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Compare Erythromycin vs. Clindamycin

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

Key takeaways

Erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S.) and clindamycin (Cleocin) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including skin and respiratory infections. However, they belong to different medication classes: erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, while clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic. Erythromycin is available as oral tablets and suspension, whereas clindamycin is available as oral capsules, liquid, and an injectable form. Erythromycin is also used off-label for gastroparesis, while clindamycin is not. Erythromycin can cause stomach-related side effects like nausea and diarrhea, and it interacts with many medications, including some that affect heart rhythm. Clindamycin can also cause diarrhea, and it may also cause a metallic taste in. the mouth. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Erythromycin
    Clindamycin (Cleocin)
  • Erythromycin
    Clindamycin (Cleocin)

  • Summary of Erythromycin vs. Clindamycin

    Summary for Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Erythromycin is an antibiotic that's used to treat a variety of infections caused by bacteria, including certain skin and respiratory infections. The dosage depends on the specific infection you're using it for. The most common side effects are related to the stomach, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Erythromycin comes in two forms that are taken by mouth: oral tablets and an oral suspension.

    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.

  • Indications of Erythromycin vs. Clindamycin

    Indications for
    •Respiratory infections (including upper respiratory tract infection and lower respiratory tract infection)
    •Listeria infection
    •Skin infections
    •Pertussis (whooping cough)
    •Diphtheria infection
    •Intestinal amebiasis
    •Sexually-transmitted infections, STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis)
    •Legionnaires’ Disease
    •Prevention of rheumatic fever
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Erythromycin vs. Clindamycin

    Pros and Const for Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of infections
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •EES is available as an oral tablet or oral suspension
    Cons
    •Commonly causes nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Has to be taken multiple times a day
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Erythromycin vs. Clindamycin

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

  • Warnings of Erythromycin vs. Clindamycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Life-threatening changes in your heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Syphilis in infants
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Worsening of myasthenia gravis
    •Intestinal blockage in babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria

  • Prices with our coupons for Erythromycin vs. Clindamycin

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    Learn more about Clindamycin

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