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Compare Keflex vs. Cleocin

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

Key takeaways

Cephalexin (generic name) and Clindesse (brand name for clindamycin) are both antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections and are used in different ways. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic taken orally to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. It is available in generic forms as capsules, tablets, and liquid suspensions. On the other hand, Clindesse is a lincosamide antibiotic used vaginally to treat bacterial vaginosis. It comes as a cream or gel, with some formulations requiring only a single dose. While cephalexin can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, Clindesse might cause local side effects such as pain or discomfort around the vulva and vagina, and it can also lead to yeast infections. Additionally, Clindesse can weaken condoms and diaphragms, making them less effective. Cephalexin is generally safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, whereas only certain formulations of clindamycin are approved for use during pregnancy.

  • Cephalexin
    Clindamycin
  • Cephalexin
    Clindamycin

  • Summary of Keflex vs. Cleocin

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cephalexin is a common antibiotic that's used to treat many different bacterial infections including urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and sinus infections, to name a few. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria to fight the infection. It's safe to use in people over the age of 1, and it's typically taken by mouth 2 to 4 times per day. This medication is available as a lower-cost generic capsule, tablet, and suspension; the brand name Keflex is no longer available. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

    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 Keflex vs. Cleocin

    Indications for
    •Respiratory tract infections
    •Ear infections
    •Skin infections
    •Bone infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Reproductive system infections
    Indications for
    •Vaginal bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis)

  • Pros and Cons of Keflex vs. Cleocin

    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats several common types of bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children over the age of 1
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Usually need to take a few times per day
    •Might not be able to take if you're allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •Not recommended for the cold or flu (these are viral illnesses, not bacterial infections)
    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 Keflex vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Indigestion
    •Stomach pain
    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 Keflex vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Damage to condoms and diaphragms
    •Vaginal yeast infections

  • Prices with our coupons for Keflex vs. Cleocin

    Learn more about Cephalexin
    Learn more about Clindamycin

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