Skip to main content

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

 

Get free coupons

Clindamycin

(Cleocin)

Get free coupons

Summary for Bactrim

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.

Indications for Bactrim

Pros and Cons for Bactrim

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

Common Side Effects for Bactrim

Warnings for Bactrim

  • 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

Summary for Clindamycin

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 for Clindamycin

Pros and Cons for Clindamycin

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

Common Side Effects for Clindamycin

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Skin rash
  • Itching

Warnings for Clindamycin

  • Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Development of drug-resistant bacteria

Prices with our coupons for Bactrim vs. Clindamycin

Price Card Drug Icon
Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim14 tablets / 800mg/160mg
$8.90$10.87
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Clindamycin21 capsules / 300mg
$14.57-
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Pneumonia and Lower Respiratory Infection drugs

Augmentin vs. BactrimBactrim vs. AmoxicillinBactrim vs. CefdinirBactrim vs. CiproBactrim vs. Clindamycin
Bactrim vs. KeflexDoxycycline vs. BactrimFlagyl vs. BactrimLevaquin vs. BactrimMacrobid vs. BactrimMacrodantin vs. BactrimMalarone vs. BactrimMinocycline vs. BactrimNitrofurantoin vs. BactrimPenicillin vs. BactrimSivextro vs. BactrimSpectracef vs. BactrimVancocin vs. BactrimVantin vs. BactrimZithromax vs. BactrimZyvox vs. BactrimAdoxa vs. MalaroneCleocin vs. SivextroCoartem vs. MalaroneFlagyl vs. MalaroneMalarone vs. ChloroquineMalarone vs. PlaquenilMinocycline vs. MalaronePrimaquine vs. MalaroneSivextro vs. Daptomycin

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.