Can you drink milk while taking Clindamycin? (3+ benefits)
By
Ask Your Pharm
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The AskYourPharm editorial team is made up of pharmacists and clinical nutritionists. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
In this article, we will discuss whether it’s safe to drink milk while taking Clindamycin or not. Furthermore, we’ll explore the potential interactions between milk and Clindamycin, the potential side effects and risks of combining them and recommended ways to take both of them safely.
Can you drink milk while taking Clindamycin?
Yes, you can drink milk while taking Clindamycin. It is considered safe because researchers have found no harmful interaction between Clindamycin and milk that would significantly influence the absorption and metabolism of the drug. (1)
Clindamycin is an FDA-approved antibiotic. It belongs to the lincosamide class of drugs that exerts its effects by inhibiting protein synthesis of bacteria which is essential for its growth and replication. It is used to treat a broad range of bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, ear infections and UTIs among others. (1)
It’s important to keep in mind that you must follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding how to take Clindamycin. If your prescription specifies taking it with food or avoiding certain food and drink interactions, make sure you adhere to those guidelines. (1)
Are there any interactions between milk and Clindamycin?
The interaction between Clindamycin and dairy products like milk is not considered significant. There could be minimal effects of milk on the absorption and metabolism of Clindamycin as everyone is unique and may react differently to antibiotic-milk combinations. (2)
However, in most cases, Clindamycin is generally well-absorbed in the digestive system and its effectiveness is not typically affected by the presence of milk. Taking Clindamycin with food including dairy products like milk is often associated with reducing the risk of stomach upset and irritation that is common with antibiotic use. (1,2)
It is worth considering that calcium interference has been found to impact the effectiveness of certain antibiotics. While dairy products themselves don’t interfere with Clindamycin, however; antacids or supplements containing calcium may reduce the absorption of Clindamycin. Therefore, it’s generally advisable to not consume calcium-containing products and antibiotics at the same time and keep at least a 2-3-hour gap between them for optimal Clindamycin absorption. (2)
What are the potential risks of drinking milk while taking Clindamycin?
There are no potential risks or side effects associated with drinking milk while you’re on the Clindamycin course. However, doctors often recommend taking antibiotics with milk to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects that are likely to occur with Clindamycin use such as nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. It’s important to recognize a few considerations while taking milk with Clindamycin, which may include:
Calcium interaction:
Dairy products including milk do not directly interact with Clindamycin, however; the high levels of calcium are considered to affect the absorption and metabolism of Clindamycin. 1 cup of milk does not contain calcium in high amounts so it is generally thought to be safe but other calcium supplements and antacids must be used a few hours before or after taking the Clindamycin dose to avoid interaction. (3)
Allergic reactions:
While allergic reactions to Clindamycin are rare yet they could still occur which may include rashes, swelling or difficulty breathing. So, if you’re allergic to dairy or any other component of milk, you should be cautious while drinking milk with Clindamycin as the risk of side effects may exacerbate. Always consult with your healthcare provider and tell them about the known allergies and ask for the appropriate method of administration. (1)
What are the other common side effects of Clindamycin?
Some common side effects of Clindamycin may include: (1)
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Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain are common side effects of Clindamycin. |
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Diarrhoea is also a common side effect and may range from mild to severe. In some cases, it may be a sign of a more serious condition called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), which can occur with the use of antibiotics. |
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Rashes or itching on the skin may occur. Severe skin reactions are rare but they may occur including Steven Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. |
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Clindamycin capsules can irritate the oesophagus, especially if not taken with a full glass of water. |
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Besides diarrhoea, Clindamycin use may lead to other changes in bowel habits, including the development of a condition called pseudomembranous colitis. |
How to take Clindamycin safely?
It’s crucial to ensure the safe and effective use of Clindamycin for the intended therapeutic outcome. Take Clindamycin only if your doctor has prescribed it. Follow the recommended instructions like dosage, time, frequency and duration of the treatment. Do not alter the dose on your own and never stop taking antibiotics before the course is completed as failure to do so might result in antibiotic resistance. (1)
Clindamycin can be taken with or without food. Taking it with a meal or a glass of milk may help reduce the risk of stomach upset or gastric irritation. However, it’s best to discuss this with your doctor so they may guide you according to your specific health situation. (2)
It’s important to drink a full glass of water while taking each dose, especially with Clindamycin capsules. This will help prevent irritation of the oesophagus. (1)
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you might have been taking in the past or currently including all prescribed, OTC and herbal supplements. Also, tell your doctor about any known allergy or pre-existing health condition. This will help your doctor to assess your specific situation and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. (3)
Be vigilant and keep an eye on how your body is reacting to the medication. Notice any unusual signs such as gastrointestinal discomfort, skin reactions or signs of severe allergic reactions. If you experience any of them, contact your doctor promptly.
Avoid the excessive consumption of alcohol while taking Clindamycin not only because there might be a chance of interaction but also because alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to fight infections. (1)
Summing up the Clindamycin-milk relationship:
From my personal experience, taking Clindamycin and other antibiotics with a cup of milk has always helped me deal with gastrointestinal discomfort including nausea and abdominal pain as these antibiotics could be sometimes harsh on a person’s liver or gut. However, it completely depends from person to person and how their body reacts to specific food-drug interactions.
I would suggest having open communication with your healthcare provider regarding the administration of Clindamycin as they will assess your health condition and rule out the risks of interactions and possible side effects.
