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Peds Calc

Pediatric Reference

Clindamycin Side EffectsComprehensive Pediatric Safety Guide

Clindamycin is commonly used in children and is usually well tolerated. Mild stomach upset or loose stools can happen and are typically temporary. More serious diarrhea is uncommon, but it’s important to know when to call so we can support you quickly.

3 Categories
5 Clinical Sources
Evidence-Based
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Essential Information

1

Diarrhea, abdominal pain—consider probiotic support; monitor hydration

2

Nausea, vomiting—give with a small snack if needed

3

Rash, hypersensitivity—stop and seek advice if significant

4

Liver enzyme elevations—usually transient; monitor if prolonged therapy

Clinical Overview

Most common effects are gastrointestinal (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain). Serious diarrhea or blood/mucus in stools suggests possible C. difficile infection—seek medical care.

Side Effect Categories

3 Systems

Gastrointestinal

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 3

Diarrhea (including antibiotic‑associated colitis)

Incidence: Common; serious cases uncommon
Onset:
Variable; potentially serious
2 sources
Duration

Management

Stop and seek medical care for severe or bloody diarrhea; maintain hydration

Monitoring Guidelines

Stool frequency, presence of blood/mucus, fever

2 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

Incidence: Common
Onset:
Usually mild
1 sources
Duration

Management

Give with a light snack; divide doses evenly

Monitoring Guidelines

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Dermatologic/Allergy

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Rash, pruritus

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset:
Usually mild
1 sources
Duration

Management

Stop and seek care if extensive rash or facial swelling/shortness of breath

Monitoring Guidelines

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Hepatic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Elevated transaminases

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset:
Usually transient
1 sources
Duration

Management

Monitor in prolonged therapy or underlying liver disease

Monitoring Guidelines

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Parent Communication Guide

Age-Appropriate Explanations

Infants (0-12 months)

Information coming soon

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Information coming soon

Children (4-12 years)

Information coming soon

Adolescents (13+ years)

Information coming soon

Common Parent Concerns

Clinical Decision Support

Severity Assessment Framework

Clinical assessment framework

Treatment Decision Guidelines

Immediate Discontinuation

    Consider Alternatives

      Dose Modification

        Frequently Asked Questions

        Parent and clinician concerns about Clindamycin