Clindamycin has which serious COMPLICATION that the prescribing dentist should warn patients about?

Correct answer: C. Pseudomembranous colitis (Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea)

• A. Ototoxicity is caused by aminoglycosides and loop diuretics — not clindamycin.
• B. Nephrotoxicity is a risk with aminoglycosides (gentamicin), NSAIDs, and contrast dye — not clindamycin.
• C. Correct. Clindamycin's most feared complication is PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS COLITIS caused by Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile overgrowth. Clindamycin disrupts the normal gut flora, allowing C. diff to proliferate and produce toxins A and B, causing severe bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and in severe cases toxic megacolon. Patients must be warned to discontinue clindamycin and seek care if they develop diarrhea after treatment.
• D. Hepatotoxicity is associated with metronidazole, ketoconazole, and isoniazid more than clindamycin.