Incidence of Diarrhea and Colitis Associated with Clindamycin Therapy

A retrospective and prospective study was made of side effects in 200 patients who received clindamycin over a 15-month period. The incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms in this group of patients was 21.5%; of diarrhea, 13.5%; and of colitis, 2.5%. Factors associated with an increased incidence of diarrhea were older age and parenteral route of administration. Simultaneous use of other antibiotics, particularly aminoglycosides, and increased total dosage of clindamycin did not increase the incidence of diarrhea. The gastrointestinal side effects were usually self-limited if the drug was promptly discontinued and fluid support was provided.