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Compare Vancocin vs. Cleocin

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

Key takeaways

Vancocin (vancomycin) and Cleocin (clindamycin) are both antibiotics, but they are used to treat different types of infections and come in different forms. Vancocin (vancomycin) is a glycopeptide antibiotic taken orally to treat severe gut infections like *Clostridioides difficile* (C. diff) diarrhea and *Staphylococcus aureus* (S. aureus) enterocolitis. It is available in both capsule and liquid forms and needs to be taken multiple times a day. On the other hand, Cleocin (clindamycin) is a lincosamide antibiotic used vaginally to treat bacterial vaginosis. It comes as a suppository and is typically used once daily for three days. While Vancocin (vancomycin) is available as a generic medication, Cleocin (clindamycin) is only available as a brand-name medication, making it more expensive. Vancocin (vancomycin) can cause side effects like nausea and stomach pain, whereas Cleocin (clindamycin) can cause vaginal irritation and yeast infections. Additionally, Cleocin (clindamycin) can weaken condoms and diaphragms, so you should avoid using these barrier methods for a few days after treatment.

  • Vancomycin (Vancocin)
    Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository
  • Vancomycin (Vancocin)
    Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository

  • Summary of Vancocin vs. Cleocin

    Summary for Glycopeptide
    Prescription only

    Vancomycin (Vancocin) is an antibiotic medication that's used to treat Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) diarrhea and certain severe gut infections in both adults and children. Vancomycin (Vancocin) is taken by mouth, typically 3 to 4 times a day. It's available as both oral capsules and a liquid. Common side effects of vancomycin (Vancocin) include nausea and stomach pain.

    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 Vancocin vs. Cleocin

    Indications for
    •Infectious diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)
    •Gut inflammation (enterocolitis) caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)
    Indications for
    •Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - vaginal bacterial infection

  • Pros and Cons of Vancocin vs. Cleocin

    Pros and Const for Glycopeptide
    Pros
    •Available in a liquid form (Firvanq) for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
    •First-line of treatment for C. diff diarrhea
    •Both oral capsules and solutions are available as lower-cost generic medications
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Can raise the risk of kidney damage
    •Can cause nausea as a side effect
    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 Vancocin vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (17%)
    •Stomach pain (15%)
    •Low blood potassium levels (13%)
    •Vomiting (9%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Fever (9%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal irritation (3%)
    •Vaginal pain (2%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (2%)

  • Warnings of Vancocin vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of side effects
    •Kidney problems
    •Hearing problems
    •Severe skin reactions
    •Serious allergic reactions (tablets only)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Vaginal yeast infections
    •Damage to vaginal contraceptives

  • Prices with our coupons for Vancocin vs. Cleocin

    Learn more about Vancomycin
    Learn more about Cleocin

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