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.
