Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Cleocin vs. Keflex

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

Key takeaways

Cleocin (clindamycin) and cephalexin are both antibiotics, but they have different uses and 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 and is typically used once daily for three days. On the other hand, cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic available in generic form as capsules, tablets, and liquid suspensions. It treats a variety of infections, including respiratory, ear, skin, bone, urinary tract, and reproductive system infections, and is taken orally 2 to 4 times per day for 7 to 14 days. Cleocin (clindamycin) is inserted vaginally, which might be uncomfortable for some, while cephalexin is taken by mouth. Cephalexin can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, whereas Cleocin (clindamycin) might cause local side effects like vaginal irritation and yeast infections. Additionally, Cleocin (clindamycin) can weaken condoms and diaphragms, while cephalexin has no such effect.

  • Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository
    Cephalexin
  • Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository
    Cephalexin

  • Summary of Cleocin vs. Keflex

    Summary for Lincosamide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal ovule is an antibiotic suppository that treats bacterial vaginosis (BV), a type of vaginal infection. This medication can be prescribed for adults or adolescent females who've started their menstrual periods. But it's not approved for people who are pregnant. Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository is inserted vaginally once daily, typically at bedtime, for 3 days. Side effects aren't common, but can include vaginal discomfort, such as irritation and pain.

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cephalexin is a common antibiotic that's used to treat many different bacterial infections including urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and sinus infections, to name a few. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria to fight the infection. It's safe to use in people over the age of 1, and it's typically taken by mouth 2 to 4 times per day. This medication is available as a lower-cost generic capsule, tablet, and suspension; the brand name Keflex is no longer available. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Cleocin vs. Keflex

    Indications for
    •Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - vaginal bacterial infection
    Indications for
    •Respiratory tract infections
    •Ear infections
    •Skin infections
    •Bone infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Reproductive system infections

  • Pros and Cons of Cleocin vs. Keflex

    Pros and Const for Lincosamide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Only used once a day
    •Typically only used for 3 days
    •Applicator can be washed and reused for each insertion
    •Can be inserted without using an applicator
    Cons
    •Vaginal application can be uncomfortable for some people
    •Might cause vaginal yeast infections
    •Can't use condoms, diaphragms, or tampons during and up to 3 days after treatment
    •Recommended to use at bedtime to prevent medication from leaking
    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats several common types of bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children over the age of 1
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Usually need to take a few times per day
    •Might not be able to take if you're allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •Not recommended for the cold or flu (these are viral illnesses, not bacterial infections)

  • Common Side Effects of Cleocin vs. Keflex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal irritation (3%)
    •Vaginal pain (2%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Indigestion
    •Stomach pain

  • Warnings of Cleocin vs. Keflex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Vaginal yeast infections
    •Damage to vaginal contraceptives
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of bleeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Cleocin vs. Keflex

    Learn more about Cleocin
    Learn more about Cephalexin

Compare other Skin Infection and Bacterial Infection drugs

Cleocin vs BenzaclinCleocin vs KeflexCleocin vs MetrogelCleocin vs PenicillinCleocin vs RenovaCleocin vs SivextroCleocin vs ZithromaxFlagyl vs CleocinTetracycline vs CleocinVancocin vs CleocinZiana vs CleocinZyvox vs CleocinErygel vs RenovaFlagyl vs AdoxaGentamicin vs ZyvoxRenova vs AccutaneRenova vs Benzoyl PeroxideRenova vs Botox CosmeticRenova vs DifferinRenova vs DovonexRenova vs MinocyclineRenova vs TazoracRenova vs TetracyclineRenova vs TretinoinRenova vs ZianaZyvox vs BactrimZyvox vs DaptomycinZyvox vs FlagylZyvox vs Penicillin VkZyvox vs Vancomycin
View More

Browse medications

View All

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