Clindamycin
Capsule, gel or injection
Quick Summary
Clindamycin is useful for some serious skin and bone infections and for people allergic to penicillin.
Medical Uses
How it's taken
Take capsules with a full glass of water.
Take it for the full course, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Don't share antibiotics or keep leftovers.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Diarrhoea
Can be severe.
Nausea
Stomach upset.
Rash
Sometimes.
Interactions
Muscle relaxants used in surgery
Tell your anaesthetist.
Critical Warnings
Severe diarrhoea
Black Box Warning: Clindamycin has a higher risk of serious bowel infection (C. difficile). Seek help for severe or bloody diarrhoea.
Severe allergic reaction
Black Box Warning: Swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or a widespread rash: get emergency help.
Antibiotic resistance
Using antibiotics when they aren't needed makes them less effective for everyone.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Clindamycin: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine