What Is Clindamycin Used For? Clindamycin helps fight bacterial infections, including: Skin and soft tissue infections Dental infections Bone and joint infections Lung infections (like pneumonia) Certain acne cases Infections of the female reproductive system It does not work against viruses, such as the common cold or flu. How Does Clindamycin Work? Clindamycin works by stopping bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and survive. Without these proteins, the bacteria cannot spread, and the body can fight off the infection more easily. Forms of Clindamycin Clindamycin comes in several forms: Capsules or liquid (taken by mouth) Topical gels or lotions (for acne) Injections (given in hospitals) Vaginal creams or suppositories Your doctor will choose the form based on your condition. Possible Side Effects Like all medicines, clindamycin can cause side effects. Common ones include: Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Stomach pain Skin rash A serious but rare side effect is severe diarrhea caused by a gut infection (C. diff). If you have watery diarrhea that does not stop, contact a doctor right away. Important Tips Always take clindamycin exactly as prescribed. Finish the full course, even if you feel better. Do not share antibiotics with others. Tell your doctor if you have allergies or stomach problems. Clindamycin is a helpful antibiotic when used correctly. While it is effective against many bacterial infections, it should only be taken under medical guidance to avoid side effects and antibiotic resistance.

Disclaimer & Credit: All medical articles including ours, are informative and provide population trends not specific to individuals which can be very different. Always seek personalized medical advice from your doctor for individual healthcare decisions.

Posted January 2, 2026