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Compare Clindamycin vs. Tretinoin

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

  • Clindamycin (Cleocin)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)
  • Clindamycin (Cleocin)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Clindamycin vs. Tretinoin

    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 Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

  • Indications of Clindamycin vs. Tretinoin

    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
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Clindamycin vs. Tretinoin

    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 Retinoid
    Pros
    •Easy to apply onto your skin
    •Only need to apply once nightly
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
    •Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
    •Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

  • Common Side Effects of Clindamycin vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach pain
    •Skin rash
    •Itching
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin peeling or discomfort
    •Warm feeling or stinging after applying
    •Skin redness
    •Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
    •Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

  • Warnings of Clindamycin vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburns
    •Skin irritation in extreme weather
    •Skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Clindamycin vs. Tretinoin

    Learn more about Clindamycin
    Learn more about Retin-a

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