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Compare Cleocin vs. Zithromax

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

Key takeaways

Cleocin (clindamycin) and Zithromax (azithromycin) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and treat different types of infections. Cleocin (clindamycin) is a lincosamide antibiotic used as a vaginal suppository to treat bacterial vaginosis, while Zithromax (azithromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic taken orally to treat various infections like strep throat, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Cleocin (clindamycin) is only available as a brand-name medication, making it more expensive, whereas Zithromax (azithromycin) is available as a lower-cost generic. Cleocin (clindamycin) is typically used for a short 3-day course, while Zithromax (azithromycin) treatment can last from 3 to 5 days depending on the infection. Cleocin (clindamycin) can cause local side effects like vaginal irritation and yeast infections, whereas Zithromax (azithromycin) can cause stomach-related side effects like diarrhea and nausea. Additionally, Zithromax (azithromycin) has potential risks for heart rhythm problems and liver damage, which are not associated with Cleocin (clindamycin).

  • Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)
  • Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Summary of Cleocin vs. Zithromax

    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 Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a macrolide antibiotic. It's used to treat many types of infections in children and adults, including strep throat, sinus infection, and pneumonia. Azithromycin (Zithromax) is taken by mouth once daily. Typically, the length of treatment ranges from 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of infection you have. For convenience, azithromycin (Zithromax) also comes pre-packaged as Z-Pak. Some of the more common side effects of azithromycin (Zithromax) include diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.

  • Indications of Cleocin vs. Zithromax

    Indications for
    •Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - vaginal bacterial infection
    Indications for

    Adults

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a bacterial infection
    •Bronchitis
    •Sinus infections
    •Pneumonia
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Urethra or cervix infections
    •Genital ulcer disease (chancroid)

    Children

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Ear infections (ages 6 months and older)
    •Pneumonia (ages 6 months and older)
    •Strep throat (ages 2 years and older)
    •Tonsil infections (ages 2 years and older)

  • Pros and Cons of Cleocin vs. Zithromax

    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 Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Treatment typically lasts only 3 to 5 days
    •Comes as a liquid; good option for people who've trouble swallowing tablets
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might not be the best choice for people with severe liver problems or certain heart problems
    •Can cause stomach-related side effects, like diarrhea and stomach pain
    •Some bugs might be resistant to azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Common Side Effects of Cleocin vs. Zithromax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal irritation (3%)
    •Vaginal pain (2%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (2%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Diarrhea (4-5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Stomach pain (2-3%)

    Children

    •Diarrhea (2-6%)
    •Vomiting (1-6%)
    •Stomach pain (1-3%)

  • Warnings of Cleocin vs. Zithromax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Vaginal yeast infections
    •Damage to vaginal contraceptives
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Liver damage
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Possible higher risk of death from heart problems
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Worsening of certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis)
    •Doesn't treat syphilis

  • Prices with our coupons for Cleocin vs. Zithromax

    Learn more about Cleocin
    Learn more about Azithromycin

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