What is the major adverse effect associated with the use of clindamycin?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat certain bacterial infections, particularly those caused by anaerobic bacteria and some protozoa. One significant adverse effect associated with clindamycin is the risk of Clostridium difficile infection.

Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and colitis, which is an inflammation of the colon. The use of antibiotics like clindamycin disrupts the normal gut flora, allowing C. difficile to proliferate. This leads to an overgrowth of the bacteria and can result in severe gastrointestinal complications. The risk of developing a C. difficile infection is especially heightened when clindamycin is used, making it an important consideration when prescribing this antibiotic.

Other adverse effects of clindamycin, such as potential liver damage, neutropenia, or urinary retention, are less commonly associated with its use. While monitoring for these side effects is still essential, they do not represent the major concern linked to clindamycin therapy as clearly as the risk for C. difficile infection does. Therefore, recognizing the association between clindamycin use and C. difficile is vital for patient safety and effective antibiotic stewardship.