Clindamycin for Sinusitis User Reviews
Brand names: Cleocin, Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin Phosphate, Cleocin HCl, Cleocin Phosphate ADD-Vantage
Clindamycin has an average rating of 6.7 out of 10 from a total of 30 reviews for the treatment of Sinusitis. 57% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 30% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Clindamycin
- Chr...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 28, 2013
"I've had this ongoing sinus infection for 2 months (or more) and been given 2 different prescriptions that didn't work. It felt like my head would explode. I took this and my pain started to subside after 24 hours, and after 48 hours I felt like a normal human being again for the first time in a long time. I can't believe how great this worked. Took the entire dose, 4 times a day for 9 days. No side effects either. I guess some people get heartburn, but I didn't."
- rai...
- January 23, 2014
"I get terrible sinus infections at least once a year. The doctor used to give me amoxicillin, and it got to a point where it did no good at all. I went to another doctor, and she gave me clindamycin, and it worked like magic. In 2 days, I felt so much better."
Frequently asked questions
- What are the best antibiotics for a tooth infection?
- What is the best antibiotic to treat strep throat?
- Is clindamycin a strong antibiotic?
- Can I take clindamycin if I am allergic to penicillin?
- zoh...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 15, 2014
"For my sinus infection, they originally gave me penicillin, which landed me in the ER. Apparently, the ER doctor said penicillin wasn't strong enough to combat it. So she prescribed me this clindamycin but told me that I will feel relief in 48 hours. Now being bedridden for 5 days on penicillin, I was excited, and 2 days later I can finally breathe through my nose. Didn't have to worry about dry mouth since I had to breathe through my mouth even when I TRIED sleeping."
- Anonymous
- March 14, 2012
"I have been taking this for a little over a week and I got results in about 48 hours. My only concern was the horrific heartburn it's giving me. I was originally told that I could not take with milk, but have since got other medical opinions to the contrary. Every pharmacist told me that this drug is VERY potent so it was just a side effect, and nothing more serious. I too like many others found out the hard way that laying down after taking this is a big no-no. Take with food, have plenty to drink and it gets better. Also, it's a good idea to have a source of probiotic (yogurt, or pill form) as this medicine destroys some of the good bacteria in your stomach which causes the pooping problems! Lots of instructions, but it works."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 7, 2018
"Lots of sinus issues... 2 sinus surgeries, allergy shots, whole nine yards. This antibiotic WORKS for me. I felt better after my first dose and continued feeling better and better as I continued with the medicine. Other antibiotics don't work this fast or as well. Thanks."
- LFG...
- June 27, 2017
"I don't usually post reviews, but thought I would share my basically good experience. Taking 300 mg every 6 hrs for maxillary tooth (molar) and sinus pain - doctor and dentist were not sure if sinus infection or periapical (an acute or chronic inflammatory lesion around the apex of a tooth root which is caused by bacterial invasion of the pulp of the tooth) abscess. (Clogged sinus, pain in face and upper jaw, fatigue, squinty eyes, foul tasting drainage). In two days, pain was virtually gone. Very few side effects - BUT - be absolutely sure to drink lots of water (at least 8 oz) and don't lie down for 15 minutes. Now on Day 7 or 8. My stomach is a little bloated more than usual, but bearable. Fairly normal bowel movements once a day. I should also mention: 1) Wake up with a bitter taste in mouth - but it goes away - not a lingering taste. 2) Pharmacist warned of sun sensitivity - I have not experienced that yet, but am being cautious. Now started taking Saccharomyces boulardii 5-10 billion units - recommended as a probiotic for Clindamycin in particular against C. diff."
More FAQ
- Is clindamycin a penicillin?
- Why can't you lay down after taking clindamycin?
- Can clindamycin be used to treat chlamydia?
- fun...
- March 27, 2017
"I will concur with everyone on here that is recommending the water, no lying down within 30 minutes after taking your current dose (try not to take it right before bed) and taking probiotics to help stave off GI issues. These three actions are the holy trinity with taking this stuff - I cannot stress that enough. My first night taking it, I forgot about the aux warning of 'do not lie down within 10 minutes of taking this drug' (I recommend 30 min) - extreme heartburn ensued. Lots of water, and yes, do eat; you will have a better experience. Note: 'a lot of water' = at least a cup or two of water (8-16 ounces)."
- Joe...
- April 11, 2015
"Had sinus surgery last Tuesday and was prescribed Amox. My surgeon's office called me at home that night, I believe to change my medication to Clindamycin because some matter that was removed from my sinus tested positive for MRSA. Wonderful!!! Anyhow, my medical team gave me a prescription for Clindamycin, taken 3x daily, 300 mg. On the recommendation of a scientist friend of mine and the medical staff, I bought a softgel probiotic, which I take a half hour before my first Clindamycin in the morning. Only one probiotic is needed per day. I have had no side effects of the Clindamycin at all so far on my fifth day of use!!!! Taking the softgel probiotic is highly recommended. Hopefully, the Clindamycin works as well as the probiotic."
- KLl...
- July 14, 2016
"It was a little scary to take, after reading these reviews, but I used the recommended high-potency softgel probiotics daily and was sure to take dosages on time, with plenty of water and a little food. No stomach upset, no heartburn, no side effects at all, really. I will continue to use the probiotics after my final dosage today, to ensure that things normalize post-treatment. I used a 7-day treatment after not responding to a 7-day treatment of amoxicillin. This seems to have done the trick."
- Ibe...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 9, 2017
"I was given this for a severe sinus infection and double ear infections, received my first dose at the urgent care this was yesterday. I took my dose last night and laid down to no avail, could I sleep? It was so weird, like I was full of energy. I did get a metallic taste in my mouth, but that is all. I'm still sneezing a lot, and my ears still hurt, but will see how I am in day 3. So far, it's been good. I am also allergic to everything under the sun, so this is the only antibiotic I can take."
- Ber...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 11, 2020
"After many months of trying other antibiotics for sinus infection and chronic cough, my doctor prescribed clindamycin. It worked after just a few days with just a bit of heartburn. As stated in many posts, take this with a lot of water and eat, especially yogurt, prior to it. I am on my second round of 14 days as a preventative until I have surgery. It could be a while, so I’m hoping I will not get the issues that many of you have had. All in all, it’s good stuff."
- Ren...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 23, 2024
"I started taking this medicine for an infection in my mouth after having all my teeth pulled. Then I realized I also had a sinus infection. After 24 hours, I feel so much better. I can breathe, my mouth is calming down and feeling much better. I can finally try to eat something after a month of trying. I recommend this medicine to anyone."
- lit...
- November 29, 2017
"Wow, this is a powerful drug. I was prescribed clindamycin 300 mg for a severe sinus infection. Amoxicillin did not work. After two doses, I had the worst stomach pain and nausea I have ever had. I also had a throbbing headache. However, I could feel it working in my sinuses already. So, I tried to stick it out. After another day, I was so profusely ill I couldn't get out of bed. Had the shakes, vomiting, horrific heartburn, and headache. For the record, I took the pills with Gravol and water, took probiotics, and stayed upright after taking. This was not a good experience. Very frustrating because I believe the drug does work, but the side effects make it impossible to take."
- NoN...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 11, 2019
"After the first dose I went to sleep only to wake up with severe diarrhea and cramping, so much that I could not make it to the bathroom. Immediately stopped the medication but was unable to get my gut back to normal. Severe dehydration and diarrhea for 2 months despite trying different probiotics and home remedies. Negative test for c diff., Many trips to specialists with no answers. I was finally diagnosed with celiac and feel much better now that I'm following a strict diet. I am allergic to penicillin and this medicine is often used as an alternative. Don't use! Ask the doctor to find an alternative medicine."
- Stu...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 18, 2017
"I was prescribed this for sinus pressure, eustachian tube problems, and tooth/sinus pain. I'm allergic to penicillin, Cipro, and sulfa. Antibiotics are a gamble these days. It appeared to relieve some of the symptoms, but I got a bad rash/hives on day 9 of a 10-day course. My chest and face looked like a velociraptor. I finished it, and the hives lasted about a week. I still have the infection (CT confirmed) and am trying doxycycline. I also am on prednisone to reduce swelling and to deal with the hives."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 7, 2022
"Went to the ER for sinus infection, Doctor prescribed me amoxicillin even tho I told her I was allergic to it so the pharmacy switched it to clindamycin. First two days were ok and the pressure in my head was going away so I thought it was working except the extreme heartburn. Third day I started vomiting and my head felt like it was gonna explode. Then that night I woke up and my body felt like it was on fire and I was itchy and broke out in very bad hives. My body started swelling up bad and I ended up back in the ER."
- Anonymous
- October 6, 2009
"I was given this medication for a sinus infection and was on it for 10 days, at which time I was admitted to the hospital for a severe reaction. Hospital staff, ENT doctor, and nurses had never seen anything like it. I have a major burn rash all over my body that included very large 'clear liquid' pockets. It has been two weeks, and I still have the rash, but it has started fading."
- Roc...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 20, 2017
"Started taking clindamycin for a sinus infection. On day one, I took one pill at breakfast and one at lunch. When I took one pill at dinner, I was having difficulty swallowing. It felt like there was something stuck in my throat. Also, in my sternum area, I felt a tightening. I didn't know what was happening. The next morning, I looked up the side effects, and difficulty swallowing and tightness in the chest are listed. I switched to a different antibiotic and will avoid this one, as it obviously affects me."
- Anonymous
- January 28, 2019
"I have been taking clindamycin four days now and it hasn't done anything but give me the runs every day - and I'm taking it with probiotic daily. It hasn't helped the sinus infection at all. This is my 2nd round of antibiotics."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 16, 2017
"I was given this for a severe sinus infection, I have taken the full prescription as noted and am still suffering ailments of the sinusitis, each time the med is taken I cough uncontrollably, have the nastiest metallic taste in my mouth along with nausea and an enormous amount of heartburn,feverish feeling almost like I am sunburned I took 2 150mg 4x a day for 10 days. Will try to avoid this one next time."
- Moi...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 15, 2022
"I was having terrible headaches for two weeks then figured my jaw and glands were swollen courtesy of my TMJ. After a few more days couldn’t take the head/ jaw pain so I figured it was my crown. X-ray at the dentist showed an infection in the left side cheek sinus.., was given the prescription for a week and after taking it for three days was convinced my head would blow up the pain was so bad. Took T3 to ease the pain, but by day five I was human again. Still two days left but I assume the worst is over."
- Lor...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 12, 2021
"Developed acute sinus infection couple days after wisdom teeth extraction. Was switched to this antibiotic. Messed up stomach within a day, felt like a punch to the gut. By day 4 (today) broke out in hives all over and had a severe reaction. Currently sitting at the ER to get checked out. Can’t recommend. The infection feels better but its still there. Switching to a different med."
- wor...
- February 10, 2010
"I had an infection from my tooth, and it made two big knots on my face. It was leading to my sinusitis. I had all kinds of medicines prescribed, and nothing worked until I got the clindamycin."
- ras...
- February 29, 2008
Cleocin (clindamycin) "The only drug that works for me in my chronic sinusitis."
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- Clindamycin drug information
- Clindamycin (Intramuscular, Intravenous) (Advanced Reading)
- Clindamycin and sodium chloride (Advanced Reading)
- Clindamycin Oral Solution
Other brands
Cleocin, Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin Phosphate, Cleocin HCl
Professional resources
- Clindamycin monograph
- Clindamycin Capsules (FDA)
- Clindamycin Injection (FDA)
- Clindamycin Injection Concentrate (FDA)
- Clindamycin Palmitate Hydrochloride Granules (FDA)
- Clindamycin in Dextrose Injection (FDA)
Other brands
Cleocin, Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin Phosphate
"I have had trouble with a sinus infection, literally, for years. Repeated use of Augmentin did nothing to help. Finally, my doc sent me to an ENT. He said the infection was 'stuck' behind/in scar tissue that I have from sinus surgery 20 years ago. So, he prescribed Clindamycin. I have been taking it for 9 days now. I finish it tomorrow. For the first time in years, I can breathe through my nose, I can smell, I can taste. The body aches that I have had for too long to remember when they started, are gone. It took several days, but I feel so much better. And, I didn't have a single side effect. This medicine has been GREAT for me. If I ever need an antibiotic again, I will definitely ask for this one."