Yes, clindamycin comes in tablet form
Clindamycin is available as a tablet you swallow by mouth. The most common tablet strength is 300 milligrams, though 75 mg and 150 mg tablets also exist. Your doctor prescribes the strength and how often you take it based on the infection being treated and your body weight.
Clindamycin tablets treat bacterial infections — skin infections, respiratory infections, and some dental infections among them. The tablets work the same way as clindamycin in other forms (capsules, liquids, injections), but tablets are often cheaper and easier to take at home than a trip to a clinic for an injection.
Because clindamycin is a prescription medication, you cannot buy it without a doctor's order. Your pharmacist fills the prescription and gives you specific instructions on how to take it — usually with a full glass of water and food to reduce stomach upset.
Key Takeaways
- Clindamycin tablets come in 75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg strengths, with 300 mg being the most common dose.
- You must take clindamycin with a full glass of water and typically with food to avoid stomach problems.
- Clindamycin can cause serious diarrhea, especially if you stop taking it abruptly or take it longer than prescribed.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications and supplements you take, because clindamycin interacts with some drugs.
- If you experience severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, or signs of an allergic reaction while taking clindamycin, contact your doctor when ready.
How to take clindamycin tablets correctly
Take clindamycin exactly as your doctor prescribed — do not skip doses, take more than prescribed, or stop early even if you feel better. Stopping early can allow the infection to return and may lead to antibiotic resistance, which makes future infections harder to treat.
Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Taking it with food reduces nausea and stomach upset. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose — never double up to make up for a missed one.
Most clindamycin courses last 7 to 14 days, though your doctor may prescribe longer depending on the infection. Keep taking it for the full length of time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Common side effects and when to call your doctor
Mild side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. These often fade as your body adjusts. Taking the tablet with food usually helps.
Serious side effects require when ready medical attention. The most important one is severe diarrhea — clindamycin can cause a dangerous condition called Clostridioides difficile infection (formerly called C. difficile), which produces toxins in the colon. Signs include watery diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, fever, and blood or mucus in stool. This can happen during treatment or weeks after you finish. Do not take anti-diarrhea medication without asking your doctor first, because some can make it worse.
Other serious side effects are rare but include severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing), severe skin reactions, liver problems, and muscle weakness. Contact your doctor or seek emergency care if any of these occur.
Medications and supplements that interact with clindamycin
Clindamycin can interact with certain drugs, changing how either medication works. Tell your doctor about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you take before starting clindamycin.
Muscle relaxants (like cyclobenzaprine) combined with clindamycin can cause dangerous muscle weakness. Some birth control pills may be less effective when taken with clindamycin, so ask your doctor about backup contraception. Certain medications that slow digestion can increase clindamycin levels in your body to unsafe amounts.
Herbal supplements like St. John's Wort can also interact. Your pharmacist can check for interactions when you pick up your prescription, but always mention any supplements to your doctor as well.
Who should not take clindamycin tablets
Do not take clindamycin if you are allergic to it or to lincomycin (a related antibiotic). Tell your doctor if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any antibiotic in the past.
People with a history of Clostridioides difficile infection or colitis should use clindamycin only if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk — your doctor will decide. Pregnancy and breastfeeding do not automatically rule out clindamycin, but your doctor needs to weigh the risks and benefits in your specific situation.
If you have liver disease, kidney disease, or a bleeding disorder, tell your doctor before taking clindamycin. These conditions may require a dose adjustment or closer monitoring.
Storage and handling of clindamycin tablets
Store clindamycin tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep them in the original bottle with the label intact so you know the dose and expiration date. Do not store them in a bathroom medicine cabinet, where humidity can degrade them.
Check the expiration date before taking a dose. Expired clindamycin may not work properly and could be unsafe. Do not flush old tablets down the toilet or throw them in the trash unless the label says you can. Instead, take them to a pharmacy or a drug take-back program in your area — many pharmacies accept old medications for free.
Cost and insurance coverage for clindamycin tablets
Clindamycin is a generic antibiotic, which means it is usually inexpensive — often a few dollars for a full course. Brand-name versions (like Cleocin) cost more but work the same way. Generic clindamycin is available from most pharmacies.
Most insurance plans cover clindamycin, though you may have a copay. If cost is a concern, ask your pharmacist about generic options or whether your insurance has a preferred antibiotic for your type of infection. Some pharmacies offer discount programs for uninsured patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take clindamycin on an empty stomach?
You can, but it may cause nausea and stomach upset. Taking it with food or milk reduces these side effects. Swallow it with a full glass of water either way to help it reach your stomach properly.
What should I do if I get diarrhea while taking clindamycin?
Mild diarrhea is common and often goes away. Drink plenty of fluids and eat bland foods. However, if diarrhea is severe, watery, bloody, or accompanied by fever or severe cramps, contact your doctor when ready — do not take over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication without asking first.
Can I stop taking clindamycin early if I feel better?
No. Finish the entire course your doctor prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping early allows bacteria to survive and multiply, which can bring the infection back and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Does clindamycin interact with birth control?
Some research suggests clindamycin may reduce birth control effectiveness, though the risk is low. Ask your doctor whether you need backup contraception while taking clindamycin and for a week after finishing.
How long does it take for clindamycin to work?
You may notice improvement in symptoms within 2 to 3 days, but the full course usually lasts 7 to 14 days. Finish all doses even if you feel better sooner, because the infection may not be completely gone.