Key takeaways
Cleocin (clindamycin) and Benzaclin (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different purposes and come in different forms. Cleocin is a lincosamide antibiotic used as a vaginal suppository to treat bacterial vaginosis, while Benzaclin is a topical antibiotic combination used to treat acne. Cleocin is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas Benzaclin is availible in both brand and a generic formulations. Cleocin is used once daily for three days, whereas Benzaclin is typically applied once or twice daily and can take up to 12 weeks to show full effects. Cleocin can cause local side effects like vaginal irritation and yeast infections, while Benzaclin can cause skin irritation and increase sensitivity to sunlight. Additionally, Cleocin should not be used with tampons or during vaginal sex, while Benzaclin can bleach hair and clothes.
