This article describes possible side effects of clindamycin oral capsule. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for clindamycin.
Clindamycin oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Cleocin. Clindamycin also comes in other forms taken by mouth, forms applied to the skin, and injectable forms. But these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
To learn more about clindamycin oral capsule, including the drug’s uses, and dosage, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warning: Risk of Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff)-associated diarrhea
Clindamycin has a boxed warning for the risk of C. diff-associated diarrhea. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of clindamycin in detail” section below.
More common side effects of clindamycin
Clindamycin oral capsule may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of clindamycin oral capsule include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clindamycin in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of clindamycin
Clindamycin may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of clindamycin oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
Clindamycin oral capsule may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clindamycin in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with clindamycin oral capsule. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
Serious side effects of clindamycin
Clindamycin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from clindamycin oral capsule, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911, or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with clindamycin oral capsule.
Serious side effects of clindamycin oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clindamycin in detail” section below.
† Clindamycin oral capsule has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of clindamycin in detail” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with clindamycin oral capsule. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
Common questions about side effects of clindamycin
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of clindamycin oral capsule. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long do side effects of clindamycin typically last?
How long side effects of clindamycin last will be different for each person taking the drug.
In most cases, side effects of clindamycin will ease within hours or days after taking your first dose. In extreme cases, side effects may last longer. To learn more, see “Does clindamycin cause long-term side effects?” below.
Clindamycin oral capsule has a boxed warning for the risk of Clostridioides difficile (C.Diff)-associated diarrhea. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This side effect could occur up to 2 months after your last dose of clindamycin. To learn more, see the “Side effects of clindamycin in detail” section below.
To learn more about what to expect while taking clindamycin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does clindamycin 300 mg cause more side effects than the drug’s other strengths?
No, it’s unlikely. Clindamycin’s side effects are likely to be the same regardless of the strength you take.
Clindamycin oral capsule is available in 75 milligrams (mg), 150 mg, and 300 mg. It isn’t known whether different side effects occurred with different strengths. In general, taking a higher dose of a drug could increase the risk of side effects.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about how your clindamycin dosage may affect your risk of side effects from the drug.
Will I experience side effects after stopping clindamycin?
No, stopping clindamycin oral capsule isn’t known to cause specific side effects.
As with other antibiotic drugs, it’s important to complete your course of clindamycin oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes. Take all of the clindamycin prescribed to you, even if your symptoms improve during treatment.
Stopping clindamycin early could cause your infection to come back. It may also make your infection harder to treat.
If you have questions about stopping clindamycin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does clindamycin cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases clindamycin oral capsule may cause long-term side effects. These can last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects include:
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to best manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of clindamycin may last.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clindamycin in detail” section below.
† Clindamycin oral capsule has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of clindamycin in detail” section below.
Coupon for clindamycin
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for clindamycin when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Side effects of clindamycin in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of clindamycin oral capsule.
Risk of Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff)-associated diarrhea
Clindamycin has a boxed warning for the risk of C. diff-associated diarrhea. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It’s not known how often this side effect occurred in studies of clindamycin oral capsule. But C. diff infection and diarrhea due to the infection is known to happen with any antibiotic drug. (Clindamycin is an antibiotic.)
C. diff-associated diarrhea can be mild or serious. In extreme cases, it can be life threatening. This side effect could occur up to 2 months after taking your last dose of clindamycin.
With C. diff-associated diarrhea, you have an overgrowth of certain bacteria in your colon. This can lead to diarrhea among other symptoms. Other symptoms include:
People older than 60 years of age may have an increased risk of C. diff infection and diarrhea due to the infection with clindamycin oral capsule.
Ways to manage
If you have symptoms of C diff-associated diarrhea, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely recommend stopping clindamycin treatment. Your doctor can also suggest treatments for your symptoms. Severe C. diff-associated diarrhea may require treatment in a hospital.
Skin reactions
Mild and severe skin reactions are possible with clindamycin oral capsule. It’s not known how often skin reactions occurred in studies.
With skin reactions, you may have itching, rash, or hives. In severe cases, you may have blisters and peeling or discolored skin. Other symptoms of severe skin reactions include fever, chills, and body aches.
Keep in mind that skin reactions can be symptoms of an allergic reaction to clindamycin. To learn more, see “Allergic reaction” below.
Ways to manage
If you have symptoms of a skin reaction, tell your doctor right away. They can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether the skin reaction is mild or severe. For a severe reaction, your doctor may recommend seeking emergency treatment.
But if your symptoms seem life threatening or severe, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Unpleasant or metallic taste in your mouth
Taking clindamycin oral capsule may cause an unpleasant or metallic taste in your mouth. It’s not known how often this side effect occurred in studies or how bothersome it may be.
With this side effect, you may notice a bitter, sour, or foul taste in your mouth after swallowing clindamycin oral capsule.
Ways to manage
If you have concerns about an unpleasant or metallic taste in your mouth after taking clindamycin, tell your doctor. They can help determine whether clindamycin is the cause.
Your doctor can also suggest ways to help get rid of the taste. For example, they may suggest brushing your teeth after taking the capsule or chewing sugar-free gum.
Allergic reaction
For some people, clindamycin oral capsule can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
In addition, very rare but serious allergic skin reactions can occur with clindamycin. These reactions are life threatening and can be fatal when they do occur. These reactions include:
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to clindamycin oral capsule, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for clindamycin
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking clindamycin oral capsule.
Boxed warning: Risk of Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff)-associated diarrhea
Clindamycin has a boxed warning for the risk of C. diff-associated diarrhea. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of clindamycin in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take clindamycin oral capsule if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether clindamycin oral capsule is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking clindamycin oral capsule, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
Clindamycin and pregnancy
It’s not known whether clindamycin oral capsule should be taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy. In general, clindamycin oral capsule is considered safe to take during the last 6 months of pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Clindamycin and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether clindamycin oral capsule should be taken while breastfeeding. The drug passes into breast milk, and it may cause digestive side effects in a child who’s breastfed. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Clindamycin and alcohol
Clindamycin oral capsule is not known to interact with alcohol.
Keep in mind that consuming alcohol while taking clindamycin oral capsule could worsen certain side effects of the drug. Examples include digestive problems, such as nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may advise you to avoid alcohol or limit the amount you consume while taking this drug.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with clindamycin oral capsule.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of clindamycin oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How do the side effects of clindamycin oral capsule compare with other antibiotic drugs?
- Do any medications I take increase my risk of side effects from clindamycin oral capsule?
- Am I at a higher risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea with clindamycin oral capsule?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
