Clindamycin and Nausea: What Users Say

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Bad tooth infection spreading to sinuses. Was terrified to take after reading reviews - MY TIP - read the positive reviews first! Anyways, I’m allergic to most other antibiotics so no choice but to try or cry with pain. First few days really nauseous and tummy ache even following instructions (take with food, lots of water, probiotics, etc.). What fixed it FOR ME was to eat first, then wait 15 mins, then take tablet with 2 large glasses of water. Since then, absolutely zero problems! I don’t eat carbs but have relaxed to include some for taking tablets and allow food to get into the stomach before taking the tablet. Would definitely take again as infection improved within a day. I have 7 more days as I chose 3x daily dosage rather than 4x over 10 days (impractical to eat at 2 am and stay up for 40 minutes). Hope this helps."

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I've come to realize all antibiotics produce some side effects. I had a tooth infection (serious pain). Was prescribed this clindamycin for 7 days. It took 3 days to properly kick in and reduce the pain. After the week, no pain. Tips: Water, big glass with the pill, and try to drink water throughout the day. I don't do fizzy or sweet drinks. I suspect this is where people have trouble. Food seemed to help. I would take on an empty stomach in the morning, go for a walk with the dog for a couple of hours, then eat. Then later in the day take before eating. Food seemed to help settle the nausea. Nausea - yeah all the time. Metallic taste - yep, all the time. Stand up - don't take lying down, and wash down with a full glass of water (as per instructions) - else it can cause esophagus burns. I didn’t have stomach cramps etc. Just felt a bit sick and bloated. Nowhere near all the ‘terrible’ reviews you will see here. Just be sensible with your diet and follow the instructions! Water, water, water. Bland food."

• Fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I have a terrible tooth infection which had spread to my cheek causing lots of swelling and debilitating pain. I am usually wary of antibiotic side effects, but I was in so much pain that I didn't even care. Took the first one before I got home. I was prescribed 3 pills a day for 10 days. I am on day 5 and finally feeling better. It took 4 days, but this stuff works. Just keep taking it. I have had very few side effects so far; the occasional flash of nausea that doesn't last very long, I usually get a mild headache about an hour after I take it, which also doesn't last long, and my appetite has been not so great. Way better than a gum abscess though. I drink a ton of water with it and also throughout the day, and I never take it on an empty stomach. I know there are a lot of scary reviews on here, but I just want people to know that not everyone reacts badly to it. Usually people only think to review when they are having a hard time. Good luck!"

• Jay...
• April 10, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• Ann...
• September 15, 2013

For Bone infection "Taking clindamycin has been difficult for me. It's caused nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. But it's also been the only thing to clear up my jawbone infection. They gave me two other types of antibiotics before this, and neither helped. If you can endure the unpleasant side effects, it's a good medicine for it."

• 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."

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

Cleocin HCl (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."

• Nic...
• June 2, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "This antibiotic is brutal but does its job. I began it 3 days ago due to pericoronitis (infection at the rear of wisdom tooth). By the 3rd dose, the infection was basically gone. It worked so quickly that I questioned if my body had killed off the bacteria or if the antibiotic was really that powerful. It's really that powerful. Sadly, the side effects are quite unpleasant but an indicator that they are really working. Fatigue, mild nausea, and lower abdominal issues seem to be quite common, and all three have hit me. It's unpleasant to the point that I've more than once thought of stopping the treatment, but I know that's a bad idea. It works really well... I just hope that I don't have to take it again for a very long time."

• Lor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2018

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I have had bacterial vaginitis (BV) for years off and on. My symptoms when I have it are worse now (years later). I went through a course of Flagyl and still didn't clear. It usually works fine...but it's so frustrating. BV comes back every other month or so. Discharge, burning, aches, nausea sometimes. The works! I went to urgent care and was prescribed clindamycin 300 mg 2x a day for 7 days. Day 2 of the pill, and it seems to be working! I pray this works. I'm so tired of all this."

• 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."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed clindamycin for a mouth (not tooth) infection. I won't know if it worked until I am done with it and the infection stays gone. The side effects have been a bummer! Horrible heartburn, fatigue, and nausea. The heartburn is manageable with lots of water and a huge bottle of Tums. Kefir has helped too. I want the infection to buzz off, but this stuff is a drag. I have never had an antibiotic beat me up like this."

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2012

For Bacterial Infection "I took clindamycin for 8 days every 6 hours for my tooth infection after amoxicillin failed. I was very concerned at first after I heard about the severe side effects and the fact that I have a very sensitive stomach and had a bad reaction to antibiotics before. Here is what prevented any bad side effects: I took one capsule every six hours, even at night, ALWAYS with food and ALWAYS with a 16 oz. glass of water. After that, I DID NOT lie down for at least 30 minutes. Most importantly, I took probiotics (from the fridge in the health food store) three times a day, two hours after my clindamycin dose. I had minor nausea occasionally and looser stool, but both weren't bothersome at all. It cleared the infection within a week, and I would recommend."

• Kri...
• August 14, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I took this medicine for 5 days, and then I decided it was not worth the suffering. The dentist wasn't even sure I needed it, but prescribed it anyway. I stopped taking it because of extreme pain on my left side, right below my breast. It didn't feel like any gas I've ever had, but I guess it was some type of intestinal pain. I was also having frequent, urgent bowel movements, though not diarrhea as they warn about. Now five days without the meds, and I'm still nauseous, especially after bowel movements. I'm bloated, gassy, and just generally feel awful. What a mistake it was to trust my dentist on this one!"

• fac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 23, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "Developed a bad infection in my face from a tooth abscess. My face swelled quite a bit. I was on penicillin for a couple of days, and the swelling got worse. Within a couple of days of switching to clindamycin, the swelling was going down. I set an alarm to take it in the middle of the night. I had to eat something small with it or I'd get nauseous and sit upright for 30 minutes. I took acidophilus and ate yogurt to help with digestive upset. I developed a full-body rash by day 6 and was advised to stop taking it, but by then the swelling was gone. My stomach was messed up for months after stopping. I now put it down as an allergy."

• BV ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I have done Flagyl 4 times in the past year. Clearly, it hasn't been able to clear up my bacterial vaginitis. Trying this as an alternative. Haven't finished, but my initial impression is that it is much gentler on my stomach. I dread taking Flagyl, this is not bad. Slight nausea. Much better if taken with a meal."

• lit...
• November 29, 2017

For Sinusitis "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."

• Ast...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "This has literally been a miracle drug for me. I have sinus infections and lower respiratory infections frequently, and usually by the end of the first day I take it, I see a complete turnaround in how I feel and how my energy increases. I came across this drug for a dental issue, and it worked so well, especially in addressing frequently coughing up large balls of yucky stuff. My pulmonologist allows me to keep using this when I have bad infections, and I am very grateful. I have been on lots of antibiotics before for lung and sinus issues, and this one works the best, hands down. I see lots of negative reviews and wanted to share how effective it is for me. I haven’t had the bad issues I see so many complain of. Just drink water and don’t lay down after taking it. I usually take 150 mg 3 times a day for either 7 or 10 days for recurring lung and sinus infections."

• Den...
• March 9, 2013

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I just started and noticed that it works faster than most other bacterial vaginitis meds, but the side effects are nausea, red spots on my arm, a little joint pain, and some dizziness. I am a runner as well, I got very dizzy while running and on this pill."

• Inf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2014

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I have taken this twice in the past for dental and skin infections and am currently on it again, all for dental issues. I developed C. diff after both previous cycles of taking this medicine, with the most recent being near-fatal. That said, it's the best medicine for treating broad-spectrum serious infections, so it did work on the initial infection well each time. I have also developed a mild blistery rash on my chest and upper arms while taking this in the past, but it cleared up when finishing the meds. My only major warning: if you develop C. diff symptoms in the weeks or months following this medication (several watery/loose stools per day, weakness, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea), insist your doctor test a stool sample to culture for C. diff."

• Cec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I had oral surgery on 4/9 and was prescribed this clindamycin medication. Twenty minutes after taking the first pill, I had a painful knot in my throat/chest that made me burp and it felt like I could puke any minute. I thought maybe it was stuck in my throat. I took my 2nd dose about 7 hours later and same thing. I called my oral surgeon yesterday morning and told him of this side effect. He told me to eat yogurt before taking it and that should help. He was right. I just eat half a cup of yogurt and then take this pill and the knot in my throat is gone. I hope this helps others who are having the same issue."

• Che...
• July 21, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I'm on 4 pills per day every 6 hours for 10 days for a really bad gum abscess. On day 5 right now, and there is a HUGE difference, it's almost gone, very small. BUT my throat hurts incredibly bad (feels like it did when I had strep), and my head aches all day, as well as some pretty bad vertigo. Trying to push through the rest to get rid of this abscess, but I have flu-like symptoms besides nausea. Worked a lot better than when I tried penicillin for it, but I'm paying for it with the side effects."

• Anonymous
• May 30, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I debated whether or not to take this drug because of the warning of potential C. diff infection. I had a root canal on a molar that left me in pain with swelling and numbness of my lip and chin. My endodontist suspected infection, so she prescribed penicillin. After a week of taking it, there was no change, so she prescribed clindamycin. I have been taking 300 mg 3 times a day for 7 days now, and thank God the worst side effect is fatigue, and my stomach hurts... almost like a 'raw' kind of feeling. No diarrhea or nausea! It seems to have taken the swelling down, so hopefully the infection is on its way out. I will say that I have been diligent in taking 2 probiotics a day, and I drink 8 oz. of water with every dose!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "Took for mastitis. Have felt ongoing stomach pain and nausea. I've followed the directions, have been drinking plenty of water, not laying down, taking with food and eating yogurt but still feel gross all the time."

• Im ...
• October 6, 2015

For Surgical Prophylaxis "I'm just 2 capsules (150 mg) into a week's prescription. I'm having dental implants, and this is to prevent bone infection. Based on the stories here, it's powerful enough to prevent even worse problems! No side effects so far. Scary to read about these issues, so thanks to all for the heads-up! I eat yogurt every day for breakfast anyway but will now up my intake to 3 times a day... yogurt for dessert after every meal! Will keep you posted if anything changes. One week later: The meds are finished, and I had no problems! No diarrhea, no nausea, no infection. I was lucky! But I took each pill with a full glass of water, never lay down right after taking it, and I ate plain yogurt 3 times a day, every day, to keep my intestines happy. Good luck."

• Sno...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Last Wednesday, 4/22/2015, I went to the dentist for a severe toothache. I wasn't sure if I had a really bad cavity or an abscessed tooth. The technician takes an X-ray of the infected tooth, and the dentist offers to pull it. I say alright because I'm thinking it is a cavity. Novocaine won't numb it, my left lower next to last jaw tooth is throbbing. The dentist tries to pull it out with a pair of forceps. I came out of the chair in pain, then she tells me I have an abscessed tooth! I've been taking this antibiotic for 5 to 6 days, and it is just now starting to take effect. I'm taking 150 mg, 2 capsules three times daily till gone. I eat before I take it, and this medicine still makes me feel nauseated."