Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Diarrhea While On Clindamycin?
I am on clindamycin for a bad tooth infection. Suppose to take 2 every two hours. The last few days I have had bad diarrhea I will stand up and come right out. Do you think I could have c diff? Today is better, I am only taken 1 tablet twice a day. Thanks lori
Mon, 19 Jun 2017
Hello,
Clindamycin is used to treat severe bacterial infection and watery diarrhea is a known side effect of the drug especially when given in high doses over a long period of time. As per your information, you are taking 2 of the pills every 2 hours, I suspect some confusion about the doses. Normal dose advised for severe infection is 150 to 300 mg every 6 hours. The dose may increase with severity but 8 or 6 hourly schedule is mostly maintained. Please check it with your doctor.
Your diarrhea is most likely to be due to high/frequent dosage. It should be controlled by reducing or stopping the drug with treating doctor's advice. Drink plenty of water with salt and sugar and take boiled water with ORT. In case of severe watery stools with dehydration go to ER for IV fluids. C diff infection is associated with inflammation of bowels (strong pain with watery diarrhea, nausea, and fever)is less likely to be there. It is diagnosed by stool examination/bacterial DNA or toxin test.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale
Clindamycin is used to treat severe bacterial infection and watery diarrhea is a known side effect of the drug especially when given in high doses over a long period of time. As per your information, you are taking 2 of the pills every 2 hours, I suspect some confusion about the doses. Normal dose advised for severe infection is 150 to 300 mg every 6 hours. The dose may increase with severity but 8 or 6 hourly schedule is mostly maintained. Please check it with your doctor.
Your diarrhea is most likely to be due to high/frequent dosage. It should be controlled by reducing or stopping the drug with treating doctor's advice. Drink plenty of water with salt and sugar and take boiled water with ORT. In case of severe watery stools with dehydration go to ER for IV fluids. C diff infection is associated with inflammation of bowels (strong pain with watery diarrhea, nausea, and fever)is less likely to be there. It is diagnosed by stool examination/bacterial DNA or toxin test.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....