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Clindamycin Coupon - Clindamycin 40g of 2% tube of cream

clindamycin

Generic Cleocin
Used for Skin Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia, Acne, Bacterial Vaginosis
Used for Skin Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia, Acne, Bacterial Vaginosis

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that's used to treat vaginal bacterial infections. It comes as a cream and gel that are inserted into your vagina. Some formulations only have to be used as a single dose, while others require 3 or 7 days of treatment.

Last reviewed on October 25, 2022
basics-icon

What is Clindamycin?

What is Clindamycin used for?

  • Vaginal bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis)

How Clindamycin works

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic. It treats infections by stopping bacteria from making proteins, which prevents the bacteria from growing and spreading.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsClindesse, Cleocin, Xaciato
Drug ClassLincosamide antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$71.75(save 96.10%)
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$2.80
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What are the side effects of Clindamycin?

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

  • Pain or discomfort in or around the vulva and vagina
  • Inflammation in or around the vulva and vagina
  • Vaginal yeast infection
  • Headache
  • Back pain

Other Side Effects

  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain or cramps
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Skin yeast infections

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 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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Cracks in the skin

loss of heat from the body

red, swollen skin

scaly skin

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach cramps, pain, or tenderness

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

chest pain

chills

clay-colored stools

cloudy urine

confusion

cough or hoarseness

dark urine

decrease in the amount of urine

diarrhea

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry mouth

fast heartbeat

fever with or without chills

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

headache

heart stops

hives or welts, itching, or skin rash

increased thirst

itching of the vagina or genital area

joint or muscle pain

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

nausea or vomiting

no breathing

no pulse or blood pressure

pain during sexual intercourse

pain in the lower back or side

pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg

painful or difficult urination

pinpoint red spots on the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

rash

rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

redness of the skin

shortness of breath

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

swollen glands

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

thirst

tightness in the chest

unconscious

unpleasant breath odor

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight loss

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Bitter taste

changes in skin color

pain, lump, or irritation at the injection site

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Clindamycin

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Pros

Might not cause as many stomach-related side effects as oral medications

Some versions are safe to use during pregnancy.

Some versions only have to be used once as a single dose.

Cleocin comes as a lower-cost generic medication.

Clindesse comes in a convenient, prefilled applicator.

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Cons

Vaginal application can be uncomfortable for some people.

Can cause yeast infections

Can't use condoms, diaphragms, or tampons for several days after finishing treatment

Single-dose cream and gel are brand-only, so they can be expensive

Shouldn't be used if you have bowel problems such as ulcerative colitis

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Clindamycin

pharmacist
  • Clindamycin comes in different formulations that are used for different lengths of time, so make sure you're using the medication as instructed by your provider. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're unsure how to use this medication.

    • Cleocin, its generic, and Xaciato come with disposable applicators, but they aren't filled ahead of time for you. This means you need to draw up the medication into the applicator from a tube before inserting it into your vagina.

      • Clindesse and Xaciato are designed to leak out of the vagina less, which is why they can be used any time throughout the day. Both of these medications are just used one time as a single dose.

        • Throw the applicator away after you use it. You shouldn't reuse the applicators that come with any formulation of clindamycin.

          For Cleocin vaginal cream and its generic

          • Insert the medication while lying down on your back.

            • It's best to use Cleocin and its generic at bedtime to prevent the cream from leaking from your vagina. Some of the medication might leak out, so it's a good idea to wear a panty liner while using it.

              • Cleocin and its generic are the only formulations of vaginal clindamycin that are approved for use during pregnancy (during the second and third trimesters). You'll typically use the medication once daily for 7 days if you're pregnant (non-pregnant people can use it for 3 or 7 days, depending on your provider's instructions).

                For Clindesse vaginal cream

                • Clindesse comes in an applicator that has the medication already measured out for you. You just have to activate the plunger before inserting the medication. You can find detailed directions on how best to use Clindesse in the Instructions for Use that come with the medication.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Clindamycin

                  What's the difference between clindamycin cream and gel?
                  Clindamycin comes as a cream and a gel. The cream comes as two different brand names, Cleocin and Clindesse. The gel only comes as a brand-name medication called Xaciato. Among these brands, only the Cleocin vaginal cream has a lower-cost generic version available. Cleocin and its generic are FDA-approved for use in pregnant females during the second and third trimesters, and it's used once daily for 3 or 7 days, depending on whether or not you're pregnant. In comparison, Clindesse and Xaciato aren't FDA-approved for use in pregnant females, and they're both typically used as a single dose. While Clindesse comes with the medication already prefilled in an applicator, you have to squeeze the medication from the tube into the applicator for Cleocin, its generic, and Xaciato.
                  Can I use tampons while using clindamycin?
                  Avoid using tampons during treatment with Cleocin (or the generic), for at least 7 days after inserting Clindesse, and for at least 3 days after using Xaciato. If you use a tampon while using clindamycin, the tampon could absorb some of the medication, which can make it less effective. This means that it might be harder for clindamycin to treat your infection, and it can take longer for you to feel better. Stick to pads and panty liners during this time to avoid problems that tampons can cause.
                  Can I have vaginal sex while using clindamycin?
                  It's best to avoid vaginal sex while using clindamycin. Also avoid sex for at least 7 days after treatment with Clindesse and for at least 3 days after treatment with Xaciato. Like with tampons, vaginal sex can interfere with how well clindamycin works and can generally irritate your vagina even more. You should also note that this medication can weaken barrier contraceptives such as condoms or vaginal diaphragms, making them less effective at preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy. It's not recommended to use these barrier methods for 3 days after finishing treatment with Cleocin (or its generic), 5 days after using Clindesse, and 7 days after using Xaciato.
                  Is vaginal clindamycin better than oral clindamycin for bacterial vaginosis?
                  The CDC lists both vaginal and oral clindamycin as possible treatments for vaginal bacterial infections. The two formulations have similar cure rates.
                  In general, you don't absorb as much medication into your bloodstream when you use clindamycin vaginally as you do when taken orally. So a possible advantage to using clindamycin vaginally is that side effects are typically local (e.g., pain or discomfort around the vulva or vagina, vaginal yeast infection). On the other hand, oral clindamycin might cause some side effects that are more related to the digestive tract (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste in mouth). Discuss with your provider which formulation of clindamycin is right for you.
                  Why does clindamycin cause yeast infections for some people?
                  Yeast infections are common for some people after they finish using antibiotics. Antibiotics help get rid of the bad bacteria causing an infection, but sometimes also the good bacteria that helps fight off any germs that aren't supposed to be in your body. Some of these good bacteria can kill fungi, including the fungus that causes a yeast infection. There are good bacteria that live in your vagina that help keep the environment healthy and clean. If clindamycin gets rid of your good bacteria, the fungus can grow and cause an infection like a vaginal yeast infection.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Clindamycin?

                  Clindamycin 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.

                  risk-warning

                  Severe allergic reactions

                  • Risk factors: Known allergy to clindamycin or lincosamides

                    Allergic reactions to clindamycin are possible, including life-threatening problems like anaphylaxis or airway swelling. If you notice hives, a rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using clindamycin, get medical help right away. You shouldn't use clindamycin if you know you're allergic to clindamycin or any lincosamide antibiotics.

                    risk-warning

                    Severe diarrhea

                    • Risk factors: History of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea | Crohn's disease | Ulcerative colitis | Regional enteritis

                      Like all antibiotics, clindamycin can cause diarrhea because it can get rid of the good bacteria in your gut. In rare cases, this diarrhea is caused by a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (commonly called C. diff) that's usually kept under control by your other gut bacteria. C. diff diarrhea is very contagious and can lead to life-threatening dehydration. Having bowel problems, like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, raises your risk of C. diff diarrhea while using antibiotics. Tell your provider if you have inflammatory bowel problems or have ever had severe diarrhea after using antibiotics before.

                      Contact your provider if you experience watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, or fatigue. If you have C. diff, be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds and try to use a different bathroom from anyone living with you until you're better. Taking probiotic supplements while using clindamycin might help prevent this problem.

                      risk-warning

                      Damage to condoms and diaphragms

                      Clindamycin can cause condoms and vaginal diaphragms to weaken and break. This puts you at risk for an unwanted pregnancy as well as STDs. Ask your provider or pharmacist about what barrier methods you can use in the meantime. In general, it's best to avoid having vaginal sex until your infection is cleared up, as sex can irritate your vagina even more and make your symptoms worse.

                      risk-warning

                      Vaginal yeast infections

                      Using clindamycin can raise your risk for vaginal yeast infections. This is because the medication can also affect the good bacteria in your vagina that usually keep fungi from overgrowing. When fungi overgrow in your vagina, it can sometimes result in a yeast infection. There are many different over-the-counter and prescription treatments available for vaginal yeast infections. Let your provider know if you have redness, pain, or burning around your vagina, or if you have thick, white vaginal discharge. These could be signs of a vaginal yeast infection, and you might need treatment for it.

                      dosage

                      Clindamycin dosage forms

                      The average cost for 1 tube of 40g of 2% of Clindamycin is $41.11 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 42.7% off the average retail price of $71.75.
                      tube of cream
                      Tube of cream
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      40g of 2%1 tube$41.11$41.11

                      Typical dosing for Clindamycin

                      Clindamycin comes as a cream (two different versions) and a gel. The dosing is different depending on which formulation you're using. The typical dosing is as follows:

                      Vaginal cream

                      • Clindesse: Insert 1 prefilled applicator (100 mg of clindamycin) into the vagina once at any time of the day.

                      • Cleocin and generic: Insert 1 applicatorful (100 mg of clindamycin) into the vagina once a day, preferably at bedtime, for 3 or 7 days.

                      Vaginal gel

                      • Xaciato: Insert 1 applicatorful (100 mg of clindamycin) into the vagina once at any time of the day.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Clindamycin and other drugs

                      Clindamycin 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. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      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.

                      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
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                      contraindications-icon

                      Clindamycin 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 will not be safe for you to take.
                      • Allergy to clindamycin or lincosamide antibiotics

                      • History of certain stomach or gut problems (e.g., regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, antibiotic-associated colitis)

                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Clindamycin?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Clindamycin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Clindamycin
                      Used for:
                      • Vaginal bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis)

                      $2.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Used for:
                      • Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

                      $30.18 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Used for:
                      $24.08 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      latest news

                      What is the latest news about Clindamycin?

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                      Cleocin Coupon - Cleocin 40g of 2% tube of cream
                      tube (40g) 2% of Cleocin creamCleocin Coupon - Cleocin 40g of 2% tube of cream
                      Clindamycin Coupon - Clindamycin 40g of 2% tube of cream
                      tube (40g) 2% of clindamycin creamClindamycin Coupon - Clindamycin 40g of 2% tube of cream

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