What is a side effect of clindamycin?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Hypoglycemia: Clindamycin does not interfere with insulin secretion or glucose metabolism. It has no clinically significant effects on blood glucose regulation. Hypoglycemia is not associated with this antibiotic class. B. Appendicitis: Clindamycin does not cause inflammation of the appendix or obstruct the intestinal lumen. Abdominal discomfort may occur, but it is not linked to appendiceal pathology. This condition is unrelated to clindamycin therapy. C. Hypertension: Clindamycin does not affect vascular resistance, fluid balance, or sympathetic activity. Blood pressure alterations are not part of its adverse effect profile. Cardiovascular effects are uncommon with this medication. D. Diarrhea: Clindamycin disrupts normal intestinal flora, increasing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It is strongly associated with Clostridioides difficile overgrowth due to suppression of protective gut bacteria. Diarrhea is a well-recognized and clinically significant adverse effect.