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Compare Bactrim vs. Clindamycin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra) and clindamycin (Cleocin) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia. However, they belong to different medication classes. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is a sulfonamide antibiotic, while clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is available in oral, liquid, and injection forms and is typically taken twice a day, whereas clindamycin is available as a capsule, liquid, and injection, and is usually taken three or four times a day. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim include nausea, diarrhea, and rash, while clindamycin can cause stomach upset, itching, and rash. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim interacts with warfarin and dofetilide (Tikosyn), whereas clindamycin interacts with medications like warfarin and amiodarone. Additionally, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is not recommended during pregnancy, while clindamycin may be used early in pregnancy if necessary.

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
Clindamycin (Cleocin)
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
Clindamycin (Cleocin)
Summary of Bactrim vs. Clindamycin
Summary for Sulfonamide antibiotic
Prescription only
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (sometimes known as SMZ/TMP) is a combination medication containing an antifolate and sulfa antibiotic. It's used to treat different types of infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and lung infections. This antibiotic has two different brand names, Bactrim and Septra, and it's also available as a lower-cost generic. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically twice daily for most types of infections. This antibiotic also comes as a suspension under the brand name Sulfatrim for people who can't swallow tablets and as an injection for people in the hospital. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and rash.
Summary for Lincosamide antibiotic
Prescription only
Clindamycin (Cleocin) is a lincosamide antibiotic that's used to treat many different serious bacterial infections, such as strep throat and skin infections. This antibiotic is approved for use in both adults and children. Clindamycin (Cleocin) is available as a capsule and liquid that are taken 3 or 4 times per day, depending on your age and your infection. It's also available as an injection that's given by a healthcare professional. Side effects include stomach upset, itching, and rash.
Indications of Bactrim vs. Clindamycin
Indications for

•Urinary tract infection (UTI)

•Lower respiratory tract infection (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia, infections related to bronchitis)

•Diarrhea caused by Shigella (shigellosis)

•Travelers' diarrhea - tablet or liquid only

•Ear infections - tablet or liquid only

Indications for

•Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)

•Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)

•Stomach infections

•Pelvic and genital tract infections

•Bloodstream infections

•Bone and joint infections - injection form only
Pros and Cons of Bactrim vs. Clindamycin
Pros and Const for Sulfonamide antibiotic
Pros

•Treats many types of bacterial infections

•Can be given to children as young as 2 months old to treat certain infections

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•Can upset your stomach and make your skin more sensitive to the sun

•Not the best choice for people with liver or kidney problems

•Not recommended if you're pregnant

•Can't take if you have a sulfa allergy

Pros and Const for Lincosamide antibiotic
Pros

•Can treat many different infections throughout the body

•Available as lower-cost generic capsule, liquid, and injection

•Can take if you have a penicillin allergy

Cons

•Might need to take three or four times per day

•Must take capsules with a full glass of water to prevent irritation to your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach)

•Risk of causing a type of infectious diarrhea
Common Side Effects of Bactrim vs. Clindamycin
Common Side Effects for

•Nausea

•Vomiting

•Diarrhea

•Loss of appetite

•Rash

•Hives

•Skin sensitivity to sun or light

Common Side Effects for

•Diarrhea

•Nausea

•Vomiting

•Stomach pain

•Skin rash

•Itching
Warnings of Bactrim vs. Clindamycin
Common Side Effects for

•Not for use during pregnancy

•Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions

•Low platelet counts and risk for bleeding

•Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

•Low sodium levels and high potassium levels

•Blood cell-related problems

•Problems with processing phenylalanine - for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) only

Common Side Effects for

•Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions

•Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

•Development of drug-resistant bacteria
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Compare Bactrim vs. Clindamycin

Key takeaways

Summary of Bactrim vs. Clindamycin

Indications of Bactrim vs. Clindamycin

Pros and Cons of Bactrim vs. Clindamycin

Common Side Effects of Bactrim vs. Clindamycin

Warnings of Bactrim vs. Clindamycin

Prices with our coupons for Bactrim vs. Clindamycin

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