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Compare Finacea vs. Cleocin

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

Key takeaways

Azelaic acid (Finacea) and clindamycin (Clindesse) are both prescription medications used to treat skin conditions, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid used topically to treat mild-to-moderate rosacea, while clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used vaginally to treat bacterial infections like bacterial vaginosis. Azelaic acid is available as a gel and foam, applied twice daily, and has a generic version available, making it more affordable. In contrast, clindamycin comes as a cream and gel, with some formulations requiring only a single dose, but only Cleocin has a generic version. Azelaic acid can cause skin irritation, such as burning and dryness, and may lighten skin color, while clindamycin can lead to yeast infections and weaken condoms and diaphragms. Additionally, clindamycin can cause severe diarrhea, especially in those with a history of bowel problems. Both medications require careful use to avoid side effects and interactions with other products.

  • Azelaic acid (Finacea)
    Clindamycin
  • Azelaic acid (Finacea)
    Clindamycin

  • Summary of Finacea vs. Cleocin

    Summary for Dicarboxylic acid
    Prescription only

    Azelaic acid (Finacea) is a dicarboxylic acid. It's a topical medication used to treat mild-to-moderate rosacea in adults. It works by easing skin redness and inflammation. Azelaic acid (Finacea) is applied to the skin twice daily, in the morning and evening. This medication comes as a gel and foam. Some side effects of azelaic acid (Finacea) include mild burning, tingling, and itching. It's available as brand name and generic medications.

    Summary for Lincosamide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Clindamycin is an antibiotic that's used to treat vaginal bacterial infections. It comes as a cream and gel that are inserted into your vagina. Some formulations only have to be used as a single dose, while others require 3 or 7 days of treatment.

  • Indications of Finacea vs. Cleocin

    Indications for
    •Treatment of papules and pustules in adults with mild-to-moderate rosacea
    Indications for
    •Vaginal bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis)

  • Pros and Cons of Finacea vs. Cleocin

    Pros and Const for Dicarboxylic acid
    Pros
    •Available as a gel and foam
    •Applied to the skin; convenient for people who don't like pills
    •Can wear cosmetics after it dries
    Cons
    •Might take months to see improvement
    •Can cause skin irritation, such as burning or dryness
    •Can cause skin color to lighten
    Pros and Const for Lincosamide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Might not cause as many stomach-related side effects as oral medications
    •Some versions are safe to use during pregnancy.
    •Some versions only have to be used once as a single dose.
    •Cleocin comes as a lower-cost generic medication.
    •Clindesse comes in a convenient, prefilled applicator.
    Cons
    •Vaginal application can be uncomfortable for some people.
    •Can cause yeast infections
    •Can't use condoms, diaphragms, or tampons for several days after finishing treatment
    •Single-dose cream and gel are brand-only, so they can be expensive
    •Shouldn't be used if you have bowel problems such as ulcerative colitis

  • Common Side Effects of Finacea vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for

    Finacea foam

    •Pain (6%)
    •Itching (3%)

    Finacea gel

    •Burning, stinging, tingling (4-16%)
    •Itching (1-6%)
    •Scaly or dry skin (1-5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain or discomfort in or around the vulva and vagina
    •Inflammation in or around the vulva and vagina
    •Vaginal yeast infection
    •Headache
    •Back pain

  • Warnings of Finacea vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Loss of skin color
    •Eye and mouth irritation
    •Worsening asthma (gel only)
    •Flammable (foam only)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Damage to condoms and diaphragms
    •Vaginal yeast infections

  • Prices with our coupons for Finacea vs. Cleocin

    Learn more about Azelaic acid
    Learn more about Clindamycin

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