Clindamycin C. difficile Risk — NDEB AFK MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModeratePharmacologyClindamycin C. difficile RiskNDEB AFK

Clindamycin is effective against most oral pathogens but carries a risk of which serious adverse effect?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea (pseudomembranous colitis)

Clindamycin disrupts normal intestinal flora, predisposing patients to Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) overgrowth and toxin production, causing pseudomembranous colitis (severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever). This risk applies to most antibiotics but is particularly associated with clindamycin and fluoroquinolones. Patients should be warned about this risk and instructed to seek medical attention if severe diarrhoea develops during or after antibiotic therapy. The risk has led to recommendations limiting clindamycin use to situations where beta-lactam alternatives are not suitable.

Reference: Katzung – Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed., 2021