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Compare Zyvox vs. Cleocin

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

Key takeaways

Linezolid (Zyvox) and Cleocin (clindamycin) are both antibiotics, but they are used to treat different types of infections and come in different forms. Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic available as a tablet, powder for suspension, and injection, and it treats serious bacterial infections like pneumonia and MRSA. It works by stopping bacteria from making proteins, which prevents them from growing. On the other hand, Cleocin is a lincosamide antibiotic used as a vaginal suppository to treat bacterial vaginosis. It also stops bacteria from making proteins but is specifically designed for vaginal use. Linezolid can cause serious side effects like serotonin syndrome and low blood cell counts, while Cleocin can cause vaginal yeast infections and severe diarrhea. Additionally, Cleocin is only available as a brand-name medication, making it potentially more expensive, whereas Linezolid has both brand and generic forms.

  • Linezolid (Zyvox)
    Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository
  • Linezolid (Zyvox)
    Cleocin (clindamycin) vaginal suppository

  • Summary of Zyvox vs. Cleocin

    Summary for Oxazolidinone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Linezolid (Zyvox) is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that's used to treat adults and children with certain bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and skin infections. This antibiotic can help fight hard-to-treat infections caused by certain bacteria, such as MRSA and VRE. Linezolid (Zyvox) is available as a tablet, powder for suspension, and injection. It's typically taken every 8 or 12 hours. Some side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. This antibiotic also has a rare but serious risk for serotonin syndrome from interactions with medications like antidepressants.

    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 Zyvox vs. Cleocin

    Indications for
    •Pneumonia
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis, foot infection related to diabetes)
    •Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) infections
    Indications for
    •Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - vaginal bacterial infection

  • Pros and Cons of Zyvox vs. Cleocin

    Pros and Const for Oxazolidinone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Good choice for treating infections caused by resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE
    •Available as a tablet, powder for suspension, and injection
    •Can be used in people with kidney or liver problems
    Cons
    •Need to take every 8 or 12 hours, depending on your age and infection
    •Can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with other medications that affect serotonin levels in the body
    •Interacts with some foods, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and pickled foods
    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 Zyvox vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Headache (6%)

    Children

    •Diarrhea (11%)
    •Vomiting (9%)
    •Anemia (low red blood cell count; 6%)
    •Low platelets (up to 5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal irritation (3%)
    •Vaginal pain (2%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (2%)

  • Warnings of Zyvox vs. Cleocin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Nerve and eye damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)
    •Seizures
    •Low blood sugar
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - powder for suspension form only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Vaginal yeast infections
    •Damage to vaginal contraceptives

  • Prices with our coupons for Zyvox vs. Cleocin

    Learn more about Linezolid
    Learn more about Cleocin

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