Does Clindamycin Cause Diarrhea?

Yes, clindamycin commonly causes diarrhea as a side effect. This antibiotic disrupts the normal balance of bacteria in your digestive tract, allowing harmful bacteria like C. difficile to overgrow. Studies show that 10-20% 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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