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Compare Tetracycline vs. Cleocin

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

Key takeaways

Tetracycline and Cleocin (clindamycin) are both antibiotics, but they have different uses and forms. Tetracycline is a tetracycline antibiotic available as a generic oral capsule, used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, UTIs, and severe acne. It needs to be taken multiple times a day and can cause stomach issues and teeth staining in young children. On the other hand, Cleocin (clindamycin) is a lincosamide antibiotic available only as a brand-name vaginal suppository, used specifically for treating bacterial vaginosis. It is typically used once daily for three days and might cause local side effects like vaginal irritation and yeast infections. Unlike tetracycline, Cleocin (clindamycin) should not be used with tampons or during vaginal sex, as it can weaken condoms and diaphragms. Additionally, Cleocin (clindamycin) is not recommended for people with certain bowel problems.

  • Tetracycline
    Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository
  • Tetracycline
    Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository

  • Summary of Tetracycline vs. Cleocin

    Summary for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat many types of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It's also sometimes used to fight acne-causing bacteria. Tetracycline is available as a lower-cost generic capsule that's safe for adults and children over 8 years of age to take. The dosage is taken multiple times a day. Tetracycline can cause unpleasant stomach side effects. There's also a risk of teeth staining in young children whose teeth are still growing.

    Summary for Lincosamide antibiotic
    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 of Tetracycline vs. Cleocin

    Indications for
    •Bacterial skin infections
    •Severe acne
    •Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs
    •Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, syphilis)
    •Urinary tract infections (UTI)
    •Rickettsial infections (usually from ticks, fleas, or mites), such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus fever
    •Other less common bacterial infections
    Indications for
    •Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - vaginal bacterial infection

  • Pros and Cons of Tetracycline vs. Cleocin

    Pros and Const for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats a wide range of bacterial infections, including acne
    •Good option for people with penicillin allergies
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Safe to use in children over the age of 8
    Cons
    •Need to take multiple times a day for most infections
    •Can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight
    •Interacts with certain antacids and dairy products, such as milk
    •Not safe for use in pregnancy or young children
    Pros and Const for Lincosamide antibiotic
    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 of Tetracycline vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach pain or discomfort
    •Loss of appetite
    •Skin rash
    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal irritation (3%)
    •Vaginal pain (2%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (2%)

  • Warnings of Tetracycline vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Color changes to teeth
    •Severe infectious diarrhea
    •Sensitivity to sunlight
    •High pressure around the brain
    •Harm to unborn and young babies
    •Possible kidney and liver damage in people with kidney problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Vaginal yeast infections
    •Damage to vaginal contraceptives

  • Prices with our coupons for Tetracycline vs. Cleocin

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