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Compare Cefdinir vs. Clindamycin

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

Key takeaways

Cefdinir (Omnicef) and clindamycin (Cleocin) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including skin infections and strep throat. However, they belong to different medication classes. Cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic, while clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic. Cefdinir is available as capsules and oral suspension, typically taken once or twice a day, and is also used off-label for urinary tract infections in children. Clindamycin comes in capsules, liquid, and injection forms, and is taken three or four times a day. Clindamycin is also used for more severe infections like bone and joint infections. Both medications can cause diarrhea, but clindamycin has a higher risk of causing serious *Clostridioides difficile* infections. Cefdinir may interact with warfarin, antacids and iron supplements, while clindamycin can interact with medications like warfarin and certain seizure medications. Generic versions of both medications are available, but clindamycin is generally cheaper.

  • Cefdinir
    Clindamycin (Cleocin)
  • Cefdinir
    Clindamycin (Cleocin)

  • Summary of Cefdinir vs. Clindamycin

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cefdinir, also known by its brand name Omnicef, is a cephalosporin antibiotic that can treat several types of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, sinus infections, and ear infections. Although the brand name is no longer available, its generic can still be prescribed for adults and children. Cefdinir comes as capsules and a suspension that are taken once or twice per day by mouth. Side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, 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 Cefdinir vs. Clindamycin

    Indications for
    •Pneumonia
    •Lung infections related to long-term bronchitis
    •Sinus infections
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infections
    •Skin infections
    •Ear infections - for children 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 Cefdinir vs. Clindamycin

    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Available as a capsule and oral suspension
    •Can be used for children and adults
    •Might be able to take once per day, depending on the infection
    •Can keep oral suspension at room temperature for up to 10 days
    Cons
    •Might not be able to take this antibiotic if you've had a severe allergic reaction to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •Must separate when you take cefdinir and antacids or iron supplements by at least 2 hours
    •Oral suspension contains sugar, so people with diabetes might have higher blood sugar levels while they're taking the antibiotic
    •Not recommended for the cold or flu, since they're not caused by a bacterial infection
    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 Cefdinir vs. Clindamycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (up to 15%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach pain
    •Skin rash
    •Itching

  • Warnings of Cefdinir vs. Clindamycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria

  • Prices with our coupons for Cefdinir vs. Clindamycin

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    Learn more about Clindamycin

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