What's the difference between Clindesse and Cleocin vaginal cream?

Both __Clindesse__ and __Cleocin__ are vaginal creams that contain clindamycin and treat bacterial vaginosis, but they differ in how you use them. __Clindesse__ releases the medication slowly, so you only need [one application](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/instance/1784567/pdf/16240515.pdf), and it's also less likely to leak out right away. On the other hand, __Cleocin__ needs to be used once daily for several days to work. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about comparing the two.

Clindesse

clindamycin

Used for Bacterial Vaginosis

Clindamycin vaginal cream is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). It’s available under two brand names, Clindesse and Cleocin, and applied inside the vagina using an applicator. Clindesse is a single-dose treatment used one time, while Cleocin and its generic versions are typically used once a day at bedtime for 3 or 7 days. Common side effects include vaginal irritation and yeast infections.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 13, 2026

What is Clindamycin vaginal cream?

What is Clindamycin vaginal cream used for?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

How Clindamycin vaginal cream works

Clindamycin vaginal cream is a lincosamide antibiotic. It works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow. This helps reduce harmful bacteria in the vagina and restores a more normal balance.

Are you looking for information on Xaciato (clindamycin gel) for BV, clindamycin oral capsule (Cleocin), clindamycin topical products (Cleocin-T) for acne, or Cleocin (clindamycin) suppository instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Clindesse, Cleocin
Drug Class	Lincosamide antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Clindesse, Cleocin

Drug Class

Lincosamide antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Side effects of Clindamycin vaginal cream

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Clindesse:

Vaginal yeast infection (14%)
Headache (7%)
Back pain (5%)
Constipation (2%)
Urinary tract infection (2%)

Cleocin and its generics:

Vaginal yeast infection (8-14%)
Vaginal irritation (4-6%)
Vaginal problems (3-5%)

Less Common Side Effects

Clindesse:

Rash
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Tiredness
Dizziness
Vaginal irritation

Cleocin and its generics:

Urinary tract infection
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Dizziness

Clindamycin vaginal cream serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Severe allergic reactions: hives, rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
Severe diarrhea: stomach cramps, blood in your stool, watery diarrhea that doesn't go away, fever

Source: DailyMed

The following Clindamycin vaginal cream side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Itching of the vagina or genital area

pain during sexual intercourse

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with mild odor

Less common

Diarrhea

dizziness

headache

nausea or vomiting

stomach pain or cramps

Rare

Burning, itching, rash, redness, swelling or other signs of skin problems not present before use of this medicine

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

Itching of the vagina or genital area

pain during sexual intercourse

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with mild odor

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Avg retail price

$193.82(Save 43.63%)

$109.25

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Pros and cons of Clindamycin vaginal cream

Pros

Applied directly in the vagina to treat the problem where it is
Easy to apply using the applicator
Available as both single-dose (Clindesse) and multi-day (Cleocin) options

Cons

Can cause yeast infections
Can't use condoms, diaphragms, or tampons for several days after finishing treatment
Possible irritation or discomfort

Pharmacist tips for Clindamycin vaginal cream

Clindamycin vaginal cream comes in different forms that are used for different amounts of time. Make sure you use it exactly as your prescriber tells you.
Cleocin and its generics come with disposable applicators that you fill yourself with cream from the tube before use. Clindesse comes with a prefilled applicator that’s ready to use.
Cleocin and its generics are typically used at bedtime so the medication stays in the vagina longer. Clindesse is made to leak less, so you can use it any time of day.
Clindamycin vaginal cream applicators are for one-time use only. Throw the applicator away after you use it.
Don't have vaginal sex or use vaginal products like tampons or douches during treatment with clindamycin vaginal cream. Doing so can make the medication work less well to treat your infection.
Clindamycin vaginal cream contains mineral oil, which can weaken latex or rubber condoms and vaginal diaphragms. This can raise your risk of pregnancy. Avoid using these for at least 3 days after Cleocin (or its generic) or 5 days after Clindesse.
Vaginal yeast infections are a potential side effect of clindamycin vaginal cream. Watch for symptoms like itching or thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese and let your prescriber know.
Pregnancy: Cleocin and its generic are the only forms of clindamycin vaginal cream approved during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, you’ll usually use it once a day for 7 days. If you’re not pregnant, your treatment could last 3 or 7 days.
Make sure to finish the entire course of clindamycin vaginal cream as prescribed to you, even if you start feeling better. Stopping too soon can make the infection come back or harder to treat.

How to use Cleocin vaginal cream and its generics

Wash your hands with soap and water.
Take the cap off the tube and screw on the applicator. Squeeze the tube to fill the applicator until the plunger stops.
Lie on your back and gently insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will go. Push the plunger slowly, then remove and throw away the applicator.

How to use Clindesse vaginal cream

Wash your hands with soap and water.
Pull the ring back to fully extend the plunger before use. Follow the Instructions for Use that come with the medication.
Insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will go. Push the plunger until all the cream is in, then remove and throw away the applicator.

Common questions about Clindesse

Even though Clindesse is a one-time treatment, it's designed to work over several days. The cream stays in the vagina and slowly releases the antibiotic over time. It starts working right away, but it could take a few days or even a couple of weeks for your symptoms to fully improve. Tell your prescriber if your symptoms get worse or don’t start to improve after a few days.

To use Clindesse, you insert it into your vagina using the applicator that comes with the medication. First, fill the applicator with the cream (or use a prefilled one), then lie on your back with your knees bent or stand in a comfortable position. Gently insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go, then push the plunger to release the cream. Remove the applicator and throw it away. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist if you have questions on how to use the medication correctly.

How long it takes Clindesse to leave your system can vary from person to person. In studies, a different form of Clindesse took about 8 to 10 hours to leave the body. But Clindesse works differently because the cream slowly releases the medication in your vagina over time, so its effects last longer. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about how long it stays in your system.

You can generally take doxycycline while using Cleocin vaginal cream. Both medications are antibiotics and they work in different parts of your body. Still, it’s a good idea to let your prescriber know all the medications you’re taking to make sure this combination is safe for you.

Cleocin vaginal cream is unlikely to cause side effects in babies when it's used while nursing. But some of the medication can still get into your breast milk. Tell your prescriber if you're breastfeeding so they can help you choose the safest treatment option for you and your baby.

Cleocin vaginal cream is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. Many healthcare professionals prefer the vaginal cream over the oral pill because less of the medication enters your bloodstream, which limits your baby’s exposure. Treating bacterial vaginosis is important during pregnancy since leaving it untreated can lead to problems like early labor or low birth weight. Always check with your OB-GYN before starting any new medication to make sure it's safe.

Both Clindesse and Cleocin are vaginal creams that contain clindamycin and treat bacterial vaginosis, but they differ in how you use them. Clindesse releases the medication slowly, so you only need one application, and it's also less likely to leak out right away. On the other hand, Cleocin needs to be used once daily for several days to work. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about comparing the two.

Studies of Clindesse showed the BV infection was cured in around 64% of women who took one dose of the medication after 21 days. This was similar to the number of women with a cured infection who took 7 doses of clindamycin 2% vaginal cream.

Risks and warnings for Clindamycin vaginal cream

Clindamycin vaginal cream can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Severe diarrhea

Like all antibiotics, clindamycin vaginal cream can cause diarrhea because it can reduce the helpful bacteria in your gut. In rare cases, this diarrhea is caused by bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which is usually kept under control by your normal gut bacteria. C. diff can spread easily and can lead to diarrhea and serious dehydration, and it can happen even up to 2 months after you stop the medication.

Contact your care team if you have watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, or feel very tired. If you have a C. diff infection, you might need fluids, nutrition support, or specific treatment. In severe cases, surgery may also be needed.

Damage to condoms and diaphragms

Clindamycin vaginal cream can weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms, making them more likely to break. This can raise your risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Ask your prescriber or pharmacist what other protection options you can use during this time.

It’s best to avoid vaginal sex until your infection is fully treated. Sex can irritate your vagina and make your symptoms worse. Don’t use latex or rubber products for birth control for 5 days after Clindesse and 3 days after Cleocin (or its generics).

Clindamycin vaginal cream dosage

The average cost for 1 applicator of 5.8g of 2% of Clindamycin vaginal cream is $109.25 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 43.63% off the average retail price of $193.82.

Applicator

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
5.8g of 2%	1 applicator	$109.25	$109.25

Typical dosage for Clindamycin vaginal cream

Your dose depends on which form you're using:

Clindesse: Insert 1 prefilled applicator (100 mg of clindamycin) into the vagina once at any time of the day.
Cleocin and generics: Insert 1 applicatorful (100 mg of clindamycin) into the vagina once a day, preferably at bedtime, for 3 or 7 days.

Interactions between Clindamycin vaginal cream and other drugs

Clindamycin vaginal cream may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Clindamycin vaginal cream. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Cholera Vaccine, Live
Erythromycin

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Atracurium
Metocurine
Tubocurarine

How much does Clindamycin vaginal cream cost?

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Clindesse (brand)

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Clindamycin vaginal cream contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Clindamycin vaginal cream will not be safe for you to take.