Clindamycin: What it treats and what you need to know

Clindamycin is an antibiotic doctors use for certain skin, dental, bone, and soft tissue infections. It works by stopping bacteria from making proteins they need to grow. That makes it useful when other antibiotics aren’t right or when the bacteria are known to respond to clindamycin.

Don’t use clindamycin for a cold, flu, or other viral illnesses — antibiotics don’t fight viruses. If a clinician prescribes it, follow their directions and check back if symptoms don’t improve in a couple of days.

Common forms and typical dosing

Clindamycin comes as oral capsules or liquid, an IV form for hospital use, and topical creams or gels for acne and minor skin infections. Typical adult oral doses are often 150–300 mg every 6 hours or 300–450 mg every 8 hours, depending on the infection. For severe infections in hospital settings, IV doses are higher and given less often under medical supervision. Topical clindamycin is usually applied twice daily for acne.

Kids get doses based on weight; never guess a child’s dose — ask a pediatrician or pharmacist. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s nearly time for the next dose. Don’t double up.

Side effects and serious warnings

The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and skin rash. A major risk with clindamycin is Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection — a severe and sometimes dangerous form of diarrhea that can occur during or weeks after treatment. If you have heavy, watery diarrhea, fever, or bloody stools, get medical help right away.

Stop the drug and seek immediate care if you have sudden rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or yellowing skin/eyes. Also tell your provider about any liver or bowel conditions before starting clindamycin.

Clindamycin interacts with some medications and can affect how other drugs work. Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take. If you’re allergic to lincomycin or have had severe reactions to similar antibiotics, clindamycin may not be safe for you.

Finish the full prescribed course even if you feel better, unless a clinician tells you to stop. Stopping early can let bacteria survive and become resistant. If symptoms don’t improve in 48–72 hours, call your prescriber — infections sometimes need a different antibiotic or a longer course.

Store oral clindamycin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep topical products out of your eyes and genital area unless directed. For pregnant or breastfeeding people, check with a clinician — treatment decisions depend on the specific situation.

If you have questions about clindamycin, side effects, or whether it’s the right antibiotic for you, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can match the drug to the infection, adjust the dose, and watch for problems while you recover.