Clindamycin and Bad Taste: What Users Say

• LSS...
• February 2, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "While dealing with a gum infection and root canal, I was prescribed clindamycin. I read reviews online and was terrified by what people were saying, but I ended up taking them anyway. Take these with a meal (not water) to avoid aftertaste. Some people complained about diarrhea, but other than going to the bathroom more often, I didn't have much of an issue. I took probiotics, drank kombucha, lots of water, and yogurt to keep my flora healthy and mitigate the side effects. In the morning before breakfast, my mouth did taste awful, but the taste went away after eating. Again, this is one of those antibiotics where extra care is needed to avoid intense side effects. If you are reading this, do try what I did, and perhaps you'll be able to feel better with minimal side effects."

• DH2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I had an abscess that was underneath the tooth. The dentist did a root canal without treating it first. The next day, my cheek was totally swollen, and the abscess had blown up. I went back, and they prescribed clindamycin, 4 doses a day. The first day was horrible - bad taste in my mouth and generally feeling like crap. Every dose became easier and easier. So the best advice I can give is to take a good probiotic and lots of water. If you are a female, to avoid a yeast infection, do not take within 2 hours of the antibiotic. Also, I got a very bitter taste in my mouth every time I took the medicine. It wasn't until the 3rd day that the bitterness finally subsided. I had no heartburn like others did. Stick with this medicine, and you will see results."

• DH2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I had an abscess that was underneath the tooth. The dentist did a root canal without treating it first. The next day, my cheek was totally swollen, and the abscess had blown up. I went back, and they prescribed clindamycin, 4 doses a day. The first day was horrible - bad taste in my mouth and generally feeling like crap. Every dose became easier and easier. So the best advice I can give is to take a good probiotic and lots of water. If you are a female, to avoid a yeast infection, do not take within 2 hours of the antibiotic. Also, I got a very bitter taste in my mouth every time I took the medicine. It wasn't until the 3rd day that the bitterness finally subsided. I had no heartburn like others did. Stick with this medicine, and you will see results."

• dax...
• November 30, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I had a tooth infection, my face was swollen a lot. After two to three days, the swelling went away! It is an effective medicine, but it also leaves a terrible taste in my mouth after every pill I took. I also had a lack of appetite, and I lost a few kilos due to it."

• LFG...
• June 27, 2017

For Sinusitis "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."

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

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• Tid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I started clindamycin on March 25 for sinus infection - 150 mg, 3x a day for 21 days. This is the first time I have taken this medication. This past Friday, I thought I was having a heart attack. I knew it was this medicine giving me awful heartburn/chest pain because I could 'taste' the medicine. The heartburn and awful taste are almost unbearable. I will try drinking more water and do probiotics/yogurt. I am thankful that, so far, I have not had any upset stomach or diarrhea. Thanks for the tips."

• mst...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I took clindamycin 300 mg for 7 days. It took almost 5 days to clear up my intestinal bacteria issue. On day 6, I really felt better. It aggravated my acid reflux, but I also take omeprazole, and that helped a little. The bad taste in my mouth was awful, but still worth taking because I feel much better now."

• Abs...
• May 23, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Do not lay down after taking this pill. Felt like my throat caught on fire. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Makes me bloated to the point that I can't drink even water! Horrible diarrhea! Itchy skin, sore throat. Tired, nauseous, and moody! It basically put you into menopause! But hey, my infection is gone. Lol."

• Can...
• October 16, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I am having the same problems. Terrible taste in my mouth, and after three days of taking the medicine, I was up all night with horrible pain in the center of my chest, and it is still ranging through the day. I had no idea what was happening until I read this site. I will be seeing my doctor today to change out this medication ASAP!"

• kig...
• August 23, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed this for a severe case of tonsillitis, and it gave me horrible chest pains. The bad taste in my mouth and the diarrhea is tolerable, but the chest pains are horrid. I get pains whenever I take it and now whenever I eat as well. My dosage is 4 capsules every 8 hours. Taking probiotics once a day definitely helps with the diarrhea."

• cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Was prescribed this drug to clear up a mild case of skin infection on my foot. I'll be honest, I was absolutely terrified to take this drug after reading the horrific reviews on this site and many others. Took 4 pills a day, 300 mg for 1 week with absolutely no issues. Worst I experienced was a foul taste in my mouth and mild heartburn when I forgot to eat my yogurt and drink sufficient water for that day. Ate before each pill and took at least 2 small cups of yogurt each day and before dosage. Infection cleared up pretty well and has faded from the rich purple color it was from before taking the medicine. Don't be fooled by the negative reviews on this drug, just make sure to drink with a full glass of water and have something in your stomach before taking the pill. Also, be sure to wait at least 30 min to an hour before lying down after taking the pill to avoid heartburn. Having a probiotic works wonders with this drug, in my opinion."

• Bee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2024

"I was recently put on clindamycin for MRSA. At first, reading all the reviews and the warning from my doctor and pharmacist, I was terrified to take this medication (especially since I have IBS and GERD)... but I was more afraid of MRSA that I’ve been dealing with since 2022. So, despite my fear and anxiety, I started the medication, and tbh, I haven’t experienced hardly any of the symptoms that people have expressed concern about. The only symptom I’ve been experiencing is the terrible taste in my mouth that won’t subside, but besides that, everything's been good. Mind you, it’s only day two on the meds, and I’m also taking it on a full stomach and a probiotic, but so far, so good. I hope this helps ease anyone’s anxiety, I wish everyone the best of luck on their healing journey (PSA: if I do get side effects, I’ll be back to update)."

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed this drug for a brown recluse spider bite. 300 mg, to be taken 3 times a day for 10 days. I just finished my pills yesterday, 10/16/18. This medication took 3 days to kick in. It caused a terrible taste in my mouth and gave me gas. That's it. I did not experience any horrific side effect. My spider bite is pretty much healed up. The medication worked excellently."

• Cry...
• July 29, 2015

Cleocin (clindamycin) for Bacterial Infection "I am currently on day 2 of this medication, and I've had some troubling side effects. Very tired, nasty taste in my mouth, and bouts of dizziness, along with slight tummy upset and feeling foggy at times. I wish I would have been warned before taking it that it's best to take with probiotics. I have been eating yogurt, but from what I've read about this medication, it takes a lot more than yogurt to keep things normal. Thankfully, I only have to take it for 4 days, 2 tabs every 6 hours, for a tooth infection. I am hoping I don't develop any of the really awful side effects. The only reason I was prescribed was because I had an allergic reaction to Augmentin. Given the severity of the side effects, you'd think they would warn patients."

• Anonymous
• December 22, 2011

For Bacterial Infection "I had a toothache and went to the doctor who gave me penicillin, which didn't work. My face blew up and was extremely sore. I went back after 3 days on that, and the dentist gave me clindamycin. Got to say it is killing the infection and the pain is much less. As well as the swelling, the only problem I have had is the horrible taste that keeps coming up the back of my throat. Not like heartburn though because there is no pain... just a nasty bitter taste. I'm still mid-course, so I hope the rest goes smoothly."

• Mjr...
• April 2, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I have taken clindamycin a few times as it's the only antibiotic I am not allergic to. This time I'm taking it for a recurring bladder infection, 300 mg every 6 hours. I have MS, so discomfort in my tummy is a normal thing for me. One day in, and my bladder infection is so much better. This is the absolute best antibiotic I have taken for a bladder infection. The heartburn and yuck taste in your mouth is unpleasant but temporary. You know doubt will end up with a yeast infection from this antibiotic because it kills ALL bacteria, good and bad. But because it works quickly, the side effects are worth it."

• Sel...
• September 15, 2019

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I made sure to check with the doctor and the pharmacist on the correct way to take the medication because I know many antibiotics can upset your stomach if taken on an empty stomach. I was told to eat something before taking it and to expect diarrhea. Before I took it, I also read the little pamphlet that came with the medication from my pharmacy. The directions said to take it with a little bit of food and to drink a full 8 ounces of water with the pill and to not lay down for 10 minutes after. I followed those rules and did not have diarrhea or any other side effects. The only side effect that I did have is a ridiculously awful taste in my mouth. I wouldn't even call it metallic, but it tastes like the worst morning breath times ten. Even brushing and rinsing with mouthwash hasn't gotten rid of it. My last dose was over 24 hours ago, and I still have the taste in my mouth. Hoping it will go away soon. Otherwise, I have no issues with this antibiotic. I was on 300 mg four times a day for 10 days, and it worked for my issue!"

• She...
• February 9, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I was taking 300 mg of clindamycin 4 times a day for 7 days for a gum infection. After a day, I started having extremely loud intestinal rumbling, passing loud, long gas and severe diarrhea. I cannot even pass gas without having to go to the bathroom and wipe myself, or even urinate without having some diarrhea. The rectal/anal area is raw and painful from the diarrhea, my skin is itchy, and I have this weird taste in my mouth. I've now finished the clindamycin, and 4 days later, I still have the gas and loose stools. Can't wait until it's all over. It did work on my gum infection, but the infection was nothing compared to the treatment."

• jmm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "All I can say is I had two teeth pulled 6 days ago. By the 2nd day, I had a horrible taste in my mouth, a constant headache, and pain in my gums while on painkillers. I went to the ER, and the doctor prescribed 300 mg every 6 hours. So, 4 days now on the medicine and painkillers, and my gums still hurt and I still have a headache. I have been prescribed this medicine in the past, and it normally works with no side effects. I have no idea why I am still in pain. While the painkillers do not make it go away, they make the pain tolerable so I can do my everyday things."

• PAI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "I have never had this much pain from a medicine, and I am allergic to many, which is why I now must take clindamycin, 300 mg 4x per day for 10 days. I eat before taking it, drink a full bottle of water after, and eat again to try to push it down. It feels like it burns its way up my throat. There is a chemical taste in my mouth, plus pressure with extreme burning from stomach to throat. My pharmacist said to try an antacid, which helped some when I took a double dose. It still burns and feels like I'm choking from the pressure. My probiotic helped little or not at all. I have taken single doses of this prior to dental work and experienced a foul taste and discomfort, but a full day of it is BAD. I can't imagine what it is going to be like trying to sleep for the next 9 or 10 nights."

• Cal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I have been taking this medication for 36 hours. In the first 12, I had bad nausea, but that has since passed. The pain from 2 abscesses has subsided. I still have severe swelling in the face, which I am slowly controlling with ice. I have a feeling the abscess has broken, as I have an awful taste in my mouth. My suggestion is to take as prescribed, drink lots of water, and sleep as much as you can to help your body recover. Good luck, everyone."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed 300 mg 3x per day after a root canal and tooth infection. It was highly effective in that within 24-36 hours of ingestion, my pain and swelling decreased significantly. The one side effect that is driving me nuts is the bitter aftertaste. I eat 3 meals a day and do not overeat. I am going to talk to my dentist about this when I see him tomorrow (It's Sunday and I've been on this drug since the prior Thursday when my procedure was done). I think I need to stay on it because the infection was so bad - I have had lots of dental work and lots of antibiotics over the years that have never bothered me, but I guess the week ahead for me will be full of a bitter taste in my mouth most of the day."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

For Bone infection "I had gum flap surgery about a month ago, was given clindamycin after surgery to ensure I did not get an infection in my mouth or the bone structure of my gums. This medication made me so sick to the point I could not take the last three. Also, the side effects are horrific. The main one I am experiencing is severe dry mouth. Now I have to take flagyl to make sure I don't get an infection. Also, it caused me to have thrush, so with that being said, with everything else, nystatin mouth rinse tastes so bad. If you can avoid it, ask your doctor for something else."

• Eli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed this drug for an ear and sinus infection. Within an hour of the first dose, I got a bitter taste on my tongue. But not just on what you think as your tongue. I can also taste it halfway down my throat. It's so bad I have to constantly chew gum, eat, or drink something strongly flavored. It also keeps me awake at night. I have to keep gum in my mouth, which I press flat and smush to the roof of my mouth. After five days and four nights, I finally cried uncle and called my doctor, who told me to discontinue the medicine. Unfortunately, the taste persists, and I've now got burning pain in my esophagus. The good news is my ear/sinus infections are better, but clindamycin is going on my allergy list. I'll never take it again."