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Compare Clindamycin vs. Augmentin

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

Key takeaways

Clindamycin (Cleocin) and Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including skin and lower respiratory tract infections. However, they belong to different medication classes. Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic, while Augmentin combines a penicillin antibiotic with a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Clindamycin is available in oral capsules, liquid, and injection forms, and is typically taken three to four times a day. Augmentin comes in tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid suspension, usually taken two to three times daily. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable. Common side effects of clindamycin include stomach upset, itching, and rash, while Augmentin may cause diarrhea, nausea, and rash. Both medications can cause serious allergic reactions and *Clostridioides difficile* (C. diff) infections, but Augmentin also carries a risk of liver damage. Clindamycin can be used if you have a penicillin allergy, whereas Augmentin should be avoided if you have a severe penicillin allergy.

  • Clindamycin (Cleocin)
    Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
  • Clindamycin (Cleocin)
    Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)

  • Summary of Clindamycin vs. Augmentin

    Summary for Lincosamide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Clindamycin (Cleocin) is a lincosamide antibiotic that's used to treat many different serious bacterial infections, such as strep throat and skin infections. This antibiotic is approved for use in both adults and children. Clindamycin (Cleocin) is available as a capsule and liquid that are taken 3 or 4 times per day, depending on your age and your infection. It's also available as an injection that's given by a healthcare professional. Side effects include stomach upset, itching, and rash.

    Summary for Penicillin antibiotic / Beta-lactamase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is an antibiotic medication. It contains a penicillin and a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This antibiotic treats many types of bacterial infections, like urinary tract infection (UTI), sinus infection, and ear infection, among others. It fights infections by preventing bacteria from protecting themselves from harm. This medication comes as tablets, chewable tablets, and a suspension that are taken by mouth typically two to three times daily. It's approved for use in adults and children. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.

  • Indications of Clindamycin vs. Augmentin

    Indications for
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)
    •Stomach infections
    •Pelvic and genital tract infections
    •Bloodstream infections
    •Bone and joint infections - injection form only
    Indications for
    •Ear infections
    •Sinus infections
    •Lower respiratory tract infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Pros and Cons of Clindamycin vs. Augmentin

    Pros and Const for Lincosamide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Can treat many different infections throughout the body
    •Available as lower-cost generic capsule, liquid, and injection
    •Can take if you have a penicillin allergy
    Cons
    •Might need to take three or four times per day
    •Must take capsules with a full glass of water to prevent irritation to your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach)
    •Risk of causing a type of infectious diarrhea
    Pros and Const for Penicillin antibiotic / Beta-lactamase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections in children and adults
    •Available as a tablet, chewable tablet, and oral suspension
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Safe to use while pregnant and while breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Typically need to take 2 or 3 times daily
    •Might not be able to take this antibiotic if you've had a severe penicillin allergy
    •Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

  • Common Side Effects of Clindamycin vs. Augmentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach pain
    •Skin rash
    •Itching
    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets, chewable tablets, and suspension

    •Diarrhea or loose stools (9%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Skin rash (3%)

    Extended-release tablets

    •Diarrhea (15%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (3%)

    Augmentin ES-600 (amoxicillin / clavulanate) suspension

    •Vomiting (7%)
    •Fever (6%)
    •Rash (6%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)

  • Warnings of Clindamycin vs. Augmentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Liver problems
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - for chewable tablets and suspension

  • Prices with our coupons for Clindamycin vs. Augmentin

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