Clindamycin for Bacterial Infection User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• July 12, 2010

"Let me just say this about this medicine. DO NOT LIE DOWN FOR AT LEAST 20-40 MINUTES AFTER TAKING DOSE! I just did like a half hour ago, and I am regretting it. I started taking the Clindamycin for a very nasty, very large abscess that took up a huge portion of the roof of my mouth. The infection started in the tooth to the right of my right front tooth. The pain was UNBEARABLE. I've been taking the medicine since Wednesday night (5 days ago), and I haven't had the problems that I've had with Penicillin (nausea, twitching, hunger pains that don't stop). But I ignored the warning and lay down. So much burning in my chest! I hope it goes away soon. It's so weird!"

• Jay...
• April 10, 2013

"Was prescribed the meds for a tooth infection after the first part of root canal (just had pulp removed due to inflammation but not the roots). Took my first dose before bed, woke up the next morning feeling wonderful. I have not suffered from the heartburn or anything. My tooth really feels great, no pain, all the tartar left on my teeth has started to fall off while brushing, and I can notice a big difference in my overall health. It does make me extremely sleepy and nauseous though. I believe it is worth it. The tooth pain was so bad I could not talk, close my mouth, or even drink. Even hurt to swallow my own saliva. I will recommend this antibiotic for anyone that has a weak immune system already. DO NOT USE TOBACCO WHILE USING THIS MED."

• Bsm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2017

"I was prescribed this medication for a tooth infection, and upon reading reviews, I was TERRIFIED of it. So many negatives! I went ahead and took the advice of those who gave it higher ratings. I am on four 300 mg doses every day, so I take a pill at noon, 6 pm, midnight, and 6 am. I take it with 20 ounces of water and a small snack or near a meal. Afterwards, I make sure to sit up or sleep a little elevated for at least the next 30 minutes. I also am taking a probiotic every day to counteract against all the 'good' bacteria this medication is also killing off. So far, I've had ZERO side effects, my tooth pain has gone away, and gums are no longer swollen. I still have a couple of days left, but I am assuming it'll be the same."

• Sok...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2015

"I woke up two days ago with the entire right side of my face swollen like a balloon (from the back of my jaw to mid-chin). Normally, I try to tough things out - but this was quite frankly terrifying, so I ended up going to the ER. I was prescribed clindamycin 300 mg every 6 hours and naproxen twice daily. The first night (after taking two doses of the clindamycin and 1 of the naproxen) the swelling had increased by about 6%. However, a further 6 hours would have the swelling down about 50% and the pain nearly non-existent (battled with plain Advil). This is day three on the medicine and the pain is practically gone (only sore to the touch) - as is the swelling (about down to 20%, possibly even 15%). No side effects to speak of... yet."

• mag...
• November 1, 2009

"I was prescribed clindamycin 8 days ago as a result of an extraction of two roots in a molar. The other root remained so the dentist can do a root canal to keep the tooth for a bridge. I developed a bad infection. My face became swollen, red, and inflamed. I was taking clindamycin 3x a day 500 mg. Almost all better except for jaw spasms. The only problem I had was last night. I took the pill with a sip of water and went to sleep. Bad mistake. I didn't know you should not lay down for 30 minutes and to drink 8 oz with it each time taken. I woke up with the worst heartburn ever in my life. Antacids didn't work at all. Had to take Pepto Bismol. It helped. It still hurts when I swallow but better. Warning: Sit up for 30 min & drink water"

• Sxo...
• February 22, 2020

"I took this for one week for a dental abscess, which turned out to be chronic, so it did not work for me. As far as side effects go, I read all the horror stories in these reviews, and I did my best to avoid them. I took a probiotic every morning and I ate probiotic yogurt twice a day. I ate a full meal before the pill each time and waited about 10 minutes before I took it. I drank two glasses of water with the pill and I did not lay down for 40 minutes. I avoided all the crazy side effects, I didn't get heartburn or anything like that. For reference, I am 23 years old, female, and I weigh about 135. The only side effect that I experienced was actually after the pill, and it is constant pooping multiple times a day for about a month now. I only started to experience this when I stopped taking the probiotics, which were countering the effects of the antibiotic, which I guess lasts a while after you finish it. So take your probiotics and don’t stop them for a while."

• PSt...
• July 12, 2013

"I was prescribed 300 mg, 4 times a day for 10 days for a tooth abscess. I too felt the 'burn', but my burn was immediately after taking the capsule. I could feel the burn as it went down my esophagus. What I found relieved it was drinking at least 8 oz of water with the pill, and then topping it off with a few spoonfuls of yogurt. No more burn as it went down, no more stomach upset."

• ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2019

"I've had 3 abscessed teeth and taken clindamycin for all of them before I could get into the dentist. The pain was almost totally gone within 24 hours every time, and the infection cleared up in a couple of days. I would highly recommend it for an abscess. Just listen to the instructions and take it after a meal. It is a powerful antibiotic and will cause stomach problems if not taken properly."

• old...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2013

"The doctor prescribed clindamycin for an infection. I did not know that lying down after a dose of this would feel like your insides were burning up. It was the worst heartburn I have had. Of course, this was due to the fact that I was trying to be diligent and take them every 8 hours, causing me to take them in the middle of the night. It's good to know that others have this problem. Like others, I was scared I was having a heart attack."

• tex...
• January 15, 2017

"My dentist put me on clindamycin after I had my wisdom teeth taken out because of the infection in my gums (and I'm allergic to penicillin). I read reviews before taking this and was terrified. I've always had a weak stomach, suffering from both IBS and acid reflux. I always made sure to drink half a bottle of water and eat part of my meal before taking this. After taking the pill, I'd drink a full bottle of water and finish my meal. Besides feeling bloated from so much water, I never had any side effects from this antibiotic. I was on 300 mg every 6 hours. No issues."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2018

"A lot of people say clindamycin makes them feel sick. Hell, I couldn’t ever finish a cycle because it would make me feel sick and have chest pains. Come to find out, this antibiotic likes to get stuck in your esophagus, and that’s when the negative side effects begin. Make sure to drink a lot of water and eat something after taking it to ensure it moves through your esophagus and gets to where it needs to. Ever since I found that out and I drink about 16 oz of water right after taking, the ill feeling side effects have vanished."

• Tia...
• October 15, 2015

"Soft gel probiotic and a ton of water. I can't stress this enough! After reading the reviews, I was absolutely mortified about starting this antibiotic (clindamycin 300 mg, 2x a day). I'm one of those people who always gets every possible side effect of medication. I stumbled upon a very helpful review of someone suggesting taking a softgel probiotic. I took the probiotic once daily, approximately one hour before my first dose. I am entering day 3 of this regime and have yet to get any of the unpleasant side effects mentioned. I also drank about a liter or more of water with each pill. I will update this post once I finish the med. Don't let all of the scary reviews get you down. You can do this!"

• Jav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2016

Clindamycin "This is my second time using Cleocin HCl, this time for a dental abscess (300 mg every 6 hours). Today is day 3 of a 7-day course, set by the ER doctor. The swelling of my gumline, lip, and cheek has all but disappeared (just a tiny bump on the gumline left). The pain too is almost nonexistent unless, of course, I bite down hard on the tooth that needs extraction. Side effects are slight nausea and heartburn if taken without 8 oz of water or lying down soon after taking a dose."

• eel...
• November 3, 2013

Clindamycin "Tooth infection. After taking 5 of the 28 pills, I had the worst heartburn of my life and could not even lay down. After 10 of them, I ended up in the ER with chest pains, excruciating heartburn, diarrhea, and the itchiest hives from head to toe. They were, however, very effective at clearing up the infection, which in turn reduced the pain in my mouth significantly. So for me, where tooth pain is almost intolerable, it was a trade-off I accept."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2024

"I was so scared to take this due to the negative reviews. It took me 2 weeks to begin the course. The tablets worked very well for me, working on the infection in my ear very quickly, and I had little to no side effects. Only the first night I had a bit of stomach disturbance, and I needed to go to the toilet more than normal, but by the second day, that was resolved. After that, there were no side effects. I took 150 mg 4 times a day for 5 days. I want to reassure others who are as scared as I was that this medication worked well and did not give me any problems. It is now 3 weeks after I finished the course, and still all is well, and my stomach is fine. I did drink a lot of water and ate something with each tablet and did not lie down for half an hour after taking it. I also took a probiotic every day. All the best for everyone out there who is struggling like I was."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2014

"I noticed right away that after I took clindamycin, I had a bad taste in my mouth and tightening in my chest, which increased in intensity and longevity each day of taking it. After 5 days, my chest hurt so bad I almost went to the ER. It felt like a ton of bricks on my chest, but I was breathing normally."

• fla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2013

"Being treated for a leg ulcer with this medication. I have 5 pills left out of the 2-week dose, and I am finding it hard to finish. I too am experiencing extreme heartburn on top of the acid reflux I already have, so bad I have knots in my stomach, which is making it hard for me to eat. It is very painful when the food goes down. My chest hurt, and I was tired a lot after taking this. It did, though, clear up this infection right away. Going to try and get through the last 5. Reading others' posts have been so helpful. I knew nothing about not lying down for 30 minutes after taking it, and I will get back on yogurt too. Thanks for all the tips."

• mis...
• March 20, 2017

"I was given 300 mg to take 3x a day for 7 days for an abscess. Dentist and pharmacist warned of nasty side effects. Enclosed papers with instructions and warnings were scary and only recommended taking with food, water, and avoiding laying down for 10 minutes after taking. I looked online to see if taking probiotics would help prevent colitis. Found these ratings and was even further scared. I noticed everyone who gave positive reviews mentioned probiotics, yogurts, and staying upright for at least 30 minutes. So that is what I did. No side effects whatsoever. No heartburn, diarrhea (I actually became constipated), or belly pain. I took a probiotic with 10 billion strains 1x a day and ate a 0% Activia yogurt at every dose. Pain gone by day 3."

• For...
• May 25, 2015

"Had pericoronitis several times and once a small abscess on the gum flap, which partially covers my wisdom tooth. Dose was 300 mg 4x a day for a week, only took 3x a day and took longer to finish the dose. Very effective at taking care of the infection. Side effects: feeling out of it/dizzy, headache/head pressure some days, strange powdery/metallic taste in mouth, diarrhea when I came off the medicine (lasted for months the first time, ate a lot of Activia, and that greatly improved stool). I have anxiety/panic disorder, and these symptoms made it really hard for me to take it. TAKE WITH A LOT OF WATER, STAY HYDRATED. HAVE SMALL MEAL BEFORE + YOGURT. DON'T SKIP MEALS. DO NOT LAY DOWN FOR 30 MINS AFTER TAKING."

• Sjm...
• March 1, 2016

"4th time on clindamycin. Twice for tooth infections. Second time now in a month for strep throat. 3 pills at a time, 4x a day for 10 days = 120 pills. I find it works but must be taken with lots of water and after you eat! And don't lie down for 10-15 minutes after taking it, or you'll get horrible heartburn that goes from your chest up into your throat."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2020

"I took this medicine, clindamycin, for an infection I had after getting my wisdom teeth removed, and it was awful! The first few pills didn’t really do anything, but then I woke up one morning to take my pill and had immediate heartburn so bad I couldn’t even lay down for the next two hours, not to mention that it gave me esophagitis! I had no appetite, nor was I thirsty, but I knew I had to keep drinking water to get the awful taste out of my mouth! It made me nauseous a few times, but the last straw was when I hadn’t been able to eat without pain for 24 hours, so I had to force down some chicken noodle soup around 1 PM. I took my next pill at 3 PM and immediately threw up and called my oral surgeon and told him I was no longer taking the pill. It cleared up my infection, but I do NOT recommend this pill unless you want 24/7 heartburn."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2019

"I have a tooth that has to be pulled because it’s infected. I was prescribed this clindamycin by my dentist. I’m over a week into an every 8-hour routine (which has really been twice a day but should be three times). I always eat a full meal with the medication (as prescribed, so you don’t encounter heartburn problems). I have been wondering if people on this thread know this. I actually get heartburn regularly, and I haven’t experienced it from this antibiotic. The only thing negative I can say is that it makes me so tired a couple of hours after I take it. I assume because my body is doing a lot of work fighting infection. I've experienced a little dizziness when I get up too fast a couple of times, but nothing else."

• ano...
• August 9, 2013

"Dr. gave me this prescription for a tooth that was abscessed. The swelling had intensified after taking a hot shower, which made it look like I had a softball in my jaw. The pain from it was utterly unimaginable, and I was popping Vicodin and Tylenol 3s like Skittles. I did hear this particular antibiotic is linked to causing a specific disease in the colon because antibiotics do not discriminate when it comes to bacteria. Good or bad, it has to go. However, after taking my first dose of this and ibuprofen, the pain literally disappeared within 30 minutes. It was amazing. I cried, then went to sleep. No terrible side effects other than soft stool."

• Eli...
• July 4, 2017

"I took Clindamycin because of a severely painful infection that was present both before and after a root canal. I was apprehensive about taking this drug due to all of the bad reviews, however, the only side effect I experienced was the metallic taste, which honestly wasn't so bad. After what felt like childbirth pain near my root canal for two weeks that wasn't responding to other antibiotics, the pain subsided after just three days of taking this medication. If I had to take it again, I would do it in a heartbeat. I took precautions when taking this medication, which is why I believe I didn't have any of the nasty side effects. While taking Clindamycin, I ate a bready substance both before and after taking each pill along with water."

• Tda...
• May 6, 2013

"Had an awful infection along the right side of my gum line, including a tooth that was abscessed. I have terrible side effects to almost any antibiotic, so I was not very impressed having to take it. I started the medicine yesterday and drank it with tons of water, made sure I didn't lay down for almost an hour, and also took acidophilus. I had no issues whatsoever, however, this morning after taking the first dose, I started with heartburn. I've also noticed an odd taste in my mouth. I took Pepcid and hope that will help knock the heartburn back a bit. Seems to have been improvement with the abscess already, so I hope this is as bad as it gets. In comparison to the toothache, I'll take the heartburn. Drink plenty of water!"