Clindamycin: Antibiotic Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

When you need to fight a stubborn bacterial infection, clindamycin, a lincosamide antibiotic used to treat serious infections like skin abscesses, dental infections, and respiratory tract infections. Also known as Cleocin, it works by stopping bacteria from making proteins they need to survive. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, clindamycin targets specific types—especially anaerobic bacteria and some staph strains—making it a go-to when other drugs fail or aren’t safe.

But clindamycin isn’t harmless. One of the biggest risks is Clostridioides difficile, a dangerous gut bacterium that can cause severe, life-threatening diarrhea after antibiotic use. It’s not rare—about 1 in 20 people on clindamycin get it. That’s why doctors avoid using it unless absolutely necessary. You also might face nausea, vomiting, or a bad taste in your mouth. And if you’re allergic to penicillin, clindamycin is often the backup—but you still need to watch for rashes or swelling.

When clindamycin isn’t the right fit, doctors turn to antibiotic alternatives, like metronidazole for anaerobic infections, or cephalosporins and vancomycin for staph. For skin infections, sometimes a simple incision and drainage beats pills. For dental work, amoxicillin might be safer and just as effective. The key is matching the drug to the bug, not just reaching for the strongest option.

You’ll find posts here that dig into how clindamycin stacks up against other antibiotics, why some people get sick after taking it, and what to do if your insurance won’t cover it. There’s also real talk about managing side effects, recognizing warning signs like watery diarrhea, and when to push back if your doctor pushes clindamycin too fast. Whether you’re dealing with a tooth infection, a skin abscess, or just trying to understand why your last antibiotic made you feel worse, this collection gives you the facts—not the fluff.