What Are The Side Effects Of Clindamycin?

The antibiotic clindamycin (Cleocin) is effective against a wide range of micro-organisms, and it provides an alternative for people who are allergic to penicillin. Clindamycin can be taken as a pill, an injection, intravenously, as a topical cream for severe acne, or in the form of a suppository (Clindesse, Clindamax) for severe bacterial vaginal infections. Like any medication, clindamycin has side effects--some mild, some potentially dangerous

Severe Diarrhea

Clindamycin can cause a serious condition called antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis (AAPMC). According the Mayo Clinic, AAPMC occurs when a bacteria called C. difficile grows unchecked, causing inflammation in the colon and severe diarrhea---10 to 20 watery stools a day. Stools may contain blood or mucous, and fever and abdominal pain or cramping may also occur. When AAPMC occurs, it usually starts within the first week of receiving clindamycin, but it can develop up to six weeks after stopping the medication. Unless it is treated, AAPMC can be fatal. If you develop severe diarrhea during or after treatment with clindamycin, call your doctor. Don't take over-the-counter diarrhea medications unless your doctor tells you to do so. They may make your symptoms worse.

Most Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of clindamycin---rashes, nausea, vomiting and mild diarrhea---are those that can occur with almost every antibiotic. Usually these symptoms are not severe enough to stop or change the medication, but according to the National Institute of Health's MedlinePlus, it's best to let your doctor know if they continue. Occasionally people receiving clindamycin intravenously experience develop a metallic taste in their mouths. It may be unpleasant, but it's not dangerous.

Rare Side Effects

If you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing, call your doctor right away. Blisters, hives or a rash should be reported to your doctor. Though it happens rarely, clindamycin can affect your liver or your blood cells, so if your eyes or skin appear yellow, or if you notice unusual bleeding or bruising, call your doctor. Weight loss, sore throat and fever and itching around the rectum and genitals are other rare side effects.

Side Effects on Skin

According to MedlinePlus, topical clindamycin can cause your skin to peel, itch or burn, or to turn dry and scaly. Reddened skin and eruption of new pimples may also occur. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Other Side Effects

The Mayo Clinic recommends that women tell their doctors if they experience a thick, white, vaginal discharge, burning, itching or swelling. If you receive clindamycin by injection, you may feel pain, a hard area or a soft bump where the needle entered your skin.