Clindamycin — What it treats and how to use it safely

Clindamycin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that works well against many skin, bone, lung, and soft tissue infections. It comes as pills, a liquid, an IV solution, and creams or gels for skin use. It’s very effective, but it carries a real risk of causing severe diarrhea from C. difficile, so knowing when and how to use it matters.

How to take clindamycin

Follow your prescriber’s instructions exactly. Typical oral adult doses are 150–450 mg every 6–8 hours, depending on the infection. For serious infections, doctors may use 600–900 mg IV every 8 hours in the hospital. Topical clindamycin (1% gel or lotion) is usually applied once or twice daily for acne or local skin infections.

Take oral clindamycin with a full glass of water. Food can help reduce stomach upset, so if it bothers your stomach, take it with a meal. Finish the full course even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Side effects & when to seek help

Common side effects are nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. More serious problems include severe, persistent diarrhea, which can be a sign of C. difficile infection — this needs urgent medical attention. Stop the drug and call your provider right away if you have watery diarrhea, high fever, or bloody stools.

Allergic reactions happen but are less common; signs include hives, swelling of the face or throat, and trouble breathing. Seek emergency care for any signs of a severe allergy. Clindamycin can also cause liver enzyme changes or abnormal blood counts, so your doctor may order blood tests for longer courses.

Some medicines interact with clindamycin — for example, it can increase the effect of certain neuromuscular blockers used during surgery. Tell your provider about all prescription drugs, OTC meds, and supplements you take, and mention any history of liver disease, stomach problems, or colitis.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: oral and topical clindamycin are often used in pregnancy when needed, but always check with your doctor. The drug does pass into breast milk and can cause diarrhea in an infant, so watch babies closely and discuss risks with your clinician.

Use antibiotics responsibly: don’t ask for clindamycin for viral illnesses like colds or most sore throats. If you must stop the drug for side effects, contact your prescriber — they may switch you to a different antibiotic.

If you have questions about dosing, side effects, or whether clindamycin is right for your infection, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can explain alternatives, length of treatment, and monitoring so you get effective care with the lowest risk.