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Clindamycin adverse effect — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardBiomedical SciencesClindamycin adverse effectNDEB AFK

A 39-year-old received clindamycin for a dental infection and develops profuse watery diarrhoea with abdominal cramping one week later. There is no rash or wheeze. What is the most likely cause/mechanism?

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Correct answer: A — Clostridioides difficile colitis after antibiotic exposure

Profuse diarrhoea after clindamycin exposure is concerning for antibiotic-associated C. difficile colitis. IgE-mediated allergy would more typically present with urticaria, bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis. The pearl is that dental antibiotic prescribing should be narrow, necessary, and time-limited to reduce avoidable harms.

Reference: BCCDC antimicrobial stewardship; Canadian dental pharmacology references