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Can Clindamycin Cause Rashes On The Body?

Posted on Thu, 10 Aug 2017

Question: I was on Clindamycin for a tooth abscess infection. After about 2 weeks I suddenly developed a bad rash all over parts of my body that mostly were less exposed to sun (back, top part of legs, backs of arms, stomach). I had the rash a couple days before connecting to the drug and I stopped taking it. After 2 days the rash and itching started diminishing.Then I also developing muscle tremors and cramps in my calves most severley (and minorly in other muscles). I am an elite tennis player and have not been able to play. I have tried a handful of times and my leg muscles are weak and after an hour of 50% intensity movement for me (I usually can go 3 hours full intensity). I feel like full cramping may occur in calves. There is less severe cramping and twinging when at rest or walking and also in arms and other random muscles. This happened suddenly in conjunction with the drug reaction. I have been off them for about 10 days now, but these muscle problems are not getting better. The endodontist that prescribed the drug has no idea. I am upset as I am supposed to in hard training during the summer and feel disabled instead. I started taking calcium lactate and magnesium lactate from some friend and online suggestions.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Recovery would be gentle!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

I understand your frustration and this is totally justified. However, recover often takes longer than it takes for drugs to cause undesirable side effects. Only time would be able to allow for full recovery and there is little to hasten this process. While i understand the need to train hard, I also encourage you not to push beyond tolerable limits as this might rather delay full healing and recovery. Insisting to stretch even further than tolerable might inadvertently harm.

I have no issues with calcium and magnesium supplements. I will insist on exercising as much as the body can tolerate and you would see this progressively improve as you recover.

I hope this guides and offer hope on the path of recovery. Keep me posted and share any further development or concerns that you may have with me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (13 hours later)

Do you have any explanation as to what exactly is wrong? You never really said.
Also, how long would you estimate recovery to my normal?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is rare side effect of clindamycin

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It is my conclusion that this is a rare side effect of clindamycin: Myalgia. I will give you another 7days and if there is no significant improvement, I will request further testing to measure markers of muscle destruction.

Keep me updated. Feel free to point out any further specific questions that might not have been addressed for further consideration.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T