Clindamycin vs. Tretinoin for Acne: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Clindamycin

(Cleocin)

Retin-A

(tretinoin)

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

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

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

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

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 Tretinoin

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 for Tretinoin

Acne

Pros and Cons for Tretinoin

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 for Tretinoin

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 for Tretinoin

Sunburns
Skin irritation in extreme weather
Skin reactions

Prices with our coupons for Clindamycin vs. Tretinoin

Clindamycin21 capsules / 300mg

$14.57-

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Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%

$30.15$96.58

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Clindamycin vs. Tretinoin

Clindamycin

Retin-A

Summary for Clindamycin

Indications for Clindamycin

Pros and Cons for Clindamycin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clindamycin

Warnings for Clindamycin

Summary for Tretinoin

Indications for Tretinoin

Pros and Cons for Tretinoin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tretinoin

Warnings for Tretinoin

Prices with our coupons for Clindamycin vs. Tretinoin

Compare other Acne drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Clindamycin

Retin-A

Summary for Clindamycin

Indications for Clindamycin

Pros and Cons for Clindamycin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clindamycin

Warnings for Clindamycin

Summary for Tretinoin

Indications for Tretinoin

Pros and Cons for Tretinoin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tretinoin

Warnings for Tretinoin