Clindamycin and Heartburn: What Users Say

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2013

For Sinusitis "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."

• Rls...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed Clindamycin for a severe tooth infection. I’ve been taking it for 7 days, every 8 hours. Almost done. It has cleared up my infection. I didn’t find it hard on my stomach, but it did give me diarrhea. One night, I did take it and it caused severe heartburn, but only that one time. I’m glad it took away my pain, but my family doctor told me it is very, very strong and causes abdominal issues. So be careful! It’s not for everyone."

• God...
• February 28, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "PLEASE READ (VERY HELPFUL TIPS FOR HEARTBURN/STOMACH PAIN). The second day I started taking the pill, I had horrible stomach pain and heartburn. I tried to get off the medicine, but the doctor said I needed these. Anyways, here's the help: before taking your pill, eat a big meal (for breakfast I have a bowl of cereal, a couple slices of bread, and some yogurt). MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOGURT BEFORE TAKING THE PILL. It helps A LOT. I am now 6 days in and only have slight heartburn. I suggest 2 servings of yogurt, 2-3 pieces of bread, and something on the side. I take these pills 3 times a day, so I have a big meal in the morning, at 3 pm, and at 11 pm. Trust me, the yogurt really works!"

• Anonymous
• September 11, 2012

For Bacterial Infection "I cannot yet tell you if this works or not for my tooth infection. However, what I can tell you is to never lay down after taking this medicine for at least 30 minutes. I did last night, and thought I was having a heart attack. I had major chest pains. Worst heartburn I have ever experienced!"

• Anonymous
• March 14, 2012

For Sinusitis "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."

• And...
• July 15, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "I didn't notice the heartburn until the second day of taking the medicine, and it wasn't really too bad until the fourth... that's when I decided to read the label. Here's the thing with this one, I think the main problem is the capsule and our tendency to take medicine just before going to bed - with this one that is very bad! I can take pretty much any pill without water (I wasn't doing that). I almost never get heartburn, and it took me a while to figure out what was going on. Reading the pill container label, it specifically tells you - do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this. That should be your first warning that this one doesn't go down easily. So drink plenty of water with it and be prepared for the burn."

• tab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed clindamycin 4 days ago for a gum/nerve infection due to an abscessed tooth. I started to get pretty nervous about the heartburn I was experiencing. Worst of my life! Water is key, and so far so good. My swelling and pain went away after 2 days. I also noticed taking it every 6 hours EXACTLY (or however long you're prescribed to) helps a bunch too. Oh, and water, not laying down for about 30 minutes after, and more water."

• mag...
• November 1, 2009

For Bacterial Infection "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"

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

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• fun...
• March 27, 2017

For Sinusitis "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)."

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

Clindamycin for Bacterial Infection "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 for Bacterial Infection "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."

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

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• Sjm...
• March 1, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "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

For Bacterial Infection "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

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• Tda...
• May 6, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "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!"

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "I have been on clindamycin HCL for 5 days now for MRSA and have 2 days left. I have had heartburn for most of my life (I was in a fire when I was 10 and was on a staggering amount of medication that screwed with my belly), but the heartburn I experienced the first 2 days on clindamycin was the most severe I've ever had. I followed the directions, drank a lot of water, didn't lay down after taking it, etc., but I was still in so much pain and was bloated. I take Protonix to help control my heartburn, but I don't take it every day. I realized on day 3 that if I took the Protonix first thing in the morning with breakfast and waited an hour to take my first dose of clindamycin that I didn't have the heartburn at all! I thought I'd pass it on."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I had to take this for a gum/nerve infection, and the medicine did work very well, but the heartburn is unbearable. It says don't lay down for 10 minutes, but I'd say don't lie down for about 30 min (I learned the hard way). Also, make sure you take it with a lot of water."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I just got put on this 5 days ago for a breastfeeding-related infection in my left breast. I get the worst heartburn, tightening in my chest, and severe burning in my throat. It also gives me terrible indigestion when I try to eat anything. The pain lasts for hours. No one told me about drinking a full glass of water and not laying down afterward. I feel a little better now, after reading these testimonials. And on the plus side, it is working great on getting rid of the infection."

• Kca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Within 10 minutes of taking my first dose of clindamycin, I had severe, crippling heartburn. Took the second dose with food, and the heartburn once again was unbearable and then proceeded to vomit several times. Needless to say, I have not taken another dose, nor will I ever take clindamycin again!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I got prescribed clindamycin 300 mg every 6 hours for a tooth infection after I had trouble with amoxicillin. After reading these reviews, I was scared to death to take them, but I read the directions and ate a FULL meal and took it with a FULL glass of water, and I'm on day 4 and haven't had any bad reactions. My swelling from the infection went down the second day. The throbbing and pain completely went away by the 3rd day. I still feel some tenderness, so I'll make sure I finish the whole 7 days. I'm taking it every 6 hours (sometimes every 8 hours if it's at nighttime or I'm not at home), but my advice is to eat a full meal (not just a few crackers!) then take your pill followed by a full glass of water. It also says not to lay down for 10 minutes to avoid heartburn, a few times I felt something acidic come up into my throat, but nothing major. I'm giving this an 8 because I have to take it every 6 hours and it's a pain to eat a full meal every time, but I haven't had any bad reactions to it."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "Oh my goodness, the heartburn. It is almost unbearable. And just like with any other antibiotic, it seems there is diarrhea. Just make sure to drink lots of water with this and pray you get through all the pills as quickly as possible!"

• KLl...
• July 14, 2016

For Sinusitis "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."

• tru...
• December 8, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I started taking clindamycin on Thursday night for a tooth infection that had my face swollen. The 1st dose brought on immediate heartburn, stronger than usual heartburn. It wasn’t unbearable, so I just brushed it off as a side effect I’d rather deal with than the pain in my cheek. The 2nd dose wasn’t as bad, much lighter than the previous dose. Last night I took my 3rd dose, the heartburn started immediately, but this time grew rapidly into an unbearable pain in my chest. If I’d not already known it was the meds, I’d have thought I was having a heart attack. I’ve never felt anything like it. When I woke up this morning, my chest felt actually sore, that’s the only way I can describe it, like the day after getting punched or something. Needless to say, I’m not gonna see how the next dose goes, I can’t go through that again. Seems medications shouldn’t cause physical pain. As for my dental infection, my cheek has gone down, and there’s no pain."