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What does it do?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent bacterial infections.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have ever had severe diarrhoea (C. difficile) due to antibiotics.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take clindamycin regularly as directed with a large glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Keep taking it until the course is finished, even if you start to feel better.

Clindamycin can damage your oesophagus (food pipe). To avoid this, swallow the capsule whole with a large glass of water. Do not crush or chew it. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue as directed.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Trouble swallowing, chest pain, indigestion or heartburn (new or getting worse)

Tell your doctor immediately

Severe or persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain

Tell your doctor

Stomach upset

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.


This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed