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Compare Finacea vs. Clindesse

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 vaginal cream
  • Azelaic acid (Finacea)
    Clindamycin vaginal cream

  • Summary of Finacea vs. Clindesse

    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 vaginal cream is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). It’s available under two brand names, Clindesse and Cleocin, and applied inside the vagina using an applicator. Clindesse is a single-dose treatment used one time, while Cleocin and its generic versions are typically used once a day at bedtime for 3 or 7 days. Common side effects include vaginal irritation and yeast infections.

  • Indications of Finacea vs. Clindesse

    Indications for
    •Treatment of papules and pustules in adults with mild-to-moderate rosacea
    Indications for
    •Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

  • Pros and Cons of Finacea vs. Clindesse

    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
    •Applied directly in the vagina to treat the problem where it is
    •Easy to apply using the applicator
    •Available as both single-dose (Clindesse) and multi-day (Cleocin) options
    Cons
    •Can cause yeast infections
    •Can't use condoms, diaphragms, or tampons for several days after finishing treatment
    •Possible irritation or discomfort

  • Common Side Effects of Finacea vs. Clindesse

    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

    Clindesse:

    •Vaginal yeast infection (14%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Back pain (5%)
    •Constipation (2%)
    •Urinary tract infection (2%)

    Cleocin and its generics:

    •Vaginal yeast infection (8-14%)
    •Vaginal irritation (4-6%)
    •Vaginal problems (3-5%)

  • Warnings of Finacea vs. Clindesse

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Finacea vs. Clindesse

    Learn more about Azelaic acid
    Learn more about Clindamycin vaginal cream

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