Key takeaways
Cleocin (clindamycin) and erythromycin are both antibiotics, but they are used to treat different types of infections and come in different forms. Cleocin (clindamycin) is a lincosamide antibiotic used as a vaginal suppository to treat bacterial vaginosis. It is only available as a brand-name medication, which can make it expensive. On the other hand, erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used as an eye ointment to treat and prevent bacterial eye infections, including pink eye in newborns. Erythromycin is available as a lower-cost generic medication. Cleocin (clindamycin) is typically used once daily for three days, while erythromycin eye ointment may need to be applied up to six times a day, depending on the severity of the infection. Cleocin (clindamycin) can cause local side effects like vaginal irritation and yeast infections, whereas erythromycin eye ointment can cause mild eye irritations and redness. Additionally, Cleocin (clindamycin) should not be used if you have certain bowel problems, while erythromycin eye ointment should not be used if you have a viral eye infection.
