What is a major side effect of clindamycin?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is primarily used to treat various bacterial infections. One of the major concerns associated with its use is the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). This occurs because clindamycin can disrupt the normal flora of the gut, leading to an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, a bacteria responsible for antibiotic-associated diarrhea. This condition can range from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis.

Patients receiving clindamycin should be monitored for signs of gastrointestinal disturbances, as early identification of CDAD is crucial for effective management. The potential for this side effect underscores the importance of using antibiotics judiciously and being aware of their impact on gut flora, particularly for medications like clindamycin that significantly alter microbial balance.

The other options are not typically associated with clindamycin. Peripheral neuropathy is more commonly linked to other classes of medications, dialysis-dependent kidney failure generally relates to nephrotoxic drugs, and severe hypertension is not a recognized side effect of clindamycin. Thus, the association of clindamycin with the risk of CDAD is a key reason why it is emphasized as a major side effect.