Clindamycin (Cleocin) Side Effects

Possible adverse effects of clindamycin are listed below. Tell your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not go away.

• Metallic taste
• Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Pain with swallowing
• Joint pain
• White patches in the mouth
• Vaginal burning, swelling, itching, or thick white discharge

Some of the side effects of clindamycin are more serious and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor without delay or seek emergency medical care if you experience the following symptoms: 

• Skin rash, hives, itching, peeling or blistering of the skin (these are signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction)
• Swelling of the face, eyes, throat, tongue, lips, hands, lower legs, ankles, or feet
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Changes in urination

The above list may not include all the potential adverse effects of clindamycin. Contact your healthcare professional if your side effects are unusual or severe or they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Clindamycin Overdose:  In case of an accidental or intentional overdose of clindamycin, call your doctor immediately. You can also call the local poison control center, provincial poison control center, or national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If a person cannot be awakened, has trouble breathing, has collapsed, or has had a seizure, call 911.

Source: FDA