Three years post surgery. Can antibiotics be taken in pill form?

Maybe thats a strange question. I have an abcess tooth & need oral surgery. The endodontist gave me Clindamycin due to the fact I'm allergic to Penicillin. Also gave me Vicodin for the pain. Well, the Vicodin is bairly putting a dent in the pain. My guess would it's just not getting absorbed, Or its just sitting in the conduit. Plus I have Dumping Syndrome so maybe it's passing though all together.
I have a few concerns. If the Vicodin is not having much effect, maybe the antibiotics aren't either. Any input would be appreciated.

Sean