Can Clindamycin Cause Diarrhea?
Medically reviewed by Faith Coleman, University of New Mexico School of Medicine on August 20th, 2026.
Yes, clindamycin frequently causes diarrhea as a side effect. This antibiotic can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your digestive tract, allowing potentially harmful bacteria like C. difficile to overgrow. Studies show that 20% or more of patients taking clindamycin experience diarrhea, with symptoms ranging from mild loose stools to severe colitis. The risk increases with higher doses and longer treatment courses. Most cases resolve after discontinuing the medication, but severe diarrhea with fever, blood, or abdominal pain requires immediate medical attention as it may indicate C. difficile-associated colitis, a potentially serious complication.
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