Published March 2, 2026
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections, especially in people who are allergic to penicillin. However, it can cause serious side effects and should be used with caution. One major side effect is that it can cause a serious bowel infection called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). C. diff can lead to severe illness or even death in older adults, as described in a case that follows.
We received a report from a man whose mother died after taking clindamycin for a dental procedure. His mother was 90 years old and healthy. Her dentist gave her a prescription for clindamycin and told her to take it before a routine dental procedure. She got the medicine and followed the instructions. A few days after the procedure, she got really sick. She had severe diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain – all symptoms of C. diff. No one told her or her son about the risk of developing C. diff after taking clindamycin. They were not told what symptoms or side effects the medicine may cause. Other antibiotics were not discussed. We could not confirm every detail, but this case highlights known safety concerns about clindamycin, especially for older people.
In the past, clindamycin was commonly prescribed prior to certain dental procedures to prevent infections. Because of the risk of developing C. diff, the American Heart Association and American Dental Association no longer recommend the use of clindamycin for most dental patients who need antibiotics. Doctors and dentists should only give antibiotics before dental work to people at very high risk of developing serious heart infections. This includes people with artificial heart valves or certain other heart problems. For most people, antibiotics are not needed for routine dental procedures.
Here’s what you can do: Talk with your dentist if antibiotics are prescribed before a dental procedure. They may be necessary if the tooth is infected or if it is a complex procedure. If antibiotics are necessary, safer options like amoxicillin or other approved medicines should be used. It is important for you to tell your dentist if you are allergic to any medicines before an antibiotic is prescribed. Dentists and pharmacists should tell you about the risks of taking antibiotics and what side effects to watch for, especially with medicines like clindamycin. If you develop symptoms after taking the antibiotic, contact your dentist or healthcare provider.
.png)