Clindamycin — what it treats and what you must watch for

Clindamycin is a powerful antibiotic used for certain skin infections, dental infections, bone infections, and some anaerobic bacteria. It works well when other antibiotics aren't suitable, but it also carries risks you should know about — especially gut infections like C. difficile.

Want quick answers? Keep reading — you’ll learn when clindamycin helps, how people usually take it, common side effects, and clear signs to call your doctor.

Common uses and forms

Clindamycin comes as oral capsules or liquid, an IV form for hospital use, and topical gels/solutions for acne. Doctors often pick it for:

• Skin and soft tissue infections (including some MRSA strains that are susceptible)
• Dental abscesses when penicillin can’t be used
• Bone infections (osteomyelitis) and certain pelvic infections
• Cases with anaerobic bacteria (low-oxygen bacteria) like some abdominal or dental infections

Dosing, timing, and basics

Typical adult oral dosing is 150–450 mg every 6–8 hours depending on the infection. For skin acne, topical clindamycin is usually 1% applied once or twice a day. IV dosing in hospitals follows specific weight- and severity-based rules. Always follow your prescriber's instructions — dose and duration depend on the infection type and how severe it is.

Finish the entire course even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping early can leave bacteria behind and increase resistance.

Short, practical tips: take oral clindamycin with a full glass of water, avoid lying down right away if you get nausea, and store topical gels away from heat.

Clindamycin can interact with other drugs. It may increase bleeding risk if you take warfarin; hospitals watch this closely. It can also affect neuromuscular blockers used in surgery. Tell any provider you’re on clindamycin.

Allergic reactions are possible. If you get hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing, get emergency care.

One word you’ll hear a lot: C. difficile. This bacteria can overgrow after clindamycin and cause severe, watery diarrhea sometimes weeks after treatment. If diarrhea is heavy, bloody, or comes with fever and belly pain, stop the antibiotic and contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: use only if a doctor recommends it. Topical clindamycin for acne is often preferred over systemic treatment during pregnancy, but always check with your clinician.

Resistance is real. Some strains of staph and other bacteria are resistant to clindamycin, so doctors may order a culture or switch antibiotics if you don’t improve in 48–72 hours.

Final practical note: don’t share leftover antibiotics, don’t self-prescribe from unreliable online sources, and ask your provider about alternatives if you have gut or allergy problems. If you’re unsure whether clindamycin is right for you, bring up past antibiotic reactions, current medicines (especially blood thinners), and any bowel disease before starting therapy.