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Clindamycin vs. Azithromycin

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

Key takeaways

Clindamycin (Cleocin) and azithromycin (Zithromax) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including skin infections and pneumonia. However, they belong to different medication classes: clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic, while azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Clindamycin is available in oral capsules, liquid, and injection forms, and is typically taken three to four times a day. In contrast, azithromycin is taken once daily, often for a shorter duration of 3 to 5 days, and is available as tablets and liquid. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of clindamycin include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, while azithromycin can cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Both medications can lead to serious allergic reactions and *Clostridioides difficile* (C. diff) infections, but azithromycin also carries a risk of heart rhythm problems and liver damage. Clindamycin interacts with medications like warfarin, while azithromycin can interact with warfarin, antiarrhythmics and statins.

Clindamycin

(Cleocin)

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Azithromycin

(Zithromax)

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Summary for Clindamycin

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.

Indications for Clindamycin

Pros and Cons for Clindamycin

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

Common Side Effects for Clindamycin

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Skin rash
  • Itching

Warnings for Clindamycin

  • Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Development of drug-resistant bacteria

Summary for Azithromycin

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 for Azithromycin

Adults

Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

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 for Azithromycin

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 for Azithromycin

Adults

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

Children

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

Warnings for Azithromycin

  • 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 Clindamycin vs. Azithromycin

Price Card Drug Icon
Clindamycin30 capsules / 300mg
$16.95-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Azithromycin1 z-pak / 6 tablets of 250mg
$9.38$35.99
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