Clindamycin: Uses, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions
Brand names: Clindamycin Phosphate
# Clindamycin Overview Clindamycin is an antibiotic medicine that doctors prescribe to fight bacterial infections in your body. It works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, which helps your immune system clear up the infection. This medication can be used to treat various types of infections, including skin infections, respiratory infections, and other serious bacterial problems. Your doctor will decide if clindamycin is the right choice for your specific infection. Before taking clindamycin, it's important to know some safety information. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have, especially to similar antibiotics. If you're pregnant, nursing a baby, or taking other medications, let your doctor know because clindamycin can interact with some drugs, particularly ones that affect how your muscles work. Like all antibiotics, clindamycin can cause side effects in some people, so take it exactly as prescribed and contact your doctor if you experience unusual symptoms. It's also crucial to finish taking all the medicine your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better, to make sure the infection is completely gone.
Taking Clindamycin with other medications?
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Check Now ↓Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- DRUG INEFFECTIVE3,054 reports
- DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY3,031 reports
- DIARRHOEA2,469 reports
- RASH2,246 reports
- NAUSEA2,152 reports
- PAIN1,952 reports
- OFF LABEL USE1,776 reports
- FATIGUE1,685 reports
- DYSPNOEA1,541 reports
- ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY1,521 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Recent Recalls (3)
- Class III
SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC · November 26, 2025
Clindamycin Phosphate USP, 1% (10 mg/mL), Topical Solution, 60 mL per applicator bottle, Rx only, Mfd. by: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Haifa Bay, Israel; Dist. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals USA, IFailed Impurities/Degradation: Out of Specification results for Total Impurities and for Assay.
- Class II
MCKESSON CORPORATION · February 12, 2024
CABTREO (clindamycin phosphate, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Topical Gel 1.2%/0.15%/3.1%, Not for Oral, Ophthalmic or Intravaginal Use, Rx Only, Net Wt. 50g, Distributed by Bausch Health US, LLC BrCGMP Deviations: Product was stored outside labeled storage temperature requirements. Product was exposed to controlled room temperature environment instead of remaining refrigerated.
Source: FDA (openFDA Drug Enforcement). Voluntary and mandated recalls affecting this drug.
Check interactions with Clindamycin:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.