CLINDAMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE

82/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC

Clindamycin Hydrochloride Adverse Events Show High Serious Reaction Rate

7,817 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About CLINDAMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE

CLINDAMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC. Based on analysis of 7,817 FDA adverse event reports, CLINDAMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE has a safety score of 82 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for CLINDAMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE include DIARRHOEA, RASH, NAUSEA, OFF LABEL USE, PAIN. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for CLINDAMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE.

AI Safety Analysis

Clindamycin Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 7,817 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Llc.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Diarrhoea, Rash, Nausea. Of classified reports, 76.1% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Diarrhoea, rash, and nausea are the most common adverse reactions.

Serious reactions, including acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, are prevalent. Drug hypersensitivity and allergic reactions are significant safety concerns. There is a notable diversity in adverse reactions, indicating a wide range of potential side effects.

Patients taking Clindamycin Hydrochloride should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Clindamycin Hydrochloride can cause drug hypersensitivity and allergic reactions, which may lead to severe conditions like acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis and toxic skin eruption. It is important to monitor patients for signs of these reac This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 82/100

Clindamycin Hydrochloride received a safety concern score of 82/100 (high concern). This is based on a 76.1% serious event ratio across 3,342 classified reports. The score accounts for 7,817 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

DIARRHOEA277 reports
RASH265 reports
NAUSEA246 reports
OFF LABEL USE241 reports
PAIN219 reports
DYSPNOEA198 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE192 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY191 reports
HEADACHE172 reports
FATIGUE153 reports
PRURITUS153 reports
ARTHRALGIA145 reports
COUGH136 reports
PYREXIA123 reports
VOMITING121 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER119 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY112 reports
DIZZINESS107 reports
MALAISE107 reports
ERYTHEMA104 reports
ANXIETY102 reports
ASTHENIA100 reports
HYPERTENSION100 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY97 reports
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE93 reports
RENAL FAILURE92 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED90 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT89 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE88 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED87 reports
SINUSITIS86 reports
PNEUMONIA81 reports
COVID 1979 reports
DEPRESSION77 reports
FALL76 reports
URTICARIA76 reports
CELLULITIS74 reports
CHEST PAIN71 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN69 reports
DRUG REACTION WITH EOSINOPHILIA AND SYSTEMIC SYMPTOMS69 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY69 reports
RASH MACULO PAPULAR68 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION68 reports
ANAEMIA67 reports
BACK PAIN67 reports
INFECTION63 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE63 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS62 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION62 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE61 reports
ILLNESS59 reports
CARDIAC FAILURE CONGESTIVE57 reports
CONSTIPATION56 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED55 reports
HEPATIC STEATOSIS54 reports
INAPPROPRIATE SCHEDULE OF PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION53 reports
INSOMNIA53 reports
ACUTE GENERALISED EXANTHEMATOUS PUSTULOSIS52 reports
GASTROOESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE52 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING51 reports
ASTHMA49 reports
CARDIAC FAILURE49 reports
DRUG INTERACTION49 reports
SWELLING49 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER48 reports
CHILLS47 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL47 reports
HYPOTENSION47 reports
DEHYDRATION45 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT DECREASED45 reports
CONTRAINDICATED PRODUCT ADMINISTERED42 reports
DEATH42 reports
OEDEMA PERIPHERAL42 reports
DECREASED APPETITE41 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA41 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS40 reports
OROPHARYNGEAL PAIN39 reports
EMOTIONAL DISTRESS38 reports
LIVER DISORDER38 reports
SEPSIS37 reports
NEUTROPENIA36 reports
SKIN EXFOLIATION36 reports
SOMNOLENCE36 reports
STAPHYLOCOCCAL INFECTION36 reports
OSTEOMYELITIS35 reports
PARAESTHESIA35 reports
SEPTIC SHOCK35 reports
DRY MOUTH34 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE34 reports
UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION34 reports
DYSPEPSIA33 reports
GASTRIC DISORDER33 reports
INJURY33 reports
HEPATIC ENZYME INCREASED32 reports
HIDRADENITIS32 reports
INFLUENZA32 reports
INJECTION SITE PAIN32 reports
RENAL IMPAIRMENT32 reports
TOXIC SKIN ERUPTION32 reports
DRY SKIN31 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease are reported as serious adverse events.
  • Drug hypersensitivity and allergic reactions are frequent, with multiple types of hypersensitivity reported.
  • Infections, including pneumonia and sinusitis, are common, with some cases being severe.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 2,009, Male: 1,077, Unknown: 2. The most frequently reported age groups are age 47 (65 reports), age 62 (58 reports), age 61 (57 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 3,342 classified reports for CLINDAMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE:

  • Serious: 2,542 reports (76.1%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 800 reports (23.9%)
Serious 76.1%Non-Serious 23.9%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female2,009 (65.1%)
Male1,077 (34.9%)
Unknown2 (0.1%)

Reports by Age

Age 4765 reports
Age 6258 reports
Age 6157 reports
Age 5653 reports
Age 5852 reports
Age 6952 reports
Age 5351 reports
Age 6051 reports
Age 6750 reports
Age 7450 reports
Age 6549 reports
Age 5948 reports
Age 7347 reports
Age 7045 reports
Age 7242 reports
Age 7641 reports
Age 6439 reports
Age 7739 reports
Age 7538 reports
Age 4537 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Clindamycin Hydrochloride can cause drug hypersensitivity and allergic reactions, which may lead to severe conditions like acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis and toxic skin eruption. It is important to monitor patients for signs of these reac

What You Should Know

If you are taking Clindamycin Hydrochloride, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include diarrhoea, rash, nausea, off label use, pain. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Patients should report any signs of severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or hives, to their healthcare provider immediately. Follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA has not issued specific warnings for Clindamycin Hydrochloride based on this data, but healthcare providers should be vigilant about monitoring patients for serious adverse reactions and drug hypersensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Clindamycin Hydrochloride?

The FDA has received approximately 7,817 adverse event reports associated with Clindamycin Hydrochloride. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Clindamycin Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Clindamycin Hydrochloride include Diarrhoea, Rash, Nausea, Off Label Use, Pain. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Diarrhoea (277 reports), Rash (265 reports), Nausea (246 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Clindamycin Hydrochloride.

What percentage of Clindamycin Hydrochloride adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 3,342 classified reports, 2,542 (76.1%) were classified as serious and 800 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Clindamycin Hydrochloride (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Clindamycin Hydrochloride break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 2,009, Male: 1,077, Unknown: 2. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Clindamycin Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported age groups for Clindamycin Hydrochloride adverse events are: age 47: 65 reports, age 62: 58 reports, age 61: 57 reports, age 56: 53 reports, age 58: 52 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Clindamycin Hydrochloride?

The primary manufacturer associated with Clindamycin Hydrochloride adverse event reports is Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Llc. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Clindamycin Hydrochloride?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Clindamycin Hydrochloride include: Dyspnoea, Drug Ineffective, Drug Hypersensitivity, Headache, Fatigue. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Clindamycin Hydrochloride?

You can report adverse events from Clindamycin Hydrochloride to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Clindamycin Hydrochloride's safety score and what does it mean?

Clindamycin Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Diarrhoea, rash, and nausea are the most common adverse reactions.

What are the key safety signals for Clindamycin Hydrochloride?

Key safety signals identified in Clindamycin Hydrochloride's adverse event data include: Acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease are reported as serious adverse events.. Drug hypersensitivity and allergic reactions are frequent, with multiple types of hypersensitivity reported.. Infections, including pneumonia and sinusitis, are common, with some cases being severe.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Clindamycin Hydrochloride interact with other drugs?

Clindamycin Hydrochloride can cause drug hypersensitivity and allergic reactions, which may lead to severe conditions like acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis and toxic skin eruption. It is important to monitor patients for signs of these reac Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Clindamycin Hydrochloride.

What should patients know before taking Clindamycin Hydrochloride?

Patients should report any signs of severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or hives, to their healthcare provider immediately. Follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Are Clindamycin Hydrochloride side effects well-documented?

Clindamycin Hydrochloride has 7,817 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. Serious reactions, including acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, are prevalent. The volume of reports for Clindamycin Hydrochloride reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Clindamycin Hydrochloride?

The FDA has not issued specific warnings for Clindamycin Hydrochloride based on this data, but healthcare providers should be vigilant about monitoring patients for serious adverse reactions and drug hypersensitivity. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to CLINDAMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

AcetaminophenIbuprofenAmoxicillinCephalexinVancomycin
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.