Clindamycin

Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA on May 12, 2023
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD

The approved uses differ based on the form of clindamycin your doctor prescribes.

This article describes clindamycin’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Below you’ll find some coupon options for clindamycin.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of clindamycin, only the oral capsules. To find out more about clindamycin’s other forms, see the following articles:

• clindamycin vaginal cream
• clindamycin injection
• clindamycin gel and other topical forms
• clindamycin solution
• clindamycin D5W solution
• clindamycin phosphate dextrose solution
• clindamycin sodium chloride solution

Boxed warning: Risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea with oral capsule, oral solution, and liquid solution for injection

Clindamycin oral capsule, oral solution, and liquid solution for injection have a boxed warning about the risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Warnings for clindamycin” section below.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as clindamycin for certain conditions. Approved uses for clindamycin are described below. These uses differ based on the form of clindamycin prescribed.

Use for acne

Doctors may prescribe clindamycin topical gel, topical swab, topical lotion, topical foam, and topical solution for treating acne. Clindamycin is used for this purpose in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With acne, oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog skin pores. This causes pimples (blackheads and whiteheads), nodules (hard, painful lumps), and cysts (pus-filled nodules) that can become discolored and inflamed. Acne can affect the face, neck, chest, back, and other areas of the body.

Doctors may not prescribe clindamycin topical gel, topical swab, topical lotion, topical foam, or topical solution in certain situations. These include if you have inflammatory bowel disease or if you have had inflammation of the large intestine from taking antibiotics.

Use for certain bacterial infections

Doctors may prescribe clindamycin liquid solution for injection, oral solution, oral capsule, or vaginal cream for treating bacterial infections. Clindamycin is used for this purpose in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

With bacterial infections, bacteria grow and cause symptoms of an infection. The symptoms will vary depending on the location of the infection.

The types of infections clindamycin treats depend on the kind of bacteria causing the infection and where the infection is located. Examples of infections clindamycin may treat include cellulitis (a skin infection) and dental infections, such as a tooth infection or abscess. It generally isn’t recommended to treat a sinus infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Clindamycin may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of clindamycin and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about some of clindamycin’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for clindamycin.

* To view clindamycin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of clindamycin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of clindamycin you take or use.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about clindamycin’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for clindamycin.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Clindamycin oral capsule’s mild side effects include:

• abdominal pain
• nausea or vomiting
• painful swallowing
• an unpleasant or metallic taste in your mouth
• mild allergic reaction†

Clindamycin topical gel’s mild side effects include:

• burning
• dryness
• peeling
• discoloration
• mild allergic reaction†

* To view clindamycin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for clindamycin” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of clindamycin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of clindamycin you take or use.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about clindamycin’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for clindamycin.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, clindamycin’s serious side effects include:

• arthritis that affects many different joints
• changes in blood cell levels
• kidney injury
• liver problems
• serious skin reactions
• ulcers in the esophagus
• boxed warning: risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea†
• severe allergic reaction†

* To view clindamycin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for clindamycin” section below.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about clindamycin.

Can clindamycin be used with other drugs, such as adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, or tretinoin?

Yes, doctors may prescribe clindamycin along with other drugs to treat acne. Examples include adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, or tretinoin.

Talk with your doctor before combining acne treatments. Many acne treatments are drying to the skin. So using them together can cause more dryness or irritation. If your doctor has prescribed more than one acne treatment, let them know if your skin becomes too irritated. They can suggest ways to manage your condition.

Does clindamycin work for dogs?

Clindamycin may work for dogs. Veterinarians can prescribe it for dogs and other animals.

That said, never give clindamycin or any other medication to a pet without first talking with your veterinarian. Doing so could be harmful.

To learn more about clindamycin for dogs, talk with your pet’s vet.

Is clindamycin a penicillin or a macrolide antibiotic?

No, clindamycin isn’t a penicillin or a macrolide antibiotic. It belongs to a group of antibiotics called lincosamides. This group is different from penicillins and macrolides.

To learn more about clindamycin’s drug group, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you have allergies to an antibiotic group, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Does clindamycin make you feel tired?

Maybe. Tiredness and fatigue weren’t reported in the prescribing information* for clindamycin. But some of the side effects that were reported could make you feel tired. Having a bacterial infection can also make you feel tired. (Keep in mind that doctors prescribe certain forms of clindamycin to treat bacterial infections.)

If you’re feeling tired after starting clindamycin, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to help manage it.

* To view clindamycin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

How does clindamycin work? And how long does it take to start working?

Clindamycin works to stop bacteria from reproducing. This helps your body clear the infection. For acne, it may also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Clindamycin will start working right away. But it can take a few days for symptoms to ease. It’s important to finish your prescription for clindamycin, even if you feel better. This will help make sure the infection doesn’t come back. Infections that come back can be harder to treat. For clindamycin’s topical acne forms, it can take a few weeks for symptoms to ease.

To learn more about what to expect with clindamycin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The dosage of clindamycin your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should follow.

Taking, applying, and receiving clindamycin

Clindamycin oral capsule and oral solution are swallowed with or without food.

Clindamycin liquid solution for injection is given by injection into a muscle or vein.

Clindamycin topical gel, lotion, solution, swab, and foam are applied to the skin.

Clindamycin vaginal cream is given by inserting it into the vagina with an applicator.

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take or use clindamycin. They’ll explain how much to take, use, or apply and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

Overdose of clindamycin

You should not take or use more clindamycin than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken or used too much clindamycin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Below, you’ll find information about clindamycin’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of clindamycin

For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take or use clindamycin, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for clindamycin” section below.

Warnings for clindamycin

Clindamycin should not be taken or used, or should be taken or used cautiously, by certain people.

Boxed warning: Risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea

Clindamycin has a boxed warning about the risk of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)-associated diarrhea. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Treatment with antibiotics can change the usual bacteria that grow in the large intestine. Sometimes, an overgrowth of a dangerous bacteria called C. diff can happen. This can cause diarrhea that ranges from mild to severe. In severe cases, colitis (inflammation of the large intestine) can occur, which can be fatal.

C. diff-associated diarrhea can happen while you’re taking antibiotics and for up to 2 months afterward.

Clindamycin is more likely to cause C. diff-associated diarrhea than other antibiotics. Due to this risk, doctors only prescribe it for serious infections when other antibiotics aren’t likely to work.

If you experience any diarrhea during clindamycin treatment, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping clindamycin.

To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other warnings

Clindamycin could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether clindamycin is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of clindamycin you take or use.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for clindamycin, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Your doctor will likely prescribe another antibiotic if you have one of the following conditions:

• Crohn’s disease
• ulcerative colitis
• a history of antibiotic-related colitis (inflammation of the large intestine)

Allergic reaction

Clindamycin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to clindamycin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe clindamycin. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• severe skin rashes that may blister and peel
• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to clindamycin, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and clindamycin

Information about clindamycin and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Clindamycin and pregnancy

In general, clindamycin is considered safe to take or use during pregnancy. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

Clindamycin and breastfeeding

In general, clindamycin is considered safe to take or use while breastfeeding. But there could be risks to taking or using it in some cases. Ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for clindamycin by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for clindamycin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also learn more about the cost of clindamycin in this article.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

This article describes clindamycin’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about clindamycin or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Am I at higher risk of side effects from clindamycin than other people?
• Do any of the medications I take interact with clindamycin?
• What other treatment options do I have?

• Clindacin (clindamycin phosphate) foam, 1%. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d01ffda3-1913-400d-a899-58b8face8936/spl-doc
• Clindacin-P clindamycin phosphate topical solution USP, 1% (Pledgets). (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/288371ef-96b6-4ce3-9be1-1d9d309b400c/spl-doc
• Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/fadc321a-2291-4268-936f-0743fdddbe7f/spl-doc
• Clindamycin injection, USP. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/e6d3dc9e-fd4c-4044-96c6-6408e9cf615a/spl-doc
• Clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride for oral solution, USP (pediatric). (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/0bfe1e25-f0a1-4e11-9827-82912557c46b/spl-doc
• Clindamycin phosphate gel USP, 1%. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/311c05c2-a2b2-4051-b0b9-0427015aa980/spl-doc
• Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion, 1%. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/ac50088c-ba8c-4cca-a473-83011af80e85/spl-doc
• Clindamycin phosphate topical solution, USP 1%. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/44759c4f-5c87-4347-800f-83bb7487fff0/spl-doc
• Clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream USP, 2%. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/997a23c8-f0d7-49d5-af33-e11f2ddab3c7/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

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.