What Causes Itchy Red0 Rash On Arms And Face After Taking Clindamycin?

Posted on Thu, 19 Jun 2014

Question: I was at the dentist yesterday, had a root canal and he prescribed clindamycin, antibiotic for me- I have a week's supply to take 3/day. he told me it is tough on the gut and to take probiotics with it- i.s yogurt. I had one does yesterday afternoon, and had breakfast and lunch dose today. This afternoon i broke out in an itchy red rash on my arms and now it is on my face. I am allergic to pennicilan, I told him that in the office- he said they are different class of medicine and it should be fine.
I tend to have drug sensitivies, I am concerned that this may get worse. Ive alo read on the web that fungus infections have occurred with this drug. What should i do. I am concerned. should I go to the er? I did not take my regular medication today- lexapro and simvastatin.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Switch on to another antibiotic that suits you

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in.

Firstly stop taking clindamycin because few patients are allergic to it & it causes rashes in few cases,
Secondly consult your dentist & switch on to another antibiotic that suits like cefixime or ciprofloxacin. Take probiotic along with that as you are taking.
Consult dermatologist for skin problem.
Need not worry it will be fine,
If problem still persists consult yout dentist & physician as well.

Hope I answered your query

Wishing you good health

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (10 hours later)

Thank you for your answer.

Yes I stopped taking the pill after the lunch dose yesterday when the rash started. because I am an "allergic" person it definitely scared me. o I have not had any since that last lunch time dose yesterday. I have woken up with even more swelling and rash on my face- but not my throat or tongue. Can I also take some benadryll- over the counter- for the itchy rash? it is what i have taken in the past when I have had hives.

The dentist is closed today, so I need to know this info today.
I will call my regular physician when they open later today.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you may take it now.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Benadryl is anti allergic drug & can be used for treating rashes.
If you have taken it earlier & got relieved then you may take it for time being.
But consult your dentist & physician as soon as possible.

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj