Is Sinus Bradycardia a Side Effect of Clindamycin in Treatment of Septic Abortion? A Case Report

Clindamycin is the preferred antimicrobial agent in the treatment of septic abortions. However, the administration of this medication may be associated with side effects. We describe the uncommon case of a patient who developed chest pain and sinus bradycardia following the administration of clindamycin.

A 19-year-old primigravid woman presented herself to Shahid Motaharri Hospital (Urmia, Iran) with high grade fever and severe pain in the hypogastrium. A physical examination established pyrexia, tachycardia. Vaginal examination revealed active bleeding accompanied by foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Ultrasonography revealed the presence of retained products of conception. Our main diagnosis was septic abortion. The patient was treated by volume replacement and administrating intravenous clindamycin and gentamicin. Following the intravenous infusion of clindamycin, an episode of chest pain and bradycardia occurred.

Based on the clinical course of the current case, we conclude that the episode of bradycardia was induced by clindamycin administration. Therefore we advise physicians to exercise caution when administrating clindamycin due to its possible potential to induce bradycardia.