Key takeaways
Cleocin (clindamycin) and Metrogel (metronidazole) are both antibiotics, but they are used for different conditions and come in different forms. Cleocin (clindamycin) is a lincosamide antibiotic used as a vaginal suppository to treat bacterial vaginosis, while Metrogel (metronidazole) is a nitroimidazole antibiotic used topically to treat rosacea, a type of adult acne. Cleocin is only available as a brand-name medication, making it potentially more expensive, whereas Metrogel is available in generic forms, which can be more affordable. Cleocin is typically used once daily for 3 days, whereas Metrogel needs to be applied daily and may take 3-4 weeks to show significant improvement. Cleocin can cause local side effects like vaginal irritation and yeast infections, while Metrogel can cause skin dryness, stinging, and irritation. Additionally, Cleocin should not be used with tampons or during vaginal sex, as it can weaken condoms and diaphragms, whereas Metrogel allows for the use of makeup and moisturizers.
