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Flagyl vs. Cleocin

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

Key takeaways

Metronidazole (Flagyl) and Cleocin (clindamycin) are both antibiotics, but they have some key differences. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a nitroimidazole antibiotic taken orally to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections, including trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. It is available as a lower-cost generic. In contrast, Cleocin (clindamycin) is a lincosamide antibiotic used vaginally as a suppository to treat bacterial vaginosis and is only available as a brand-name medication, making it more expensive. Metronidazole (Flagyl) can cause serious interactions with alcohol and has a broader range of side effects, including headache, nausea, and metallic taste. Cleocin (clindamycin) can cause vaginal irritation or lead to vaginal yeast infections and damage to condoms and diaphragms. Additionally, Cleocin (clindamycin) is typically used for a shorter duration (3 days) compared to the varying courses for metronidazole (Flagyl).

Metronidazole

(Flagyl)

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Cleocin

(clindamycin)

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Summary for Flagyl

Prescription only

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an oral antibiotic for adults and children. It's used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (a type of vaginal bacteria infection) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection, or STI). Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking and for 3 days after stopping metronidazole (Flagyl) because this combination can cause a serious reaction. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is available as a lower-cost generic.

Indications for Flagyl

Treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including:

Pros and Cons for Flagyl

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Can be used to treat different types of bacterial infection
  • Immediate-release formulations can be taken with or without food

Cons

Common Side Effects for Flagyl

Please note: These are common side effects reported by people who took extended-release metronidazole (Flagyl)

  • Headache (18%)
  • Inflammation of the vagina (15%)
  • Nausea (10%)
  • Metallic taste (9%)
  • Flu-like symptoms (6%)

Warnings for Flagyl

  • Possible risk of cancer
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Brain and nerve problems
  • Liver and kidney problems
  • Risk of fungal infection
  • Risk of drug resistance
  • Lower white blood cell counts
  • Interaction with other medications

Summary for Cleocin

Prescription only

Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal ovule is an antibiotic suppository that treats bacterial vaginosis (BV), a type of vaginal infection. This medication can be prescribed for adults or adolescent females who've started their menstrual periods. But it's not approved for people who are pregnant. Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository is inserted vaginally once daily, typically at bedtime, for 3 days. Side effects aren't common, but can include vaginal discomfort, such as irritation and pain.

Indications for Cleocin

Pros and Cons for Cleocin

Pros

  • Only used once a day
  • Typically only used for 3 days
  • Applicator can be washed and reused for each insertion
  • Can be inserted without using an applicator

Cons

  • Vaginal application can be uncomfortable for some people
  • Might cause vaginal yeast infections
  • Can't use condoms, diaphragms, or tampons during and up to 3 days after treatment
  • Recommended to use at bedtime to prevent medication from leaking

Common Side Effects for Cleocin

Warnings for Cleocin

  • Severe diarrhea
  • Vaginal yeast infections
  • Damage to vaginal contraceptives

Prices with our coupons for Flagyl vs. Cleocin

Price Card Drug Icon
Metronidazole14 tablets / 500mg
$10.42$35.79
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Price Card Drug Icon
Clindamycin30 capsules / 300mg
$16.77$50.48
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