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Compare Cleocin vs. Penicillin

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

Key takeaways

Clindamycin (Cleocin) and penicillin (Penicillin VK) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and treat different infections. Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used for serious infections of the skin, stomach, and lungs, and it is safe for those allergic to penicillin. It must be taken every 6 to 8 hours and carries a risk of severe diarrhea and skin rash. Penicillin VK is a penicillin antibiotic primarily used for strep infections, pneumonia, and certain types of staph infections. It is taken every 6 to 8 hours and is often the first choice for strep infections, but many bacteria are now resistant to it. Unlike clindamycin, penicillin VK is usually cheaper and has fewer side effects, but it is not suitable for those allergic to penicillin or cephalosporins. Both medications should be taken for the full course, even if you start to feel better, to prevent resistance.

  • Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository
    Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)
  • Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository
    Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)

  • Summary of Cleocin vs. Penicillin

    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 Penicillin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is an antibiotic used to treat several types of infections throughout the body in adults and children. It's available as tablets and suspension that are taken by mouth. The dosage depends on the type of infection you have and how severe it is, but the medication is typically taken every 6 to 12 hours. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

  • Indications of Cleocin vs. Penicillin

    Indications for
    •Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - vaginal bacterial infection
    Indications for
    •Certain types of streptococcal infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, strep throat, scarlet fever, erysipelas (a type of skin infection)
    •Pneumococcal respiratory tract infections
    •Staphylococcal skin infections
    •Vincent's gingivitis
    •Prevention of rheumatic fever or chorea (long-term problems from strep infection)
    •Prevention of heart valve infections in certain people with heart problems

  • Pros and Cons of Cleocin vs. Penicillin

    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 Penicillin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many different bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a tablet and suspension
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillin
    •Not recommended for treating a cold or the flu because these are viral infections
    •Needs to be taken every 6 to 8 hours

  • Common Side Effects of Cleocin vs. Penicillin

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

  • Warnings of Cleocin vs. Penicillin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Vaginal yeast infections
    •Damage to vaginal contraceptives
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria

  • Prices with our coupons for Cleocin vs. Penicillin

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    Learn more about Penicillin v potassium

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