Clindamycin is a prescription antibiotic indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections of the skin, blood, lungs, internal organs and female reproductive organs. This antibacterial medication works by preventing bacterial growth within the body. Before you begin treatment, discuss clindamycin's side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Bacterial Overgrowth
The use of clindamycin can cause imbalances in the normal levels of bacteria within your digestive tract. If this occurs, you can experience an overgrowth of bacteria within your colon, which can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called colitis, warn health professionals at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Symptoms of colitis include severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and blood in the stools. If you develop any symptoms of colitis during clindamycin treatment, stop taking this medication and contact your primary-care physician immediately for further evaluation and care.
Weakening of Latex or Rubber
This medication can be administered orally or vaginally, depending on the location of the bacterial infection. The vaginally-administered form of clindamycin contains mineral oil, which the FDA warns can weaken the normal structure of products that contain latex or rubber, such as condoms and vaginal diaphragms. These effects typically subside 72 hours after treatment. While using this vaginal cream, women are advised to use an alternate form of birth control to ensure pregnancy does not occur.
Side Effects
You can develop side effects while using this medication. The most common side effects of orally administered clindamycin include stomach upset, mild diarrhea, throat irritation, skin rash and abnormal vaginal discharge. Vaginal clindamycin cream can cause women to develop abnormal vaginal discharge or itching, urinary tract infection, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea or skin rash. If these side effects occur, report this information to your doctor to ensure that you receive appropriate treatment.
