and when the diarrhea returned again, for an additional six week session. I think I am finally on the way to recovery. It was interesting to see that this wasn't an isolated case.

I am taking clindamycin as a preventative measure, after a tooth extraction. It seems I feel really terrible within about 20 minutes of taking it. I get very tired, achy, mild sore throat and ear pain. It may be from the extracted tooth, but maybe not, because it wasn't infected and is healing normally.

I have also felt depressed. Are these side effects reported with this antibiotic? All I see are diarrhea/GI side effects. Thanks.

I had an infection in a tooth and the dentist prescribed Clindamycin. Awful stuff. Every time I took a dose I got sick to my stomach if I didn't make sure to eat crackers with it. It took almost the entire week of dosage to make the toothache go away. I took the last pill two days ago.

Now, I have terrible diarrhea and skin that feels like it's on fire with a rash that is getting worse. The itching is unbearable. I had researched the possible side effects when I first got the prescription and started taking pro-biotics right away to make sure that I didn't get the diarrhea. Obviously, that didn't work. Thanks much to the "Mom" who wrote to tell about the yogurt. My husband is on his way to the store now.

I found a site that shows the results of 12 clinical trials for Clindamycin. Of the 126 people who participated in the trials, 62 ended up with diarrhea. 80 ended up with an itchy rash.
WHY IS THIS STILL ON THE MARKET???

I was prescribed Clindamycin following a root canal and had to stop the medication after 4 days due to severe heart burn (that was stated as a possible serious side effect in the info given to me by the pharmacist). After stopping the medication it took a couple of days for the heartburn to subside. 2 1/2 weeks later I had diarrhea, fever, chills, and body aches and presumed I was getting the flu.

The other symptoms subsided within a few days but the diarrhea continued for a week. After see my doctor she confirmed it was C difficle as a result of the Clindamycin. She now prescribed Flagyl for the C difficle.

I had an IV of Clindamycin in the ER followed by a ten day course of the antibiotic to clear up an ear infection.

I developed diarrhea within a few days of taking the drug but was instructed I needed to continue the full course of the drug.

One week after treatment was still having diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, I was put on Flagyl (metronidazole) for ten days. The diarrhea disappeared within three days and abdominal pain subsided. I was put on the BRAT diet Bananas, Rice, Yogurt and Tea. It was all I could eat.

Three days after the Flagyl treatment the diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, now severe reappeared. A stool test was then done negative for C Diff.

I was put back on Flagyl for 21 days. I was sent for a Cat Scan, which revealed minor issues but no outstanding problems. I was then sent for a colonoscopy which again revealed nothing outstanding. Biopsy taken from colon was negative. Blood work for other potential conditions all negative.

Still not right a week after colonscopy was put back on Flagyl again for 10 days and currently still on, abdominal pain minimal, no diarrhea, but gastro system still not functioning properly.

Be careful very careful when prescribed Clindamycin.

My 19 yo college-aged son was rxed Clindamycin by a podiatrist after tx for his foot infection. He has Type 1 Diabetes (insulin pump) since age 9 and also Hypothyroidism. WELL he had a severe allergic reaction with full body rash and general weakness. That was over 2 months ago...

We've tried acidophilus and Florastor...no help.... His appetite post-rx decreased rapidly and he has lost 15 lbs in 2 months, also had increased fatigue, muscle weakness and diarrhea. Now his MDs are saying that due to severe reaction, this may have triggered onset of Addison's disease and/or diabetic gastroparesis. As you can guess we are VERY DISTRAUGHT about why this happened and why this medication remains on the market!!!

HELP! Words cannot express how badly I feel about bringing my diabetic son to the podiatrist and having this happen. PLEASE BAN THIS MEDICATION ASAP!!!

I had a bad tooth infection (the dentist wanted to pull the tooth), and I couldn't eat much with the tooth pain. He prescribed Clindamycin. I'm relatively stubborn 44 year old with a rock hard gut. Around the same time I was taking the Clindamycin, I was constipated, some diarrhea, and horrible cramping.

I wasn't allergic to antibiotics so I didn't think of that. I ate prunes, fiber and anything to relieve the constipation, but it caused more pain. My wife wanted me to go to the hospital, but I didn't think it was serious enough. Then it felt like someone shot a flaming spear through my lower left abdomen (that floored me), and I had my wife call 911.

I had been on other medications for other conditions, and told the hospital that I never had so much as a stomach ache and that the only new drug was the clindamycin. They admitted me and found I had a perforation in my colon that led to diverticulitis.

I spent 6 days in the hospital, then I changed doctors and got a stronger antibiotic. The pain subsided so I said that I wanted to go home. The put a pick line in my arm (a tube for the IV), that leads near the heart. I plug Zyson antibiotics into it and run the tube down my shirt and in my pocket (the cannister has gas in it).

I've been out of the hospital for almost 3 weeks with no pain, but I can't eat normal food, I'm still on antibiotic IVs, I've gotten 5 CT Scans (like 400 X-rays each), and it shows improvement, but a way to go, so I have no idea when this will be over. I figured today that I would check on this drug, and although it wasn't exactly the side effect listed, and I'm not 100% sure the drug caused it, I don't know what to do. Even though I'm out of the hospital, I can't do anything heavy with my good arm because it tears the pick line out.

I never had an intestinal issue in my life, and judging by the posts here, I can't think of anything else, but if anyone knows of side effects like this, please let me know.

Thanks

I was prescribed clindamycin for a tooth abscess, which cleared up right away. I took yogurt with it from the start, so had no major problems until I finished the prescription. I then developed heartburn (severe) and a rash, which cleared up with treatment. However, my digestive system has now been messed up for 4 months.

I have had a colonoscopy and several lab tests. No colitis was found, but I am still having frequency, despite daily probiotics and daily immodium. Now I have developed arthritic pain in places I never had it before. Does anyone know if there could be a connection between the clindamycin and joint pain?

I was given Clindamycin after a tooth extraction. I now wish I had the tooth back. At first the rash and I went right to the doctor, she threw the pills away and said the rash would probable get worse before it got better. 3 days latter my husband dragged me to the doctors again (sometimes having a high threshold of pain works against you). I had been in bed for 2 days and he says he went to bed with his wife and woke up with Barney the Dinosaur.

The rash was from head to toe, the itching unbearable. The Doctor sent me straight to the emerg. One look and they hooked me right up to an I.V. full of steroids. This got me out of bed but did not change the rash much. Then they had to check for kidney and liver failure. So far so good.

They sent me home that night and told me to come back the next day. That day I was told my urine had blood and other deposits in it, and they were going to give more steroids but it raised my blood sugar too high. They say maybe 2 weeks or so for the rash to go away . Yes, really wish I had that old tooth back now. ITCH ITCH ITCH.

I have been taking 300mg of Clindamycin a day for 6 months now, to try and prevent a recurring gland infection. I read similar awful accounts about this drug online beforehand, so have been taking probiotic yogurt daily and have had no problems other than going to toilet half an hour after taking each pill.

Believe me, it took some guts to take it after reading reports like this, but the infection is serious and deadly and the other antibiotics were not suitable, and I'm here to balance out the other reports, as some people have no choice but to try it.

Obviously some people have terrible side effects and should stop clindamycin immediately - I'd recommend they also take probiotics for months afterwards too. It is a fact of life that all drugs have serious side effects for some people, and if there is a lesson to be learned, it is this - only take drugs that are absolutely necessary and be on the lookout and on google for side effects. Believe me, my family learned the hard way with Zyrtec.

I was given CLINDAMYCIN after having a root canal. I developed a horrible vaginal itching almost at once. I thought this was a "typical" yeast infection caused by taking antibiotics so I tried to treat it myself with eating yogurt and using Monostat to NO AVAIL. What agony. I would take the tooth pain back gladly as I feel there are ants crawling all over me.

Nothing helps. Not multiple soaks in the tub, cold compresses.... nothing. Of course I stopped taking the evil drugs but just 5 pills have me in utter misery.

My husband doesn't have the diarrhea side effect, but since being prescribed clindamycin in June, he has been miserable with increased bloating and gas. Our primary care physician dismissed it as "swallowed air," but we're convinced it's more serious than that. He has eaten yogurt and is taking probiotics, but it doesn't seem to be helping. Last night the burping changed to hiccups that lasted for several hours. I'm thinking we need to see a gastroenterologist.

I was given topical clindamycin for acne. After being on it for 4 months I started getting depressed. I felt tired all the time. Then I started having severe bloating. After a few weeks of those things, the severe abdominal pain and bloody stools started. ( normally I am a very healthy person with a lot of energy) After reading about the side effects of clindamycin, I called the pharmacist and told her what was happening.

She said it wouldn't happen if I was taking a topical form of clindamycin. I told her indeed, I was having these severe reactions from taking the topical drug. After realizing the antibiotic was destroying the "good bacteria" in my system and leaving the dangerous bacteria to thrive and create all sorts of havoc in my system, I stopped putting it on my face and I also started eating yogurt and taking probiotics. A few days have gone by. So far, I am feeling much better.
Please beware of this drug.

I am about the same age as your daughter and I got prescribed this medication for teeth problems, I just started it this morning but it looks like I will NOT be taking it again and will be asking for a different medication!

Can the diarrhea side effect happen 2 months after going off Clyndamycin?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: C. DIFF ASSOCIATED DIARRHEA COULD START SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER STOPPING CLINDAMYCIN. WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT 2 MONTHS.

I'm a 30 year old healthy active athletic male.

One month ago, I was prescribed Clindamycin for my root canal as an alternative to Penicillin. I took 2 pills just before leaving the dentists office. Not even 10 minutes into my drive home, I could tell my stomach was uneasy.

I started having diarrhea that same day and up to 6 times per day.

Even though my prescription was only for one week, I still have diarrhea everyday and it's been one month later.

I've lost about 8 lbs in one month and to be honest I'm very slender as it is so I'm not trying to lose any weight. I eat normally but everything (even liquids like chamomile tea) triggers the runs.

The difference between what I'm experiencing and what others report is that I don't have any abdominal cramping and I don't feel weak or tired. Just loose stools for now.

I"m going to see a doctor next week because I'm worried that by not doing anything I'm going to cause irreparable damage to my intestines.

I am having severe heartburn from Clyndamycin and trouble swallowing (very painful). I am wondering how dangerous this is?

I'm having the same issue with the heartburn. This is my 4th pill. I'm done with this....

I was experiencing severe acne problems and was prescribed clindamycin 300mg to be taken once a day at night after meal. After one week I felt sharp pains in my chest, lungs, heart that I can't eat, sleep or go to college. There's no diarrhea though. The doctor told to stop taking the medicine for 2 days but even after one week the pain is still there and my acne is worse. Will the yogurt help?

I have been taking clindamycin for two days. I don't have any stomach problems. But I do have depression, flu symptoms and no appetite. I will not be taking anymore after tonight and plan on starting a probiotic and liver cleanse tomorrow.

My dentist prescribed clindamycin for a tooth infection. It took care of that in short order but caused a case of diarrhea that has lasted from thanksgiving until today January 12th. I have spent $175 in blood and stool tests to try to determine what was the matter with me.

The c diff test came back negative but the health practitioner suspected it was a false negative and prescribed flagyl to see if that would clear up the diarrhea. It did so within two days of starting treatment!

I guess clindamycin is about the only option for people allergic to penicillin; but now I know watch out for. Good luck to you out there, I hope this helps.
Mark

I was prescribed clindamycin for a tooth extraction. I am not allergic to penicillin so I don't know why it was given to me. I received NO warning about this and was on painkillers afterward.

Three weeks later, I was in ICU in septic shock with diarrhea, fever and blood pressure in the 50s with the mean in the 30s and 40s. No blood was getting to my organs and they were beginning to shut down.

I am so grateful to be here to be able to write this. I am really wondering why this is allowed to be given out. I was taking probiotics with it but it almost killed me anyway.

Honestly, I am so upset right now that I have contacted a lawyer. Something needs to be done. Dentists give this out too freely. Who knew having a tooth removed could kill you? I am home now recovering and I pray that this is not something that I will have to live with forever.

Beware of clindamycin and help spread the word that this drug needs to be banned. C-diff is a highly contagious disease and the causes need to be stopped and clindamycin is one of the biggest.

Shaking my head, I can not believe this medicine is dispensed so casually. Yes I understand that there it is the best treatment for certain infections but it really doesn’t appear to be necessary in a lot of cases and if more commonplace drugs, such as penicillin had been used there would never be an issue, not to mention how much less expensive the penicillin treatment is.

And speaking for myself it was prescribed to me for abscessed teeth by a dentist who had taken over the practice of my previous dentist who used to prescribe penicillin for me. Point being, I really didn’t do my job in checking it out first or asking questions, I just went and got it filled. The dentist had instructed me to double the first two doses so we could jump start the drug in my system.

Tuesday, January 5th I took the first double dose in the evening, and did sit upright for actually about an hour as the pharmacist and the bottle labels both cautioned not to lie down within a half an hour of taking it. I then proceeded to bed and in less than hour was awakened by a very weird nightmare and god awful pain across my entire chest and shoulders, along with burning all through my upper digestive system.

I spent hours sitting upright trying to quell the "heartburn" I was experiencing but eventually did manage to return to bed avowing to be even more careful with the next dose I took, thinking of course that the problem had to have been with me and not yet associating the nightmare with the drug.

Next morning I take the second double dose as instructed and headed off to work tired from the rough night but still at that point thinking it must have been just me. Now as I am walking into the office building I work in I realize that the top part of my thighs ached like they had been beaten mercilessly during the night. So I am thinking, wow, okay, this is not going be a nice day. That evening I immediately take just a single dose when I get home from work, right at dinner so I can insure I will be upright for several hours before going to bed but the same thing happens again, chest and shoulder pain, aching thighs, and weird, weird nightmares that were so unsettling that they themselves would have been enough to ruin ones sleep.

The next morning, Thursday, January 7th I can barely walk because of the thigh pain and I decide I am taking no more after having done multiple searches online and seen that indeed some very dire things can and do happen with this drug. Now I would have hoped that this was the end of it and my body would commence to getting back to normal now but par to the worst was to come.

This drug decided to attack my renal gland and I know I am not explaining it right but consequentially because of the inflammation that caused and the weakening of the surrounding muscle I ended up with 4 sprains in my back, very painful sprains I might add. I am now undergoing acupuncture w/electrostim as treatment because the chiro says I am so inflamed he can not do an adjustment. Additionally icing several times a day and taking anti-inflammatories has brought relief to a degree where I can at least sleep for about 4 hours at a time.

Today is Friday the 15th and I am still having the weird nightmares and really wonder how long will it take for this to completely get out of my system and what can I do on a lay level to facilitate that?

p.s. Yes I am working in conjunction with dentist, general practioner, and the chiro for the most optimal solutions.

I had acute pharangitis in my throat, and was prescribed penacillin. My throat began to feel better, and i finished the course of antibiotics and all was well. A week later, I woke up in the middle of the night, barely able to swallow or breathe. Went to the base E.R. No fever, no other symptoms besides the insane throat pain.

After being admitted they did a CT scan and concluded that not all of the pharangitis had been killed by the penacillin and I now had a peritonsullar abscess within my tonsil. The procedure was the most awful pain i ever felt. A needle in the back of my throat 5 times, and syringes full of pus came out of my throat. My doc prescribed CLINDAMYCIN to kill the bacteria 7 days ago. The first few days, I actually felt really good, the pain started to go away, my throat felt like it was returning to normal and all was well.

Today marks the 7th and LAST day of treatment. My throat feels 100% again, but unfortunately about 3 days ago I started noticing very soft, foul smelling stool. Nausea, slight fever (99.4) and semi sharp pains in my right abdomen just below the ribs. The docs don't know what to make of it. I am beginning to get scared now.

I'm active duty military, and I'm TDY going to a school that is very important to me, but if this continues, I fear I may not get to graduate. I say take Clindamycin off the market, although it may help, these side effects arent worth it.

I have been taking Clindamycin for a tooth infection before I have a root canal tomorrow and I dread taking every single pill!! I have had the worst abdominal cramping, gas, diarrhea and not to mention the terrible heartburn. After reading everyone's warnings and side effects I am really worried about recovering from this, does anyone recommend a brand or type of probiotics that helped them recover? I would also recommend NOT to drink alcohol while taking Clindamycin!!

I am a severe type 1 diabetic and im only 21 years old. I had gotten a staph infection and was put on Clindamycin. From day one of taking the first pill which was Sept 9th 2009 I have had the non-stop diarrhea, loss of appetite and major headaches and yet to this day still have it. They have tried other meds to stop it but its not working, i also have an enlarged liver on top of that. I believe they should ban this drug!!!

having a persistent nasal odor following a bone/skin graft by the periodontist, I was given 500mg every 6hours for 10 days to clean up any bacterial infection which may have been the cause for the odor. The odor persists, but I have not experienced any of the side effects mentioned yet noticed that, with yogurt twice daily during the 10 days, that the intestinal stool actually was cleaner, following the treatment. this was 2 months ago.

I first started out with a sensitive tooth so the dentist up a cap on, that made it worse-big infection, put on Penicillin!!! So then a root canal, well he couldn't get to the very tips so I go back in next Friday for another root canal.....BUT GUESS WHAT---another infection started this week. I was put on Penicillin again but this time I had a reaction-I felt burning under my scalp!?!

So today I call my dentist and he put me on Clindamycin. I took my first pill tonight and after 5 minutes of taking it I got "heartburn" from the back of my throat all the way down to my stomach. I got on the computer to see what I could find out about side effects. Well... Thanks to this website I will NOT be taking anymore pills. I agree with everyone who said they would rather live with the tooth pain. Thank you again!!!!!!

A couple of weeks ago I had to have a tooth filled. Because I have heart valve disease, I had to take one dose of four x 150mg Clindamycin one hour before. The stomach pain was pretty bad, but I remained upright for the hour, and had no further problems. Since then, my tooth has kept hurting, and I noticed a gum ulcer that is producing pus. I went to the doctor and he prescribed 300 mg clindamycin three times a day.

So far, I have had four doses, but I felt so sick with stomach pain, and the most poisonous tasting reflux each time, and it's getting worse, I think. I feel very dizzy shortly after I can feel the drug kick in. I have had chest pains (not stomach, as I have had ulcers and also have chronic gastric reflux, and I know stomach pain), and my heart felt like it was missing beats for a short period of time about a half hour after each dose.

I also feel like it's hard to breathe. I have no rash, no chronic stomach pain, and the symptoms ease up mostly after about four hours. But I have a constant metallic taste - disgusting - and I feel dizzy. The last dose, I decided I couldn't possibly face felling like that again, but as the effects wore off, I thought, well, maybe I can try one more time. All antibiotics can cause allergies and the bowel thing. However, after reading this, I don't think I want to put myself through this again.

I'll have to wait to see the Dr on Monday, and he may not be happy, but I have already lost two days. I can't cope with more. If it's any comfort, Bactrim is far worse, and was mostly banned in Britain, for general use.

I was prescribed Clindamycin yesterday. I am going to have oral surgery to extract a wisdom tooth pretty soon and my dentist prescribed this medicine to help with the infection. I am on 150mg/3 times a day. I am also on Lortab for pain. So far, I have taken 2 of the pills. After the first one, I sat up for 30 minutes and then went to sleep because the Lortab made me extremely sleepy. I just took the second pill about two hours ago and I feel absolutely terrible.

I basically just feel sick. I'm very nauseated and my skin is itchy but that may be from the Lortab. My chest is also hurting a little and it feels like indigestion. I'm extremely nervous about taking this after seeing all of the bad reactions. I will repost on this site as I keep taking it.

KG - I have also been taking it topically for acne for 3-4 months. I stopped last week because I was developing diarrhea, and mucus/blood. It is the ONLY drug that I take, but still my doctor told me it was unlikely that it is from the clindamycin topical.

I had to show her the FDA warning which clearly states that enough can be absorbed topically to cause these effects. I am eating Stoneyfields yogurt 2-3 times a day, taking acidopholus and also started taking S. Boulardi (another probiotic). Right away (within 2 days), I had no more diarrhea and no more urgency. The blood/mucus is still there but much less. How long does it take to completely go away?

I am going to get tested for C Diff anyway, because another post (I think the mom) said that her daughter's diarrhea stopped but she still had C Diff and had to get a different antibiotic to treat it. I do not know why this is on the shelf.

On November 12th,2009 I was prescribed Clindamycin HCL 150mg for tooth removal. I told the dentist that I had already taken Penicillin for a week. He stated that I needed to take a more specific drug like the one in question. I was prescribed 28 pills to be taken over seven days. Now, I have a rock hard gut but after a few days I started having abdominal cramps and loose stools. Today is January 27th, 2010 and I am still having cramps, gas, and loose stools sometimes four times daily. The color is not normal, sometimes dark and pasty. I just started acidophilus and Greek style plain yogurt. I agree with everyone "THIS DRUG IS DANGEROUS". Will keep you posted. It might be a little late for me, but thanks for your website.

I was prescribed Clindamycin for a bad root canal. In the meantime, the dentist prescribed Clindamycin to kill the root canal bacteria. After taking just five Clindamycin pills, I started experiencing this extreme abdominal wave-like cramping. The muscle movement inside felt like I had a large snake in my intestines that was moving on its own.

By day five on Clindamycin I had to stop taking the pills. I had developed uncontrollable black diarrhea. During the course of one 24 hour day, I had to make 30 (thirty) bathroom trips. The pain was physically disabling and the smell was very strong. On a few bathroom trips, I noticed I was passing white tissue from my body. I saw my PCP on a emergency basis, and a stool confirmed C. Difficile. We started 14 days of Flagyl and the BRAT diet.

Pepcid AC and Tums helped control the severe heartburn and stomach acid that accompanied the C. Diff. I'm slowly recovering, but this started 8 weeks ago. Tomorrow I see a Gastroenterologist to determine next steps. The C. Diff smell is pretty much gone now. But my skin looks completely dried out, and it's itchy. My skin was actually red and burning shortly after taking the Clindamycin.

Things that helped me may help you, too. Take Stonyfield yogurt twice a day, and use the B.R.A.T diet to go easy on your digestive system. I used Culturelle (Target) or the mega Ultra Probiotic Complex 50 (GNC) three times a day. Drink Vitamin Water for vitamin C and Gatorade(G2) for electrolytes. Try sleeping slightly propped up to eliminate the severe stomach acid/heartburn. Wash your clothes and bedsheets every day. Use Lysol and disinfect surfaces. Avoid physical contact until the follow-up stool test shows you are free and clear. Run all dishes through the hot dishwasher.

Hang in there and don't let fear and depression stop you.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THE BRAT DIET CONSISTS OF BANANAS, RICE, APPLESAUCE AND TOAST. IN SOME VERSIONS, IT IS BANANAS, RICE, APPLESAUCE, TOAST AND TEA. LINDA'S RECOMMENDATIONS SOUND SENSIBLE, BUT CHECK WITH YOUR OWN HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

I started taking Clindamycin 300mg 3 times a day last week.... I felt like I couldn't breathe. Then had trouble swallowing and heart burn. I have been off the medicine 2 days, and I'm still not back to normal. But when I googled Clindamycin it was one of the side effects... I hope this helps, and I hope this is not pro-longed!

After a series of nosebleeds last week (Feb 7, 2010) caused by dryness and a sinus infection, the ER Dr. prescribed Clindamycin HCL, 300mg 4 times/day for ten days. I am a 60 year old male in good health and take only Prilosec regularly.

On the sixth day, I developed severe pains and cramping in my stomach. I lost sleep and tried to walk it off. The pain subsided until I took another dose of the medication. I have no other side effects at the moment and I have begun the yogurt supplement as suggested by this site and by the pharmacist. I stopped taking the meds and will call my doctor tomorrow. There are warnings for this med on the label and now I know why.

I took four days of the medicine and everything seemed great until the fifth day (last Friday...it's now Monday the 15th). On Friday and ever since then, I've had the worst cramping and constipation imaginable and now my rear end is inflamed and I think I have bleeding hemorrhoids.

Of course, whenever I eat I get the "urge" to have a BM. When I do, the stools seem "normal" for now, but the cramping and anal pain is almost unbearable. I don't want to eat, for fear of getting everything going again. Anyone have any suggestions?

I am on clindamycin currently. (clindamycin hcl 150 mg.)

I take 4 capsules orally every 6 hours for a MRSA infection. Originally I was on bactrim but I learned after 12 days that I was allergic to sulfadrugs. Now with the clindamycin, the skin on my face is peeling and I have a rash on my entire body, my hands had swollen up and became itchy and easily bruised to the point I couldn't use them for days.

My nose is flaky and dry, especially in and around my nostrils and just tonight I noticed the rash spreading into my under eye area causing bright red crusty splotches all over my face. I only have 2 more days left of this medication and my doctor has not been very helpful in treating my allergic reactions (when I left the hospital my face was swollen and my skin was red and they still insisted on discharging me and when I developed the bactrim allergy he did not even try to treat the rash).

I have developed diarrhea while taking this medication and while it's not severe, the consistency has been getting slightly mucusy. Is there ANYTHING I can do about my reactions? Specifically my facial and skin rashes? As I've said my doctor has been no help and just keeps writing scripts for more antibiotics.

Please stop those tablets immediately if you have a rash or swelling. It means you are allergic, and you could go into shock suddenly and die. Stop first, tell the doctor after. And I would suggest any doctor who ignores such serious side effects is a quack, and you must see someone else.

I posted before, I was using clindamycin topical for approx 4 months, and developed loose stools, urgency, blood and mucus. I stopped using the clindamycin one month ago exactly. I was tested for c diff and it came back negative, and had a procedure to see my colon and it looked normal. After eating tons of probiotics (yogurt) and taking acidophilus and s. Boulardi (probiotics) I have been improving, but still not right.

The urgency ended after 2 days of probiotics and yogurt, and now I'm back to my normal BM schedule, but the consistency is still off, and it looks darker than normal. The blood has decreased but there is still mucous and some blood. When this all started, the mucus came first: looks like a piece of tissue in the toilet. The blood started as a little pink on the tissue and progressed to drips until I stopped using the clindamycin and started the probiotics, now it is SLOWLY getting better. I feel fine and have never been in any pain, but then again I only used it topically. I guess we can't expect to reverse the damage overnight. But it's already been a month and I am so ready to be over this! Where is it even coming from?

The healing is so slow... Any ideas on how to speed it along?

2/23/10 -clindamycin 150mg/ea 6 hr/40 tabs start 1/12/10-jaw infection from tooth ache, infection won out- couldn't be stopped w antiobiotics for 40 days [clindamycin being last rx] result no stopping of infection, tooth loss and bone graft.

Things cleared up once TOOTH pulled w/ no further after the 40 dys antiobiotics, none of the rx stopped infection as long as tooth in mouth; Now this date 2/23,still have skin rash since mid Jan on face, red splotches and peeling over cheeks, nose forehead eyebrows ears and headache lasted 3 weeks; still the rash and splotches and peeling; some diahrrea; will this skin thing which I have NEVER ever had before this or any rx- go away does anybody know?

Beware if somebody gives you 40 days of antiobiotics; I changed dentists too late- now its $4,000 for a single implant.

I had periodontal surgery on 2/12/10 and was given clindamycin hcl 150 mg to take 3x a day until gone. I was given 15 pills so 5 days worth. I took the last pill on 2/16. On 2/18 I started eating regular food again and after eating a hot dog and chocolate milkshake I got diarrhea.

At first I didn't think too much about it because I have had this happen occasionally after having a milkshake, although have never had any problems with milk so I know I'm not lactose intolerant. As of today 2/24 I have not had a normal bowel movement. I have had diarrhea at least 2 or 3 times a day, once having to jump out of bed at 3am. A few times it has been dark and tarlike but mostly a lighter color. Also for a few days after the surgery I was very lethargic and felt "blah" with slight sore throat and ear pain.

I went to my doctor then about the ear pain and he said I didn't have an ear infection and it was probably a reaction to having my jaw open wide for 4 hours during the surgery and it would go away. At the time I wasn't having diarrhea. He was right about the ear pain going away after a few days but now the diarrhea. I haven't tried any "home remedies" or over the counter drugs but after reading these posts I made an appointment for this afternoon.

Hello, I to had a terrible experience with this drug, and will NEVER again start a med without checking it out FIRST!

I started 1800ml daily of this med... the first day was fine... the second day I felt "hurty" all over... including a dull headache that never did stop till one full day after stopping the med. On that day I had a small rash on my forearm, applied a cream it stop the icthing. The third day...WOW... could hardly get out of bed to get breakfast before taking my son to school... kept taking the meds... had BAD diarrhea... and I am already a yogurt eater...daily. Fourth day... took meds and felt like I could not get the two 300ml pills down my throat... had toast and applesauce and skipped the eggs the rest of the family was enjoying... I felt so sick... Got in the truck to take the youngest to school and we are a few miles down the road and I realize I am getting sick and lucky for me my 11 year old son had a plastic shopping bag handy and I was so sick I pulled muscles... got Tim to school and barely made it home before the diarrhea struck. It lasted ALL day, into the night (I read this site and my husband took the bottle away!)

That was yesterday morning... I never took another pill because frankly I couldn't swallow one if you PAID me. I can hardly sit up to write this but felt I should share... I cannot eat without being sick... and the diarrhea is a mucous type and foul beyond foul. I can hardly get out of bed without help the joint pain is so bad it has been 24 hrs since the last dose and I will eat some yogurt and try to regain some fluids with some tea... I started this drug for a skin infection that was painless but needed to be addressed with meds...

I will NEVER understand why they didn't TELL me what could happen...since it seems as tho it's not IF you get sick but WHEN! Thank you for listening. TAK

Last week I started feeling a sinus infection coming on. I started taking clindamycin on Tuesday. That night I had a lot of stomach cramping diarrhea, and started noticing some skin burning sensations and pain in my calves. Over the next few days the pains got worse, in my legs mostly, occasionally my hands and arms. I started to think it was MS after looking up those symptoms. I have had a lot of diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, lethargy, just feel really unwell.

The joint pains did not start until I began the medication. Could this be the cause. What about all this nausea and diarrhea, should I go to the hospital to check it out because of the clindamycin? I stopped taking it yesterday afternoon.

I started on Clindamycin Tuesday. That night I started noticing some joint pain which has gotten worse. I have severe stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, no appetite and low grade fever. I stopped taking it yesterday. I am still having diarrhea, bad nausea and no appetite. Feel lethargic and awful. Called the Dr. all he said was to come in Monday if still feeling bad, and to discontinue use of medicine which I did already.

What should I do?

I had Clindamycin + Lortab (for pain) subscription for a bad left side tooth. I had to stop taking the medicine after finishing five of the seven day prescriptions not because of diarrhea but a much more terrible condition.

It worked as a good laxative instead of diarrhea and my tooth pain is gone on the 6th day. However, the reason I stopped it is because in the morning while I was at work, I felt like I had a stroke, a penetrating pressure between my left eye and nose which contracted and numbed my left side of face. I felt like I would pass out but I did not.

Afte a 3 - 5 minutes, I was back to normal but the feeling that the condition will return remained in me as a "panic attack". Three days passed since this happened. My Dr. Checked my left eye if the pressure has left damage but I am ok. He advised me to continue checking my blood pressure which was up when I was measured on prescription. My blood pressure is back to normal now, and I had no symptom of blood pressure in the past except that I am a little overweight for my height, but I still have a feeling like blood will penetrate and flow out of my left nose (I don't know what to call it) but goes away fast.

I never had any of these symptoms before the medicine.

TAK,

Please, please, please get to the doctor immediately! I had the same thing without the vomiting and blew it off thinking it was the flu, it was c-diff and I got it because the clindmycin stripped my insides of all defense. My whole awful story is above. I was in ICU, please get to the doctor NOW!! Also, please let me know how it goes... I am worried about you.

Kim

In September 2009 I had an infection develop around the fractured root of a tooth. My dentist prescribed 150 mg Clindamycin 3 times each day for 1 week. I recall some queasiness after taking the antibiotics for several days, but basically it was ok. Now, in February 2010, an infection developed around the fractured root of the neighboring tooth. A different dentist prescribed 300 mg Clindamycin 4 times each day for 1 week.

That is triple the dose, 1200 mg instead of 450 mg, and after 4 days of taking the medication I had a lot of pain in my esophagus, it felt as if the pill had become stuck a couple of inches below my throat, and also much belching.

My pharmacist said to take probiotics, he recommended AlignGI, since the antibiotic kills good bacteria as well as bad, and suggested halving the dose, two pills a day, 600 mg, instead of four. My dentist said to stop the antibiotics until my dental appointment the next day. That did help, I also ate yogurt, and, after reading the advice and personal histories posted on Peoples Pharmacy, I am happy to have dodged a bullet, ... maybe.

Over several decades I have had treatments of antibiotics and never this reaction. Also, over several decades I like to think that I have built up a considerable resource of good bacteria, that aids particularly in digestion. I don't want that destroyed for the sake of controlling a localized infection.

Yes, the pain went away quickly with the antibiotics, and yes, no doubt the local concentration of harmful bacteria around the fractured root was reduced. But the source of infection will not go away until the site is treated surgically. The first prescription, 450 mg daily, appears just right for infection control. The second prescription, 1200 mg daily, I think, was too aggressive. The bad side effects showed how much the medication reduced populations of good bacteria. There was the potential for much greater harm.

Following a root canal on 2/18, I was prescribed 300Mg Clindamycin 3x/day for 5 days. When questioned, my dentist stated that it was a 'stronger' antibiotic and since I thought the doctor knows best, I took it. It caused immediate, violent diarrhea & constant stomach gurgling. I was concerned when I found this web site and all the adverse reactions to this drug.

I stopped taking it on day 3. I called my dentist 1st thing Monday morning (2/22) who told me that the prescription was only to be on the safe side (I already had taken 1 week of Penicillin) GREAT - THANKS FOR THAT!! I've never had any reaction to antibiotics. Awful stuff.

As of today (3/2) my stomach has settled down somewhat, but I still have dark mushy stool. STAY AWAY FROM THIS DRUG !! BTW it costs $66.59 at CVS for 21-300Mg Clindamycin VS $12.29 for 28-500Mg Penicillin. I have no dental health insurance to cover this cost.

I took Clindamycin 300MG 4 X a day for 6 days following a root canal for an abscessed tooth. I had zero symptoms while taking the drug and no gastrointestinal problems at all, but now, almost a week after completing the drug, I have a strange rash on the backs of my hands. It's like I have frog skin with multiple raised bumps. It doesn't hurt or itch, just looks weird. Has anyone else ever had this once that stopped taking the medication?

SJ, Thank you for your comment. I wrote the comment from the day before. Thank you for the capital letters. Your strong reactions come through in your comment, and that's a good thing. You report that the dentist gave you the Clindamycin "to be on the safe side". That is scary. Antibiotics do harm as well as a lot of good. To be on the safe side, doctors and dentists should slightly under-prescribe, not dramatically over-prescribe.

If the dose is too low to begin with it can be increased. The dentist who gave me the lower dose ( 3 x 150mg daily ) said that Clindamycin is effective at low doses, and that only once in his long experience with the antibiotic has he had a need to prescribe a stronger dose later.

The drug literature reports that serious side effects do occur, the same side effects that are reported in these comments in the People's Pharmacy, including C. difficile, diarrhea, colitis, and esophageal irritation. Therefore Clindamycin should be used sparingly, and never just "to be on the safe side".

I've only taken 3 pills 150/mg so far. I'm seriously going to stop taking this drug. But I need the tooth infection to go away, what are the alternatives? On the third pill feel a little weird but no weird bm. I hope it's not to late did take care of pain in only 16 hours.

Hi there- you said the rash cleared up with treatment- can you tell me what you used? I've been off the drug for two days, but the rash is getting worse. Any advice would be appreciated.

My daughter was given this drug for infection at the base of a tooth that had previously had a root canal done on it several years ago. The infection was so bad that the roof of her mouth was swollen and "hanging"... after several days we noticed that in insides of the palm of her hands were broken out and looked like the back of an alligator... under the skin on the palms. It has been 3 weeks, and now the skin on her palms is peeling. After reading all of this site, I wonder WHY any doctor would prescribe this anymore?

Certainly there are other drugs without all of these side effects that would do the job as well???????????

I started this drug yesterday for a bad bronchial infection. I noticed that I didn't need to urinate much. Last night I only was able to squeeze about 1/4 cup of urine out.
I am a winter resident in Florida and don't really have a doctor here. I went to Urgent Care. Now I am having trouble getting help.

I had a cat bite that caused blood poisoning Sept.7th, 2008.

The ER gave drip system of Clindamycin and gave a prescription of Clindamycin 300mg. On the14th I broke out with hives and itched like crazy for a week. On the 17th I had horrible pains that started like what they call a brain freeze. Wondered
if I was having a stroke. I could smile and put my hands over my head so that ruled out stroke.

The whole right side of my head felt like it was having lightening strikes everywhere.
Went to a Neurologist, he ordered all sorts of tests. Said he had never heard of Clindamycin having that kind of side effect.

Went to the Sinus Doctor on the 20th of Nov. He could not find any reason, but he did give me a six day packet of steroids and I was back to normal. Only for the six days though.

Decided I needed to go to the Chiropractor, maybe my head was not on right. He is the one that said I had every symptom of a Cluster Headache, which is Trigeminal neuralgia. I had these attacks for three days short of five months.

Those attacks drained all the energy out of me. The doctors still don't believe it was caused by the Clindamycin, but I am convinced it did and am relieved to read that a couple of others had the Trigeminal neuralgia. NEVER AGAIN Clindamycin.

I was prescribed Clindamycin 150mg/4x daily for one week for a tooth infection, a few days prior to having a root canal. I have a severe allergic to penicillin, which will trigger symptoms of joint and muscle pain. I took Clindamycin reluctantly, as I didn't know what else to do for this infection, and did not know of the side effects stated on this forum.

Exactly one week after being off Clindmycin, I developed some pressure in one of my eyes, and started seeing a gray circular spot in my line of vision. I, too, thought I was going to have a stroke, as someone else on this post had written. The pressure in the left eye was very elevated and the Opthamologist discovered that I have a type of retinal detachment that comes on suddenly, among other things, it can be caused by infections and some types of medicines.

I just found this to be coincidental as I had just been to the Opthamologists and my eyes were found to be healthy; had normal vision, and normal eye pressure two months prior to being on the Clindamycin. (I take no other medications). Since many people that have written here have skin rashes and joint pain due to inflammation from having taken Clindamycin, I am wondering if this caused inflammation in my eye that resulted in increase in pressure and the ERD... it is something rare.

No stomach upset, however, and no diahrrea as yet, but stool is very dark.

I'm happy to say my gut feels back to normal again. For over a week I had strong pains from my digestion. My dentists had said at the start of the week to stop taking Clindamycin 4 x 300 mg daily. I was on daily AlignGI, a probiotic, at the recommendation of my pharmacist. Then, after talking to friends experienced in health foods, I took a trip to a good local health food store. One person recommended going to Whole Foods, I happened to choose somewhere else.

The friends said that the best probiotics are those in the refrigerator section. I picked up Good Belly, yoghurt with live cultures, Kombucha (haven't faced that yet), ordered a green juice freshly made, basically anything that promised a jolt of raw nutrients and probiotics. Most important I think were probiotic capsules from the refrigerator in the medicine / supplements aisle.

The in-store nutritionist helped me choose. The twice-daily capsules provide 10 live probiotic strains, in a whole-food media, targeted at the colon. We can't know for sure, but before this jolt of natural food, good probiotics and live probiotic capsules I felt bad, and now I feel back to normal.

I was given Clindamycin after having three wisdom teeth removed on Wednesday. I was told to take four of the pills every day. Thursday morning, I woke up and had a red, splotchy and itchy rash on both forearms. Since then, the rash has spread to my entire body. My hands are swollen. I can barely stand to type. The dentist's office simply told me to stop taking the antibiotic and take Benedryl. Though the Benedryl diminishes the itch, it does nothing for the swelling or rash. I'll be calling my doctor's office on Monday.

I was prescribed Clindamycin for an infection in my throat. By IV 2 days while at hospital & 10 days oral at home. I started to have trouble a month later with diarrhea & mucus. (Sorry, gross). I see you are taking Imodium. On my Clindamycin RX information sheet, Imodium (if it is for diarrehea) shouldn't be taken for Clindamycin. I haven't gone to the doctor yet. Not serious enough.

I have found that Flex-A-Min, which I have been taking for years along with Calcium, a multi-vitamin, & Vitamin E (name brand and Kroger brand) is very helpful. I also watch what I eat, but survive pretty much on Lean Cuisine dinners. I eat a bowl of cereal in the morning and have a tablespoon of coffee brewed to make 2 cups. (Good for Asthma - no attacks since 1990!)

I have introduced Kroger brand Organic Yogurt to my diet & take an expensive Probiotic to help with the stomach problem. I don't limit what I eat, but I don't go crazy. I had been to Jenny Craig in 1999 & follow that plan pretty much. I see a Chiropractor for my lower back. I do chiropractic exercises morning and night & my migraines and pain in my hands have subsided hugely. No lower back problems unless I can't do exercises for a week. Hope this helps.

I do not recommend taking Clindamycin as it has caused me diarrhea and mucus in stool a month after I was prescribed this medication for the infection in my throat. The diarrhea is not serious though & does seem to be clearing up. I do not attribute these stomach problems to bad eating habits as I weigh 116 and am 5' 1". Daily, I take a mult-vitamin and Vitamin C, Calcium, & Flex-A-Min. I have chiropractic exercises that I do day and evenings.

Originally, I had a cold for 3 weeks. I was better. Then, overnight on the last Thursday in Feb. 2010, I woke up with a lump in my throat. I couldn't swallow my own spit. I couldn't eat. I ended up in the hospital hooked up to an IV for 5 days. Two of those days, I was given Clindamycin by IV.

Hospital fed me jello & ice chips. The ears, nose, throat specialist was finally able to drain the lump which turned out to be a cist. It was a horrible infection so I don't know if there was another type of medication that could have been prescribed.

I was prescribed Clindamycin 300mg (one pill 2x day) for a yeast/bacterial vag. infection.

Within 30 minutes of taking my first pill I had the worst acid reflux/heartburn/chest pains I have ever felt in my life. When I tried to go to bed an hour later, I couldn't lie down for the pain. So I stayed up until 4am, pacing around my house, belching and doubled over in horrible pain. The next morning I still had some acid reflux (not as bad as the previous evening), my face was flushed and hot to the touch and I had pains all through my hamstrings. I kept taking the Clindamycin, because I had also taken a Diflucan at the same time for my yeast infection and had no way of knowing which drug was causing the problems.

Simultaneously, I had just begun using Clindamycin Phosphate 1% topical pads for acne. Two days later, on Monday, I developed a horrible rash covering most of my face--very red/inflamed, itchy, hundreds of tiny bumps. By the next day they had developed into blisters.

I only took 4 doses of the Clindamycin before stopping altogether. Now I'm still experiencing the heartburn/acid reflux/gas, and it hurts like heck every single time I swallow food. I called my gynecologist (who prescribed me the meds) and they just told me to stop taking the Clindamycin and come in as soon as possible.

So far, I do have abdominal discomfort, but I have not had the diarrhea...

I was prescribed the vaginal suppositories 1X day at bedtime for three days for a pelvic infection. The afternoon after the first one, I was hit with severe pain in lower back, could barely stand. Then came explosive diarrhea and gas. Doc told me to take Imodium (after she tried to get me to soldier on!), and not to take the last 2 pills.

SO Thursday took 3 Imodium, Friday woke up with diarrhea and took more Imodium and have the most offensive gas as the cats wont even stay by me. Now it is Saturday, and more diarrhea. Is there anything I can do? Reading the web I have myself convinced it is CDiff. I have no fever, eating well, and pain in back virtually gone. I had to miss work because my coworkers wouldn't be able to be in same room.

Thanks so much for posting such great information. I have been prescribed clindamycin 150mg for a tooth infection. I am concerned about taking RXs because I am nursing an eight month old. After reading the above 64 reviews I certainly will not take clindamycin. Tomorrow I will contact my dentist and request an alternate antibiotic. Do you have any suggestions?

Note: the dentist did not prescribe penicillin because (once, many years ago) I took it and experienced some itching (although nothing outrageous). Perhaps I should give it another try? Any feedback you suggest is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,
EE

EE,
I don't think you should take penicillin again if you've had an allergic reaction to it in the past!! Your reaction could be more severe this time. There are other antibiotics that could be taken in lieu of penicillin. Ask your General Practitioner as your Dentist may not be familiar with the antibiotics that would be the best substitute for penicillin. I don't blame you for not taking Clindamycin, especially while nursing. I had a horrible experience with it and would never take it again!

It is day 3 of my son taking CLINDAMYCIN 300MG. This am he had an upset stomach, most the day started throwing up at 5pm. It is 1130 pm and non stop vomit and diarrhea. I am concerned about this. The doctor only told him to take with food. If this doesn't stop soon, I will have to take him to the emergency room for dehydration.

I saw the endodontist yesterday with an aching tooth which had a previous root canal. He said I had a root infection and prescribed Clyndamycin, 150mg. I have taken 6 capsules and will not take anymore. Especially after reading all the horror stories on this website.

I have been taking "Align" probiotic which had been recommended by my primary Dr. for a digestive problem, so I think this has prevented digestive system upset. I did have weird dreams last night and woke up with chest tightness and pain. I still have the chest problems today. If the dentist can't prescribe a different antibiotic I'll see my primary Dr.

I highly recommend "Align" probiotic. It has worked for me. It is available OTC.

Sounds all to common, As most of you, was prescribed clindamycin 150mg's for gum infection caused by a broken tooth/partial root canal from 2 years earlier. Never got it taken care of now I'm going to go have it pulled.

Thrusday 2pm - Took 1 pill with food + 2 glasses of water.
Thrusday 10pm - took 1 pill with food + 2 glasses of water.
Friday 1:30pm - took 1 pill with food + 2 glasses of water.
Friday 9:15 (or so) - took 1 pill with food + 1 cup of water ( Crazy Dreams that night)
Saturday 11am - took 1 pill with food + 2 glasses of water
Saturday 6pm - took 1 pill with food + 2 glasses of water.
Sunday 4am - took 1 pill with brownie + 1 glass of water.

8am Stumic bubbling Broken soft stool. (semi dark)
8:45am basically almost diarrhea.

( I normally go twice in the morning so the frequency is semi normal)

10am - Called pharmacist, explained what was going on, told me to probably stop taking it and contact my dentist tomorrow.

All day my stomach been kind of upset, started reading these posts and immediate went and got some yogurt. (dairy products upset my stomach at times, but figured better to have then not to have).

I have completely stopped taking the medication as of 4am today. WILL not take anymore and hopefully I've stopped in time not to have any lasting side effects.

Another Note:

Food I eat last night might have been over spiced. (Could be me just freaking out), but after reading all of this if there is other medication that can help this infection before I have my tooth pulled I'm forcing the dentist to take that route and if not I'll find another dentist.

Hi Jim,
I had horrific nightmares too, when I was taking Clindamycin...they were the worst I ever had, and I woke up thinking I'd have a heart attack. My heart was pounding and I could feel the blood rushing through my veins up into my head. It was the same feeling of adrenaline that you would get if you were about to have a head-on collision. A week after stopping the medication, I developed a type of retinal detachment called RPE, which can not be surgically repaired.

I can't say that the clindamycin caused it, it could have been the infection in my tooth and jaw that spread to the sinus', or being under extreme stress from the pain, nightmares, and fear of even taking this medication. But, with so many medications causing glaucoma and other eye problems/loss of vision, I thought it was such a coincidence, and therefore I would never, ever take it again. I can also recommend "Florajen3" probiotic...a pharmacist told me it is the best there is. It is kept in the refrigerator to preserve it's potency. It is even less expensive than Align! Best of luck to you, Lisa

I'm in college and recently had a spider bite on my upper cheek (soft tissue area) the dr. gave me an RX for clindamycin and I have yet to have diarrhea, however I bought the same probiotic yogurt (DELICIOUS) and hopefully it will prevent any strange BM's that seem to occur with this med.

You people need to understand that with any antibiotic this can happen. It is not just clindamycin. Each year, C. difficile infection results in approximately 3 million cases of diarrhea and colitis in the United States. C diff is part of the normal flora in your GI tract, but when you take antibiotics, they tend to wipe out the other bacteria, which mean less competition for the C. diff, which allows it to flourish and cause diarrhea.

You need to ask questions when you go to the doctor, and don't just assume you are ill with the flu, especially if you have been on antibiotics of any sort. Not everyone gets this infection either. I myself have been on clindamycin before, on 3 separate occasions, and I have yet to have any difficulties. There are exceptions and risks for every drug and medication you take, it is your own responsibility to question what you are taking, and ask about possible side affects ahead of time so you know what to look for.

"We people" do understand that we need to ask doctors about side effects. We may be told there might be diarrhea, and we know to take pro-biotics or yogurt to counter this. However, how many times do you think a doctor will tell us that the diarrhea may last for 8 months or more? We may be told to stop taking the pills if there is a rash or heartburn, but not what to do if these reactions start after the dosage is complete. I should have looked it up in Worst Pills/Best Pills, where the serious side effects are stressed, rather than minimized.

I've got to say I resent the smug tone of the previous message. It's no help if doctors don't tell you the worst risks, which they don't do because they want you to take the medication.

I agree with JM. In my experience, Doctors almost never tell you about side effects of medications. Sometimes it may be because they feel you should take it and think you wont if you know the risks, or maybe because they don't think it's their responsibility to let you know, and sometimes because they just don't take the time to know. Furthermore, CS MD-PHD may not have met Doctors that resent being asked questions and resent informed patients.

My dentist is aware that I have antiobiotic sensitivities and yet prescribed Clindamycin, one of, if not the, strongest anti-bacterial antibiotics available. Not only did he not discuss the side effects, two weeks later when I went back for a follow up appt., he didn't even remember prescribing Clindamycin for me.

Many people trust their doctors so implicitly that they will take what their doctor prescribes for them, and they may not have access to more information than what is provided by their doctor or pharmacy. There is that disclaimer on the medication information sheet provided by the pharmacy that reads, "this may not be a complete list of side effects". So it's great that we have a forum like this to get an idea of what side effects people have been experiencing with these drugs so that we can make more informed decisions.

The writers on this site describe some terrible side effects of taking Clindamycin. When a drug has a, let's say, 0.01% chance of producing these side effects, what do we say to the dozens or hundreds or thousands of us who experience those side effects? Do we say, sorry, you are a statistical fluke, a very small probability, there are always some people who have a really bad health experience, and you should have asked your doctor beforehand? I don't think so. Thank you to the People's Pharmacy for providing this forum where we learn of each other's experiences, and, perhaps most importantly, learn how to manage and remedy the side effects that do occur.

To the medical professionals reading these postings, you've read the studies (I hope), what are the probabilities? Much much higher than 0.01% I think. What are the probabilities of side effects, with different types and severities, for Clindamycin, for Amox, for other antibiotics. How do these differ by dosage level? What are the patient-specific risk factors doctor and patient should consider? There are examples in these postings of people who had no side effects and then, at a later time, did experience side effects. What does patient history tell us about the risks of side effects for the prescription today?

What are the benefits? How often do doctors and dentists prescribe a high dosage of strong antibiotic, just to check the box "no risk of infection"? Without balancing the risk of side effects? Without thinking about the alternatives, including intervention if an infection does subsequently appear or worsen? That box could also read: "patient left office with antibiotics, so no risk of infection, so no need to follow-up with a phone call or a repeat office visit".

And by the way, C.S. is not the only one posting who has top professional degrees.

The doctor who called us "you people" just doesn't get it. C. Diff can be devastating, and I can't imagine why this "doctor" would say it's our responsibility when the doctors and the drug companies lead us to believe the drug is relatively safe. So I guess one of the lessons here for those of us who have suffered significantly is don't trust your doctor to inform you of the serious potential side effects.

This doctor shrugs off his responsibility and passes it on to the patient. Why do we go to you, pay you, trust you in the first place? Shame on you.

I had a recently crowned tooth become sensitive to cold and hot. It went on for a week. I thought it would pass, having seen sensadyne commercials... it didn't seem serious. Then a very small ache started. I called the dentist.

They tested my tooth for sensitivity and then took x-rays. The "roots" were infected. My tooth was flushed out, and an appointment made with a endodontist for a root canal. I was put on Clindamycin, 150 mg. three times a day. The second day I felt very depressed and lower back pain began. It was very bad. I could barely get out of a chair. At first I thought I may have strained my back, but one usually remembers when that happens. I go to the gym regularly, and have only been gardening.

I checked the internet and read some of the horrific side effects. Lower back pain being one. I decided I had to call my dentist and get a substitute med. I'm a caregiver to a parent, and I was practically disabled with the pain. My dentist gave me another prescription of AMOXICILLIN. 500 mg, four times a day. I immediately started that but also I was due for a quarterly check up with my family doctor so I moved the appointment up so I could see him before I took any more pills.

He was surprised that I was given CLINDAMYCIN.... and asked me.."do you know what COLITIS IS?"...After a few "leg movement tests"... he determined that my back pain probably was due to some kind of inflammation, and probably from the pills. There was no localization of pain like a "pulled muscle" would indicate. He said he didn't like the idea of me taking the CLIND... that the AMOX was better in his opinion.

I'm glad I decided to check the internet. Pharmaceuticals list possible side effects, but they can't list them all... we are all different and react to chemicals differently to a degree. Being a caregiver, if I had gotten the diarrhea, or COLITIS.... it would have ruined two lives. I have no idea what I would have done for my parents care. The back pain started to subside little by little since I stopped the CLIND. But its taken over a week.

I'm sorry for all those that have suffered so much. I was barely able to dress myself at the worst. I get the root canal in two days... I cut back on the AMOX... my family doctor said I didn't need to take so much for so long. I'm going to ask my dentist why the CLIND was the first choice considering the risk of such horrific side effects. Be aware people... any meds you are prescribed... check the internet... like this one... where "average users" may have different side effects than those listed by the manufacturer.

In this day and age, where pharmaceuticals find new drugs..... their motivation is profits. They are in a race for newer drugs before they lose the patents on older drugs. We cannot always take for granted that "doctor knows best"... if you are having strange symptoms after taking a med..TAKE ACTION... notify your doctor, check the internet. I'm glad I stopped taking the pills. If they caused my lower back pain, no telling what that may have turned into if I had continued the prescription...

I took the Clindamycin for a tooth infection. It is supposed to be a seven day treatment. During the first several days, I start seeing some rash on my face which I did not pay attention to (thinking it is my skin sensitive to Spring stuff). However, on the fifth day, I started a very serious heart burn every time I took it - I was not even sure it was call heartburn until my husband helped me to recognize it based on the symptoms. Never in my life time I experienced such a terrible heartburn. Like the rest of you, I strongly oppose to use this medicine from now on. Why it is still on the market? Most importantly, why do the doctors even prescribe it?

I also have a lot of joint pain since I took this medication. The pain started in my hands immediately after taking the medication and now I've had the pain for over 3 months and it has now moved to my knees and ankles. It feels to me like all my tendons are tight and brittle. I'm 34 years old and feel like I'm 80. Sometimes I have trouble walking because my knees and ankles are so stiff and achy. I talked to my MD about it and he basically implied I was making it up. It's very frustrating and I'm wondering how long will this condition persist...

Hi TM,
My Dentist just told me yesterday that his daughter was taking Clindamycin for an acne condition, and that she also began having a lot of joint and muscle pain, like you. She was diagnosed with drug-induced Lupus. The Clindamycin was discontinued, and after 3 days, he said her symptoms disappeared.

I also have the symptoms you do; extreme pain in joints and muscles caused by antibiotics; but mine occur when taking penicillin, which I am highly allergic to. They last anywhere from 3 months to a year! They are the symptoms you have, however I do have autoimmune disease, and taking antibiotics causes a flare. You are probably just allergic to clindamycin, like my dentist's daughter, as she had the symptoms that you have.

Drug induced lupus symptoms, if that is what you have, should go away shortly after discontinuation of the medication. Since yours have gone on for 3 months, you might consider going to your GP and having some bloodwork done; in particular ANA;(antinuclear antibodies); ESR (elevated sedimentation rate); and RA (rheumatoid arthritis), just to be sure nothing else is going on. If it were me, though, I think I would get another MD, since yours was so dismissive. He could have just done simple bloodwork, or referred you to a rheumatologist, just to rule out other things.

Don't worry though, it is likely that you are just allergic, but if your symptoms persist, I would consult with another Dr., one that will listen to you and pursue some answers! Anti-inflammatory medication might help you a lot in dealing with pain in the meantime. (I used Cataflam, which was highly effective... and when symptoms resolved, I began taking Ginger, which helped as much as naproxyn, which I also took briefly) I hope you post when you find out because I'm sure it will benefit others that may experience the same symptoms you do. All the very best of luck to you, I hope you will be feeling better soon! Lisa

I had a horrific experience at the dentist 10 days ago and ended up with a root and raw nerve exposed (freezing didn't work) for a couple of hours.

My dentist, who is holistic and doesn't prescribe lightly, ordered Clindamycin since I'm allergic to penicillin. I wasn't thrilled about taking it after reading about all its problem along with the fact that I hadn't had any antibiotics since discovering that I had become allergic to penicillin about 16 years ago.

So I made certain that I took each and every pill with at least a large banana and a large glass of water-- every single time! The one time I got side tracked and only drank about a third of the water, I quickly got a bad stomach pain.

I also took a high quality pro-biotic twice per day, with two hours before or after taking the Clidamycin. A lot of people don't believe that pro-biotics work for them because they take them too close to the antibiotic and the latter simply kills all the good bugs.

I've just taken my final pill this morning and will continue taking the pro-biotics for some months, just in case.

Also, for those with diarrhea from this-- you might try the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. It's tough for some (we are on it for my husband's Crohn's but are also vegans) but might well do the trick for you. Basically, it starves the bad bugs out.

And for those with any type of arthritis (even drug-induced) the Nightshade Diet gave both my husband and my lives back to us. As long as we're strict about it-- no arthritis pain at all!

Remember, for those looking into whether or not to take this stuff, the great majority of people who have no problems with it do not bother coming to sites.

I have had a lot of fatigue while taking this though. Hoping that departs soon.

as an RN, I beg to differ with the
"you people" opinion...........
WE are professionally charged with the responsibility of TEACHING our patients about the potential side effects of all treatments.......YES, patients SHOULD ask questions, but to put the burden of knowing what to ask on a lay person is ridiculous.

I myself was prescribed Clindamycin for a root canal infection and the doc simply said, "you don't have stomach problems, do you?" WHAT does THAT mean? How would a lay person deal with that? I have taken every precaution by taking probiotics, active yogurts, sitting up for at least an hour, a full bottle of water with each dose etc etc.......HOW would a lay person know this if a doc or pharmacist did not educate them?

I do think that all patients should read the paper that comes with their prescription....that would help, but by then it's usually too late....they've already paid for and gotten a drug for an obvious problem.

DOCS and NURSES are the FRONT LINE educators responsible for teaching patients the necessary information when taking ALL antibiotics! This is the root of so much trouble for patients these days...........no time to teach.

I was put on clindamycin on March 29, 2010 after being on Bactrim for a MRSA skin infection. I completed the full course of medicine on April 7. I read that there could be sudden diarrhea. That didn't happen until this past Wed. after being off the meds for 3 weeks.

The diarrhea woke me up at 2 Am and then again 2 hours later. I've had diarrhea ever since which has mucous and is blood tainted (pink). I had the heartburn twice after taking the pill and one time it did feel like the pill didn't go all the way down. Felt like it was just sitting at the end of my esophagus. I also have the achy feeling which makes you feel like crap and not wanting to get out of bed. Tylenol or Advil relieves that pretty much.

I haven't had the rashes or itching, thank goodness! I began eating yogurt this week and will definitely step that up and look into the other treatments for the C. diff. I don't want this to get any worse and will never take this drug again!

If you can manage to eat yogurt with and following antibiotics, do so. If you can't, try the probiotic pills. Check the storage conditions on the package, as well as the date.

I apparently have one of the more vicious strains of bacteria in my mouth, that cause more acidic plaque than most. I've also had to have several root canals, and have been prescribed clindamycin for infection. It does leave me fatigued and with a vaguely not thrilled tummy, but if I take it with food and drink then the stomach upset isn't near so bad. All antibiotics leave me feeling tired and not especially well. It's a drug designed to KILL things, this shouldn't be a shock.

Antibiotics have CLEAR warnings not to drink while taking them. If you ever have question as to why, ask your pharmacist. Don't just be an idiot and blow it off.

Warnings need to be discussed, risks need to be discussed. But no medicine is going to work well for everyone; ALL medicines are going to be moderate to high risk for SOME. You want to advocate? Push for better discussion. Ask your doctor about side effects. ASK the pharmacist questions. If you hear something from them or find something concerning in the papers, call your doctor's office BEFORE you start taking the pills. If you have problems midway through, CALL YOUR DOCTOR. Request a prescription change.

I've had to do this with one I was prescribed for a sinus infection. I couldn't keep it down, I was horribly miserable, so I called the office. After confirming that I'd been taking it with food, they called in a different order for me.

I was prescribed Clindamycin for a ear infection and sinus infection. 300mg 4 times a day. Within seconds of taking it I get SEVERE disabling heartburn. Even though I took it with a full bottle of water and was sitting up. I also had been prescribed this medication a little over a year ago and took it in my car before a hike. I got about 200 yards into the hike before I thought I was having a heart attack and went to the E.R. they didn't figure it out.

But now that I am on it again I realize this side effect is because of this medication. Is there something I should do? I think he offered me this med because I am allergic to sulfa drugs and amox doesn't work anymore on me as I was given it many times as a kid. HELP!

CS's comment really sticks in my craw.

I was prescribed Clindamycin by an oral surgeon. The doctor never discussed the medicines he was going to prescribe. Indeed, his general routine is to provide the patient with the prescription on the day of the surgery - basically, you pick it up after the procedure. For convenience, I had his office call the prescription into my pharmacy the day of the procedure, before going to his office. That day was the first day that I even knew I was going to be prescribed an antibiotic (I had assumed just pain killers).

The pharmacist did discuss possible side-effects, but this was limited to just diarrhea, which I know is common with antibiotics. There was a hand-out as well, which I read and which looked alarming - but you tend to think that they are just erring on the side of caution and basically covering their you-know-what. And besides, I had about 1 hour before my surgery was scheduled to begin in which to decide whether or not I was going to take the medication and go forward and I had already paid for the medication.... So what do you do????

It has now been 2 weeks since I completed my prescription. Although I have not had the worst side-effects as have been described on this forum, I have had persistently loose stools which are more troublesome now than when I was taking the medication. I am also experiencing horrible joint pain and am lethargic. In all, this has been a terrible experience.

I had a tooth infection the first week in April and I was given clindamycin. My dr. Told me in may make me nauseous, but never asked me if I had bowel problem, which I don't. Now a month later I'm having all of these stomach issues.

What upsets me is that what's given for c.diff is flagyl, which I had a terrible reaction to (throwing up for days). Shouldn't the Dr asked if I ever had a reaction to flagyl just I case? I always read the side effects and I remember reading this, but I was in so much pain I thought "how often does that really happen?"

I'm going to the Dr. today for the stomach issues. :-/ as far as the patient "asking questions" I always ask questions, but I didn't go to school for 10 years to become a Dr, so I'm sorry I don't know the right questions to ask. Hope this goes away soon!

I was just prescribed this by ER for a abscessed tooth. After the ER I went and had tooth pulled same day. I'm now afraid to take this due to fact I have a stomach ulcer and I'm afraid it will cause problems with that I also have acid reflux. I was prescribed 150 mg one capsule ever 4 hours for 10 days I haven't taken any yet and don't know if I should.

Hello Ross...Please check with your Dentist...I was told by my endodontist that the infection of a tooth is often localized, and if so, removal of the tooth should take care of the problem. If you have no gum swelling or pain, it may be that the area was cleaned out well enough that you may not need to take antibiotics at all. However, you really need to consult a dentist and have an exam and x-ray done to determine this!

I actually have an ongoing infection from my root canal that was done two months ago. I have to have it redone, but, in the meantime, the Endodontist told me they don't prescribe antibiotics for this as the infection is usually so contained/localized, and taking care of the problem (in my case, another rootcanal, and in yours, extraction) often does not necessitate a round of antibiotics... so please try to see a dentist as soon as possible and maybe you can avoid taking antibiotics altogether for this particular problem!
Best of luck to you, Ross!
Lisa

Ross, an oral abscess can be dangerous. You need to speak with your dentist, doctor and pharmacist about your condition and ask if this is the only med that will work in your case. If you are not allergic to penicillin, perhaps it would be better for you.

However, if you do need to take it, do so expecting only good results. Take it with food every single time (a large banana is what I had), and a large glass of water (I felt water-logged during that 10 days!). Take a really good probiotic two hours before and after your antibiotics. Then continue it for 4 months or longer after discontinuing the medication.

The chances of severe side-effects are there with any antibiotic-- simply know that if you do have to take it, it's necessary (don't if it is not), and do all you can to minimize any problems. The great majority of people have no problems. You might also consider diets such as SCD for your ulcer.

So far, two weeks off of Clindamycin, I've had no problems except minor heartburn a couple of times that some Tums took care of. Oh, and fatigue during the treatment, but that happens with any antibiotic.

Perineal abscess drained, hospitalized and put on Vancomycin via IV. Ended up being a MRSA infection and was switched to oral Clindamycin on Thursday. This morning I woke up and had a bowel movement that was very watery, but no blood. I also don't have cramping or abdominal pain.

After a second watery stool this morning, I called my doctor and he said to discontinue the Clindamycin.

I've read about the possibility of developing colitis and even the potential for needing a colectomy. Yikes!!! I thought I was out of the woods once I came home from the hospital, now I'm scared to death that the Clindamycin will finish off what the MRSA couldn't.

Wow! My girlfriend, Laura, was just brought home by pool teammates after nearly fainting while playing pool. She told me she experienced a sudden wave of extreme nausea and rapid deterioration of her conciousness. Luckily, her teammates, who are aware of the Type 1 diabetes she has, burst into action, grabbing her glucometer and strips to ascertain her blood sugar levels which turned out to be fine.

Laura concluded that the ill effects must have been caused by the antibiotic she had just been Rx today for a pulled tooth; that antibiotic was Clindamycin. All I can say is thank God! If she hadn't experienced these symptoms this early then I may have been too late! 300 mg 3X a day and she'd only taken two (tooth was pulled around 4:30).

Detached retinas, bloody stools, back pain, vomiting, relentless diarrhea, strange nightmares, loss of energy, depression, not to mention the lack of sleep and the emotional status of an individual are side-effects!
 
All I know is this drug has definitely failed to meet the approval of this household and we are bewildered as to what the true purpose of the FDA really is! 
Thank you all so very much for sharing your experiences, especially the yogurt! I ran and got some Stonyfield's as suggested and am now laying next to my lady who is sound asleep. I WILL most definitely pray that the power of the Great Spirit help relieve the symptoms for those of you who are still suffering the atrocities visited upon you by this pharmaceutical abomination. 

PS If you posted your experience here to help prevent others from suffering the hell you've been through then mission accomplished! Thank you again!

I have just been prescribed Clindamycin HCL 150 mg tabs, 2 tabs 3 x daily. This is for an infection in my throat/neck (I'm guessing I got it as I had an abscessed tooth for almost 2 months.)

Anyways, after a couple days I had such horrible leg pain in both legs that I couldn't sleep. I also had noticeable pain behind both knees and my left Achilles tendon was hurting. I took myself off the meds and the next day I was fine. The doctor told me to try taking it again and see if the pain comes back. Well, it's coming back. Unfortunately, I can't call his office until Monday.

I'm just wondering if anyone else experienced leg pain. I have no abdominal pain or diarrhea like most the of the posts mention.

Thanks.

Dear JMR, You may be allergic to the clindamycin. Antibiotics can cause inflammation in the body, and even cause an autoimmune reaction. I had written previously on this forum, that my dentist's daughter was given clindamycin for a skin condition, and it caused "drug-induced Lupus", which caused her to have severe muscle and joint pain. After stopping the medication, her symptoms disappeared and the pain subsided. I am highly allergic to penicillins, and I have unbearable joint and muscle pain from it, and therefore I can no longer take it. Your Dr. may have an on-call Dr. that you could see... you should see a Dr. right away, as he/she may possibly suggest you try a different antibiotic if your pain is the result of your having taken clindamycin!
Best of luck to you!
Lisa

I have been taking 300mg Clindamycin 3X/day for chronic sinusitis. The first day was awful, with horrible heartburn and stomach issues. Unlike many, I have not had bad GI problems, but I just don't feel well. The backs of my knees have felt swollen and stiff. On day 8 of the medication, my knee spontaneously gave out while standing... no previous knee problems. I have been hobbling around and icing since and cannot wait to finish this course of meds. If I hadn't tried everything else, I would stop using Clindamycin.

EE, WOW!! I have the exact same story as you. I have used pen years ago a couple of times actually and got a back itchy rash and now I am afraid to take it because of it's discomfort. My dentist advised me to take clindamycin 150mg for an infection that is below my tooth that had a root canal done years ago.

After reading these comments I am more scared to take this med then I am to take the penicillin that just cause a rash. I will talk to the dentist after memorial weekend and see what I can do... Thanks to all of you that posted your bad experiences. I do agree they should not give this med out so freely and without consulting the patients of the harmful effects.

I am in the process of a very long and costly dental procedure to restore many teeth that have been plagued with multiple severe abscesses. 2 weeks ago I had 2 teeth pulled as final prep work for the end stages of this treatment plan, about a week later I rushed back into the dentist thinking i was developing dry socket, when in fact the extraction site infected. Joy. So my dentist gave me amoxicillin and Peridex (anibiotic mouthwash) which i never had any issues with before. Just a few short days after that I rushed BACK to the dentist because I had a lump on my gum which was very painful, thinking it was most likely just a piece of tooth that was left in the site.

Wrong again. It was 2 good sized pieces of jaw bone that fractured off (sometimes common with extractions) floating in a swollen pocket of gum tissue. So it was under the knife again, which was terrible. From then on it was Amoxicillin + Vicodin + Peridex + some left over flagyl from a previous RX which overlapped with the new antibiotics. Ran out of Vicodin quickly and the 4 teeth to the right started to act up ( felt like abscesses again), called the dentist yesterday to try to get some more pain killers since I was already on a multitude of antibiotics, and got their emergency page number which then directed me to a different dentist (never met him before), who did not want to give me anything for the pain but wanted to give me a different antibiotic. Ok, fine...

Please note that I never had any reactions to any medications EVER. So this guy gives me Azithromycin, and tells me to stop taking all the other meds. After I got home from work at 11:30 pm, I took 2 as directed before bedtime as the first dose with "dinner" (midnight snack). I wake up at 6 am today to get ready to go back to work, and my chest is killing me. Not wanting to call out because of missing so much work from the previous dental catastrophes, I decide its better to go in so I don't get fired. That lasted an hour. Chest pain, tightness, trouble breathing, dizziness, talking like a delirious moron. My wonderful (ex nurse) coworker offers to drive me home. I am home for 10 minutes and Boyfriend calls 911. Great...

An EKG, Tilt test, 2 XRAYs, and 2 bags of Saline later. the nurses and doctors decide its a combination of dehydration and a reaction to the Azithromycin (but not an allergic reaction because they would have to file paperwork with the FDA) DUH.

You may be wondering where Clindamycin comes into play in this story. The discharging nurse prescribes it and orders all other meds to stop immediately "we give this out all the time" she says. After asking a few questions I say OK. Doing some research before I fill the script, this page pops up. After the last 2 weeks of dental hell, do iI really want to risk taking this medication? I got phillies tickets for my mom and I for mothers day... the game is this Friday, along with game 4 of the flyers in the Stanley cup... I DO NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH EXPLOSIVE BOWEL MOVEMENTS while down in Philly, during what could possibly be the best day of my life ever.

Needless to say I think I am going to wait to talk to MY dentist before dealing with this BS.

So sorry I didn't read this page prior to taking Clindamycin (150 - 3x a day).
On May 13 during a vacation, I consulted with a dentist re: a badly done root canal and he prescribed C. as a preventive measure till I could get to the original dentist!
I started diarrhea after 2 days but thought it was just an expected reaction to antibiotics which I haven't taken for many many many years prior to my tooth problem. Don't think I've had a prescription drug in 20 years as I live a very healthy lifestyle.

By the 6th day I contacted my dentist who thought I could finish the last day if things weren't too bad but I finally read the pharmacy small print and decided not to continue it. The D. did not stop.

Made it to my Dr. after 10 days of D., got tested to learn I have the C-diff so now I'm taking even more powerful antibiotics for the next 2 weeks (side effects are even potentially worse but I seem to be caught in a catch-22). My Dr. is fabulous because he introduced me to 2 OTC probiotics (Floraster and Culturelle) when I contacted him and they've helped immensely. He said to always take these probiotics when using antibiotics.

After reading this web page, I asked at the pharmacy if this is a usual drug request and was told it is the dentist's drug of choice. Then I asked how many people have side effects and C-diff and was told 70%! How is it that dentists continue to prescribe it? Even the pharmacist didn't understand! Are they getting kickbacks from the drug companies?

This is costing me so much money and depriving me of the pleasure of healthy foods (vegetarian) that I'm really distressed. Clindamycin should not be prescribed for anything much less as a "preventive" anything! To date, this "prevention" cost me $165 for the Dr visit, $56 for probiotics, $20 for new antibiotic, weeks of good health and social events, and confidence in dentists! The only thing C. prevents is health and happiness!

Thanks to SM on the Stoneyfield suggestion - it has so many great bacteria!

3 yrs. ago I took clindamycin. 6 days after taking, I developed an eye problem (iritis) opta doctor thought not related. Now my dentist has prescribed again, not sure if I will take. Looking for other that eye problems and was this drug cause?

I was on topical Clindamycin for 2 weeks. After stopping treatment I had diarrhea which would not get under control using probiotics. Tested neg for C-Dif twice. During these two months I also got a nail fungus of which I've never had, skin rash up and down both legs, and hair loss. My Dr. could not see all these symptoms as being related to Clindamycin.

He wanted to do xrays for a bowel obstruction. I told him no way. Researching the issue on my own led to Yeast overgrowth, or Candida. I went on a diet for Candida overgrowth and have seen great improvements. The rash still comes back if I eat certain foods, and I've never been been allergic to food. My hair is still falling out and the Dr wants to send me to a Dermatologist. At this point I'm not sure what the point would be in going, expensive tests, more money, the Dr's don't listen. Clindamycin has taken over my life for the last year. I had a gut feeling it was a bad idea to take it and now I wish I would have listened.

I am an attorney and I have defended doctors. I am very very careful about drugs... even asked about this one b/c I have sensitive skin, etc. I am 34 years old, and a very pretty woman with skin that I have protected very well... no sun spots, nothing. I was given this drug for an infection on my knee (non-staff) at an orthopeodic's office. I developed the bumps on my back neck stomach and chest after a week. I stopped taking the medication.

I ended up in the ER the same day I developed reaction b/c it had gotten so much worse. I took prednisone... four days after stopping this steroid, which is not all that healthy either, and again developed these bumps, but worse with extreme itching to my scalp and skin irritation.

I am an athlete and I do not complain easily, but this drug has affected me. I am well educated, but I relied on my doctor... we people are supposed to be able to rely on them. Problem is, they either don't know the extent of side effects and rely on drug reps for their info or they simply don't care.

I had some minor oral surgery (a benign growth on my gums removed) and was given a prescription for Clindamycin when I left the office. The dentist told me absolutely nothing about this drug, and I assumed it was like any other antibiotic I'd been on, which I've never had problems with. I had never taken this one before.

The pharmacist told me very vaguely, and only after I asked (otherwise he would have let me leave the pharmacy with no info except a very vague and generic leaflet about all drugs), to take this with food to eliminate chances of minor stomach irritation.

I then left to go camping with my family for 3 days in the woods. I was totally blind-sided by almost debilitating nausea for a few hours every time I took a pill, and had to eat non-stop to help keep me from vomiting. It took me a couple of days to figure out it was the antibiotic (remember, I'd never had any probs before), I thought it was a flu.

I do not have diarrhea, but very frequent normal bowel movements (like, 6 a day!).

I also developed a sharp pain inside my right ear that happens at random, and radiates toward my eye.

Now that we're done camping and I'm home and reading this forum, I am going to stop the meds and go to the doctor to see if I need to start another. I had about 4 days left of them and I am NOT taking them anymore. (The reason I'm reading this now, at 3 am, is because I was awakened by severe nausea from taking a pill at bed time!).

The thing that gets me is that I wasn't told ANYTHING by my dentist OR my pharmacist, about not lying down for 30 minutes to an hour after taking, or about the dangers of C.Diff, or about diarrhea, I was just sent on my way. This seems just WRONG after reading how many people have suffered so badly taking this medication.

I WILL NEVER TAKE IT AGAIN, and am so worried that I'm going to get a delayed reaction like many of these readers have, and end up with rash, diarrhea or other awful illness in the weeks to come. I'm angry that these drugs are given out like candy!!!!

Symptom of vertigo and dizziness led to diagnosis of infection in front tooth and prescribed with 300 mg 3 times a day of Clindamycin while I waited for oral surgery which was 10 days away. With 3rd dose on first day I fainted then next day and 4th dose I threw up.

I was not told of 30 min no lying down or of the reactions that might be expected. This is unbelievable that there is so much negative symptoms with this drug! In this day and age there has to be better drugs for infection with less negative reaction.

Wow. I never saw a thread that lasted for a year and had new posts almost every day! What brought me here is I am having black greasy (sorry) stools, severe abdominal pain and loss of appetite. I was on Clindamycin for 7 days ending a couple days ago for a tooth extraction. I was googling 'black loose stools and abdominal pain' and kept getting hits on cancer somewhere in the digestive system. I made my will and did everything except actually go to the hospital to get it verified.

But in the back of my mind I didn't think that was it because I just had a pelvic ct-scan with oral barium for another issue (ventral hernia) 5 days ago and I thought surely if I had cancer in my stomach someone would have noticed and called me by now. So I'm gonna think positive and eat lots of yogurt and NOT use any of the two refills I have left on the stuff. And I'm going to pray that I don't have C-Diff.

Hi All,

I just finished a 7 day course of 300mg 3x/day Clindomycin (I am allergic to Penicillin) for an infected tooth. The tooth was extracted, the jaw scraped out, the bone graft put in place, the gum stitched up, the crazy glue strip put over that, the putty put over that and another prescription for 150mg 3x/day. I finished the 300mg course without major side effects. First I noticed a metallic taste. Next milk started to taste awful. Then after the surgery I seem to have mouth lesions. Could be canker sores or could be not... Stool is smooth and very yellow (I guess my gall bladder is still working) and no serious stomach upset so far.

I am taking vit C, and yogurt as often as I can and so far so good. My tongue is very sore along the side where I had the surgery. Could be caused by biting my tongue while I was numb or... Anyway I am a few days into the 150mg 3x/day course and will most likely finish the course unless things go badly. Even still the idea of getting C-Diff months later is pretty scary so I guess raw yog and probiotics for me.

Thanks to all for sharing your experiences and good luck to those having more serious side effects.

I was given Clindamycin last Monday for an abscessed tooth the dentist put me on it three times a day 150mg..... by Friday, it felt like my throat passage was swelling up and I started having trouble breathing, there was extreme pain, at this point I wasn't sure if it was from infection in the tooth or something else. I had to go to Urgent Care where they increased the mg to 300 and gave me a pain shot.... later that night I had to return to ER for another pain shot and made to yesterday July 5, I had the tooth pulled and so far I haven't any problems where the tooth came out but the swelling in my throat and sharp pains around my ear still persist. I'm really worried.... I think I will give my primary doctor a call in the morning.... after reading everything on this page... I'm not taking any chances.

I've taken 2 doses for a tooth infection, one last night, and one this morning. I already feel queasy. Went to bed after taking... doctor never told me not to lie down 30 min after taking...a fter reading comments I'm done after 2 doses... it is already hard to swallow...

The New York Times today, July 12 2010, has a fascinating article "How Microbes Defend and Define Us". I and others writing here have suffered in one way or another from what happens when Clindamycin harms the colonies of these microbes. The article starts with an account of how a physician, Dr. Khoruts, treated a patient with a vicious gut infection by C. Diff, and constant diarrhea, first with antibiotics, which did nothing, and then with a sample from her husband's stool put into her colon. That worked right away, within 24 hours. Dr. Khoruts team had similar success in 13 out of 15 patients.

The microbiome, which is the collection of microbes living on and inside us, is fantastically rich. It varies from person to person, it changes as our life circumstances changes, and it is protective, mostly. Thus a healthy microbiome naturally limits C. Diff. One function of the microbiome is to help limit inflammation: inflammation is the body's natural response in fighting some diseases but there can be too much inflammation. Probiotics are a step in the right direction, and there is much more to understand. The article paints a rich picture for us of this world of the microbes.

I certainly wish that I had read this thread weeks ago! Thanks to all of you that have taken time to post here....I've been on clindamycin for possible MRSA for nearly two weeks now, but will never take another pill after the last one I took this evening. I wasn't certain why I had insomnia, anxiety, severe diarrhea, headaches, anorexia, nausea, muscle twitching, etc., so I Googled clindamycin side effects and here I am! And now I know.

I have taken lots of antibiotics, but have never had symptoms of such severity before. In fact, I've been on intense antibiotic therapy for the past 7 months for Lyme disease, Babesia, HME, and Bartonella, including doxycycline, azithromycin, Alinia, Omnicef, and IV Rocephin. So I've been very careful to take probiotics twice a day, and to eat Greek yogurt daily as well.

And to C.S. MD-PHD, I would like to say that no doubt there are a number of people posting in this thread with Ph.D.s. I have one in physics. But it didn't protect me from all those side effects that are NOT listed on most websites, all of the ones that my doctor did NOT tell me about.

And I'm running for the bathroom up to 10 times a day!!

The list of possible side effects to be found by reading this thread is absolutely terrifying... these are NOT the typical side effects for an antibiotic. Clindamycin is apparently one of the worst culprits responsible for cases of C. diff.

I will warn people about this medication every chance I get!

I had a tummy tuck done and my doctor put on clindomycin also. I had to take them 6 times a day for 3 weeks. I had diarrhea so bad, I told him that but he said that's what the medication well do. So iI continue to take the medication. Every week I lost 10 pounds. Total pounds lost was 35-40 pounds. After I finished taking it a month later, I woke up out of my sleep with a bad stomach pain and running to bath room throwing up and with diarrhea, sick as a dog on crack, that's how bad it was.

Anyway so later that day I was still throwing up stomach cramping and having diarrhea, but in my stool I started bleeding out blood instead of the stool. I ran out of stool it was like watery blood.I drove myself to the ER pale as a ghost, scared just knowing that I was going to die. I finally made it. Thank god I work there in the ER.

I walk in there, they took one look at me on told me to go to the room. To make a long story short I was diagnosed with diverticulitis, c-diff, colitis, and it did come from taking this antibiotic.

I had a root canal and was prescribed Clindamycin to kill bacteria that had caused infection around the root of my tooth. I didn't know that this antibiotic was a particularly strong one that might kill A LOT OF GOOD BACTERIA in my digestive tract in addition to the bad bacteria around my tooth roots.

I was already aware that antibiotics in general can kill both good and bad bacteria (that is, both bacteria we want to keep in our digestive tract and bacteria that we don't want because they cause illness) and, in fact, I regularly eat yogurt and have always believed this to be a reason that I did not have trouble over the years with antibiotics.

Little did I know the strength of Clindamycin to knock out good bacteria in the GI tract and allow the bad bacteria called Clostridium difficule to take over. It's taken me a while to learn all this.

I finished taking Clindamycin on May 20, 2010 with only mild stomach distress while I was taking it. However, one week after finishing the medicine, I began to have diarrhea several times a day and much more gas (smellier too) than usual. Since I had finished the medicine a week earlier, I thought I had eaten some tainted food, or caught a stomach flu bug. When the diarrhea continued over a week, I thought maybe I had suddenly become lactose intolerant and tried eliminating dairy products form my diet. This didn't make a difference.

Next I wondered if I was suffering from stress or anxiety and tried to cut back my activities, obligations, etc. This didn't help either. I finally decided to look for more information on Clindamycin. Here's a quote I found in "The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs" under Clindamycin:
"POSSIBLE DELAYED ADVERSE EFFECTS: Severe colitis with diarrhea (psuedo-membranous colitis) may begin several weeks after discontinuing this drug. Severe colitis with persistent diarrhea occurs in range of 0.01% to 10% of subjects."
(So, those affected can be up to 10% apparently--that seems like a lot to me since these side effects interfere with work, social activities, and the enjoyment of life.)

I agree with all the writers above who said that this antibiotic should be a last resort choice, never a doctor's first choice.

I was prescribed 150mg x 3 a day for a week of clindamycin to treat a tooth infection. About 2 weeks after completion, I had the runs for 2 weeks, including the blood and mucus. At first I thought it was food poisoning like Salmonella from some tacos or peanut butter crackers. I went to the ER and tested negative for clostrodium difficile, and negative for Salmonella. The doctor gave me a week of Metronadazole, Flagyl. I seemed to get better.

A week or two later, I ate some grilled cheese and a bowl of tomato soup. The runs came back, and vomiting was pretty severe. Back to the doctors, two prescriptions for 10 days together of Flagyl and Cipro something. Next they ordered a near 3 thousand dollar test, a colonoscopy, to look for polyps or a tumor. That came back clean. They say I have some kind of gastro intestinal infection, most likely due to Clindamycin. Its my understanding that colitis and Crohn's disease are classified as severe cases.

Well I am in month 2 of this, and down 20 pounds, roughly 15% body weight. Cultured yogurts have been my only real relief, I have been using Dannon with acidophilus or something. Stonyfield isn't available around here. Fighting the reactions of this medication is enough to break anyone.

I completed a 10 day rx for 300 mg 4x a day for an abscessed tooth. I followed some of the hints posted on this forum, and I believe this helped me avoid most of the side effects. I drank two glasses of water, remained upright for at least 30 minutes and took probiotics and Activia every day. I've always had an "iron" stomach so maybe that helped. However, I will never take this medication again unless I am given a really good reason! I have no allergies to any medication and I've taken penicillin for previous abscesses with good results. I should have questioned this more since I'm still worried about a c-diff infection down the road.

I'm on day 2 of Clindamycin, and plan on not taking another dose. Yesterday immediately after taking it I had a terrible taste in my mouth, called the pharmacy and they said that was normal. After dose 2 I started feeling sick to my stomach. This morning after taking it my stomach pains have increased and feel like I'm about to vomit, I have also developed a terrible itchy rash all over my body. If things get worse I'm heading to the er. I strongly recommend taking this medication as a last resort.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: BE IN TOUCH WITH THE PRESCRIBER ABOUT YOUR REACTION.

I'm an RN. After having a root canal, I had no pain, no fever, and no facial swelling -- in other words I did not have an infection. Nevertheless, I was prescribed prophylactic clindamycin 150mg every 6 hrs (4x per day) for 7 days. I stopped taking it 3/4 of the way through. The lesson I learned: Although I never had problems taking antibiotics in the past, going forward I will be very skeptical of taking antibiotics unless I have an infection. The side effects of clindamycin are not to be taken lightly, as most of the posts here indicate.

I started taking it on Mon at 7pm. I had a general feeling of malaise (weak, lack of energy, stomach blahs). I started feeling worse and worse, until I decided to stop taking it Sun morning due to extreme muscle soreness and weakness. I felt a bit better, but by Sun evening I felt weak and had a fever of 101. It turns out that fever is another side effect of clindamycin, so I decided to stay off it. Monday morning my temperature returned to normal, my muscle soreness was gone, and my energy level was improving.

I have to agree with the retired dentist who posted this comment on another website: "Antibiotics should only be taken if you have an uncontrolled infection present and that is most evident as swelling. If you have no swelling present then do not take any antibiotics. Too many dentists and physicians prescribe antibiotics indiscriminately to their patients."

The mantra in the medical industry is to take all you antibiotics until finished. This advice is for people that start feeling better, and then stop their antibiotic early. But if you are feeling progressively worse while taking an antibiotic, consider stopping it. If you have an infection, get your doctor to prescribe a different antibiotic.

To the doctor who said that "we people" need to ask our health care providers more questions: It seems that many of us try, but the whole doctor's office process is very rushed in many cases. You go in sick, the overbooked doctor quickly examines you and prescribes something. He or she is usually on their way out of the exam room door before you have a chance to formulate the questions that you want to ask. You ask about side effects and they say, "Oh, there are very few side effects with this drug," as they finish waling out the door to their next patient. A day or two later when you really have questions about side effect you're experiencing,and you call the office, you have to wait hours or days for a response. I'm in an extremely rural area with a shortage of doctors, so this may not be everyone's experience, but it does happen.

I failed to follow the instructions to not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this Rx and regretted it. It is very important and you will feel like sandpaper has been rubbed up and down your chest to your ears, if you are like me. Tums and GasX helped me burp, which helped me to feel better, but do follow this instruction! It's important.

June 30, 2010 I had bone graft for my tooth implant. I was given 1200mg of Clindamycin per day. Taking 2x150mg 4 times a day for 5 days. During the entire time I was doing fine. But soon after I had diarrhea and lasted for 3 weeks. I was eating probiotic, yogurt and acidophilus. My diarrhea has stopped but what about to followed was worse. I started to have severe leg cramps to a point I could not stand up at times, and my skin started to itch as well.

Last Friday I finally went to see my GP. She ordered immediate blood test and to submit specimen to check if blood in the stool. My blood test result shows my minerals are so low from constant diarrhea, so I am taking potassium and magnesium supplement. Tomorrow I will be back to my GP for further investigation on my condition.

A dentist also prescribed me 150mg x 3 a day of Clindamycin for tooth infection and swelling. It did clear the infection but one week after completing the clindamycin I developed this awful mucus diarrhea. The pharmacy warning sheet I received mentioned this serious side effect possibility. A culture confirmed the c. diff infection and I was put on 500 mg. x 3 of generic Metronidazol antibiotic for 10 days.

Then the diarrhea seemed better but 6 days after completing the dosage the c.diff was back again full force. I have been on another 14 days of Metronidazol trying to get rid of this problem and have six days to go. The warning side effect sheet with this antibiotic says it caused cancer in rats. Good news, I'm not a rat, but....?

If this antibiotic doesn't cure this c. diff, my doctor says there is only one other antibiotic to try. Needless to say, I will object to any clindamycin use on me in the future and advise every one else to question its use.

I hope that eventually this epidemic of serious physical pain and health problems that is being caused by Clindamycin comes to the attention of an attorney. Something is just not right when all these people, and countless more, are suffering debilitating physical affects from the Clindamycin drug. My Gastroenterologist says that many people who are affected never completely go back to their old selves. The only way to protect patients is for the pharmaceutical company to be financially impacted, otherwise, they don't care.

And some doctors just blame their patients, ignoring their own duty to prescribe a better class of drugs (or no drug at all). As patients we have to be ever vigilant. This blog is a gift to all who need a little support to get through.

DM, In order to clear up your tooth infection, did you take a different antibiotic other than clindamycin when you stopped taking it? My regular doctor prescribed amoxicillin for my tooth infection but another doctor overruled him and ordered clindamycin instead. Had I known of my future intestinal problems from it I would have never taken the clindamycin which did clear up the tooth infection but with horrible consequences.

I was given Bactrim and Clindamycin for a MRSA community-based staph infection on my leg. The antibiotics did combat the infection but I suffered from anxiety, headaches, increased urination, stomach gas; followed by loose stools; followed by a full body rash and swelling on all extremities. I stopped all medication after the rash bloomed. The rash lasted for 8 long days. I also had diarrhea in the morning for ten days despite discontinuing the meds and taking probiotic supplements; Dannon and Stoneyfield/Brown Cow yogurt.

On this site I took the advice of one blogger and started a supplement called FLORASTOR. I took two pills per day and after 32 hours the diarrhea stopped. I'm feeling whole again after three weeks. As a fit, 48 year male whose has never been allergic to anything, I feel these drugs and the MRSA really humbled me. I empathize with my fellow bloggers and wish you a quick recovery.

I started taking clindamycin 7 days ago for a severe infection in my leg. About 3 days ago, the diarrhea started. It wasn't really bad until today. It is so bad now that I am not planning to take it anymore. I will be calling my Dr. in the morning to see about getting a different antibiotic. I also am having severe heartburn.

Ok, this is so scary. I have been on this drug for about 4 days for root canal. I asked both the dentist and the pharmacist for the correct way to take it, side effects, should I take the whole thing, etc. I asked all the questions. They pretty much said "yes, yes, yes" with no worries. No one told me that it is likely I might experience ANY difficulties.

ALL day today I have had bad bloating, gas and severe pain & cramps (upper and lower abdomen). I finally thought that it might be the medicine and looked again at the side effects on the sheet that came with it (I remembered reading about the diarrhea, but it said "in rare cases" - and I do not have any diarrhea, just pain). Then I called my regular doc who told me to call my dentist in the morning or if it gets worse to go to the ER - Yikes! - but it sounds like I may be at the start of a long road ahead - and things may hit me when I least expect it. And do I trust my dentist to give me good advice now?

I feel like someone is ramming hot pokers under my diaphragm and in my stomach and intestines.

Is there anything I can take to head off the C. Diff?? I am scared.

To those of you who would like to try and get the FDA's attention regarding clindamycin's adverse affects can do so on their website, FDA/medwatch by filling out a multi-page form. I went to the trouble to do so and advised them to refer to these blogs on the PeoplesPharmacy website.

Don't be scared Camsmom23. Be proactive--it's very important now. Make an appointment with your doctor for a stool test for C-diff. Stop taking the Clindamycin. Go easy on your intestinal/digestive system for now (use the BRAT diet). Add crackers to absorb excess stomach acid, and bland noodles. If diarrhea comes, drink Gatorade (G2) to replace lost electrolytes. Take a probiotic every morning. Most importantly see your doctor as soon as you can. We've all been there.

I took this as a preemptive measure before a root canal. Also took a pro-biotic with it (I have a terribly sensitive system to begin with so I wanted to head off side effects at the start). Lasted on it for four days. Became terribly itchy to the point where I had to wear gloves. Called the dentist. Stopped taking it per order of my dentist. Fantastic! Thought it was going to get better. Well, the itching is now gone and my stomach is in so much pain and agony.

Bathroom trips every hour. No real appetite. Stomach cramping. Can't sleep. And so sore. Its not been a great trip. I would never recommend anyone take this medication. Ask for a different antibiotic. What this does to your system was not worth it for me.

I have mitral valve prolapse (a heart valve problem) and, as a result, I must pre-med. prior to dental appointments. My dentist has prescribed Clindamycin for me for a number of years now and, as long as I drank a good amount of water after taking the capsules (4 capsules one hour prior to my dental appointments), I only experienced mild stomach discomfort and a bit of gas for a few hours following the appointments.

HOWEVER, that all changed just two days ago! I had a dental appointment on Tuesday, and today (Thursday) I am still experiencing HORRIBLE stomach and chest pains, gas, bloating, belching, and a burning sensation that travels from my esophagus to my stomach; I am also experiencing pain/ache/soreness in my upper left arm. At first I thought that perhaps I was starting to experience the symptoms of a gallbladder attack, or a very bad bout of acid reflux (I have GERD, also, and take prescription Prilosec for that problem!), or even some sort of heart-related issues but, after reading all of the posts in regard to the side effects that others have experienced after taking Clindamycin, I am convinced that I am experiencing a very negative response to that medication!

So, I just telephoned my dentist's office and left a message requesting that my dentist change my pre-med. to something that is gentler, kinder, and safer to my system! In the meantime, I took Pepto-Bismol tablets earlier in the day, and as a matter of coincidence, I just so happen to have eaten yogurt both yesterday and today, so I am hoping that the awful side effects will subside quickly!

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has also experienced these same symptoms, or worse, after taking Clindamycin. I am both shocked and angered by the posts that I have read, since so many people have suffered needlessly, and yet, Clindamycin continues to be prescribed so easily by doctors and dentists alike. Shame on the medical community and the FDA! In my opinion, this medication should be banned until further investigation and testing is performed ASAP! Good luck to all!

Well, I stopped taking the clindamyacin, the dentist put me on a z-pac instead. I asked my doctor if I should take it and he said it should be OK.

So before paying for it at the pharmacy, I asked for a Pharmacist consult (different pharmacy than the one I got the Clind. from). Told him what happened. Asked HIM also for advice about switching to the Z-pac. He had the best answers of all of them - did not brush me off...took his time.

He mentioned C. Diff as a side affect to Clind., to watch for diarhhea and told me I should start taking Probiotics (first person off all these medical people who suggested it)to offset any antibiotics I am prescribed. Then he went further by telling me to take the Probiotic first (not with the antibiotic - I would not have thought of that) and then 12 hours later take the 1st dose of the z-pac and alternate the two every 12 hours through the course (5 days) of the z-pac....he then went further to tell me to then keep taking the probiotic for another week or so at least after I stop the z-pac. This all makes sense, and that is what I have done. I do feel better - slight stomach cramping still but I can sleep at night now. And the heartburn is gone.

Thanks for your support as well LJC.

I wish everyone luck on their journey with this terribly problematic drug!!

Hi! I am on this med. again, due to a boil that turned into MRSA abscess. This is my second serious cellulitis infection on my face, and had a few on my legs before, as well. I am on HUmira for Crohn's Disease which lowers my immune system. I had a serious c. diff infection for months before realizing what it was by stool culture.

I just assumed it was my Crohn's acting up. No, I happened to get colitis from the meds. I was in and out of the ER many occasions due to dehydration issues. Passed on many times. Yes, digestive/gastro problems can cause joint and skin problems. I know this due to my Crohn's Disease. It lets you know that there is a flare up going on. This med. is a serious one, but one of the only ones that can kill the MRSA infection.

I took Levaquin first, but it did not help the infection. The swelling was moving down my neck towards my throat and serious meds. were required. It is dangerous, but the other alternative-death- was not an option. Sometimes you have to take the one less worse than the other. I hope this helps you and others. I soooo need this medication when infected with MRSA. Now, I am sure I will need Vandomyacin for the c-diff infection soon, because the Flagyl I have reactions to... peripheral neuropathy. Take care.

Hello! I have read your comment. We have the same problem, I take Clindamycin because I was biopsied last Thursday due to abnormal cells and my obgyn recommend this med. It was on my second day that I felt pain in my chest after drinking clindamycin and there is pain whenever I eat or drink. I think I have heartburn just because of this med and I don't want to take this med again. I'm afraid I might die, my obgyn told me to take clindamycin together with an antacid.

I have been on clindamycin for an infection on my legs from some kind of bite. Started Friday and by Sat. I could not stand up without severe burning in my upper left left leg and now it is Monday and it isn't any better. Went to Dr. for an adjustment and he put me on a pain killer. Nothing stops this pain, can't stand the pain when I am up. I think it is this drug. I am going to stop it and see if the pain leave. I welcome any advice.

I am a 24 yr old healthy female for the most part. A few months ago I have some routine oral stuff and was given this antibiotic then I was in the hospital only a few weeks later with horrible stabbing pain in my stomach that was actually from an infection due to a D&C I had after losing a baby.

I thought nothing of it but, was given 150 mg tablets and told to take 3 every six hours. I was told to start taking the medicine again after a few months due to ovary problems ??? Not sure why but, when I asked the doctor he told me that it was better to keep me on the same antibiotic instead of switching up which makes NO SENSE to me.

I have been on it again for a few days taking a very large amount and now I am having the worst stomach pain. I have not had any diarrhea, but, the pain is so bad just walking or being moved around hurts my stomach. I'm concerned it could be from this medicine so I have now stopped taking it but, I still feel pretty bad.

I do have a sinus infection right now but, I see no reason how stomach pain could be form that and when I was in the hospital it was my side that hurt and lower abdomen. This is right below the naval and right above it at times.

Has anyone just had severe pain with this medicine? I can't take time off work or school for a few days to make it to the doctors and I'm afraid something is really wrong. If it gets worse I will go but, I want to know if anyone else has had severe stomach pain. I've tried Tylenol and Gas X just to check with no results.

I'm allergic to diary but, perhaps something else will work. All I know is I am stuck in bed with severe pain and the only thing new in my life is this drug since I have been off of it for about six months. Now I am taking it again which I stopped today and the pain is HORRIBLE. I am also itchy and I have a mild fever but, that could be form the sinus infection.