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Compare Ziana vs. Cleocin

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

Key takeaways

Ziana (clindamycin/tretinoin) and Cleocin (clindamycin) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and have different forms. Ziana is a combination of clindamycin, an antibiotic, and tretinoin, a retinoic acid derivative, and is used topically to treat acne in people over 12 years old. It comes in a gel form and is applied once daily at bedtime. On the other hand, Cleocin is used to treat vaginal bacterial infections and comes as a vaginal suppository. Cleocin is only available as a brand-name medication, while Ziana has a generic version available. Ziana can take up to 12 weeks to show improvement in acne, whereas Cleocin is typically used for just 3 days to treat infections. Additionally, Ziana can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, while Cleocin can cause yeast infections and weaken condoms and diaphragms. Both medications can cause severe diarrhea, especially in people with a history of bowel problems.

  • Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin)
    Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository
  • Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin)
    Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository

  • Summary of Ziana vs. Cleocin

    Summary for Lincosamide antibiotic / Retinoic acid derivative
    Prescription only

    Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) is a combination medication used to treat acne in people over 12 years old. While side effects are mild for most people, it can take up to 12 weeks to see improvement.

    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 Ziana vs. Cleocin

    Indications for
    •Acne
    Indications for
    •Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - vaginal bacterial infection

  • Pros and Cons of Ziana vs. Cleocin

    Pros and Const for Lincosamide antibiotic / Retinoic acid derivative
    Pros
    •Works well with mild side effects
    •Only needs to be applied once a day
    •Might work when other acne treatments have failed
    •Easier to use a combination gel instead of two separate medications to treat acne
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks to work
    •Your acne might look worse when you first start it.
    •Not safe to use if you have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or inflammation of your intestines
    •Can be expensive even though a generic is available
    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 Ziana vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin redness (26-35%)
    •Scaly skin (13-17%)
    •Itchy skin (4-10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal irritation (3%)
    •Vaginal pain (2%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (2%)

  • Warnings of Ziana vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for
    •SEVERE DIARRHEA
    •SUNBURNS
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Vaginal yeast infections
    •Damage to vaginal contraceptives

  • Prices with our coupons for Ziana vs. Cleocin

    Learn more about Ziana
    Learn more about Cleocin

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