clindamycin

Generic Cleocin T

Used for Acne

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) is a topical antibiotic that is used to treat mild to moderate acne. When combined with other acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids like Retin-A, it can work quite well to treat acne. It's also available in many different formulations like lotion, gel, and solution.

Reviewed by:

Sean Moshrefi, PharmD

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on July 16, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Clindamycin (Cleocin-T)?

What is Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) used for?

Acne

How Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) works

Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) is an antibiotic. It treats acne by stopping acne-causing bacteria from growing and reproducing.

When does Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

Initial effect

MONTHS

Full effect

Drug facts

Common BrandsCleocin-T, Clindacin-P, Clindagel, Evoclin

Drug ClassLincosamide antibiotic

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Side effects of Clindamycin (Cleocin-T)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Skin irritation
Dryness
Redness
Peeling
Burning
Oily skin
Skin that's sensitive to the sun

Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Allergic reaction
Severe diarrhea or stomach discomfort

When do Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

HHOURS

DDAYS

WWEEKS

MMONTHS

Skin that's sensitive to the sun

If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Abdominal or stomach cramps, pain, and bloating (severe)

diarrhea (watery and severe), which may also be bloody

fever

increased thirst

nausea or vomiting

unusual tiredness or weakness

weight loss (unusual)—these side effects may also occur up to several weeks after you stop using this medicine

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Skin rash, itching, redness, swelling, or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medicine

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Dryness, scaliness, or peeling of skin (for the topical solution)

Less common

Abdominal pain

diarrhea (mild)

headache

irritation or oiliness of skin

stinging or burning feeling of skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Avg retail price

$52.60(Save 74.62%)

GoodRx discount

$13.35

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Pros and cons of Clindamycin (Cleocin-T)

Pros

Available in generic form
Comes in different formulations (gel, solution, lotion, foam, swabs) to fit your lifestyle and perference
Works well for the kind of acne that causes large, red, and swollen pimples
Usually the first choice acne treatment for mild to moderate acne
There are prescription medications available that contain clindamycin combined with other popular acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or retinoid.

Cons

You will most likely have to use another acne medication along with clindamycin (Cleocin-T) since it doesn't work as well by itself.
It's only preferred for mild to moderate acne. If you have severe acne, your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe an oral medication.
If you only have comedonal acne (small skin-colored bumps on the skin) without any red, swollen pimples, your healthcare provider may give you a different medication.
Topical clindamycin (Cleocin-T) won't cure your acne, but it will help keep your acne under control.
You may need to use this medication for many weeks until you see your acne get better.

Pharmacist tips for Clindamycin (Cleocin-T)

Clean the affected area with mild soap and allow it to dry before applying clindamycin (Cleocin-T).
If you are using the lotion, shake it well before using it.
If you are using the swabs or pledgets, keep the jar closed when you're not using the medication to prevent them from drying out. Throw away each swab after using to prevent contamination and infection.
Wash your hands before and after using it.
Don't spray the foam product into your hands or face because the foam will melt. Spray the foam into the clear cap that came with the product. Your pharmacist can show you how to use and apply the foam product correctly.
Avoid using other harsh skin products that can further dry or irritate your skin.
Use sunscreen or wear a hat when you go out. Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Be sure to avoid sunlamps and tanning booths too.
Include a moisturizer in your skin regimen to help get rid of any dryness. Speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need help choosing the best moisturizer for your skin.

Common questions about Clindamycin (Cleocin-T)

Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) is an antibiotic that's used to treat bacterial infections. It can also be used topically (on the skin) to treat acne.

Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) is considered a first choice acne treatment for people who have mild to moderate acne. Your healthcare provider may prescribe clindamycin (Cleocin-T) by itself or may give you other medications as well for your acne.

Yes, you can apply clindamycin (Cleocin-T) on your face.

You may continue to wear makeup while you are using clindamycin (Cleocin-T) for acne. Make sure you allow the medication to completely dry before putting on makeup. It's also best to only use "water-based" makeup so it doesn't clog your pores.

Treatment with clindamycin (Cleocin-T) may take up to several weeks to months before you notice any improvement. You should continue using this medication for as long as your healthcare provider tells you to. If you don't see any improvement after this time, your provider may give you other medications to help with your acne.

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Risks and warnings for Clindamycin (Cleocin-T)

Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

SKIN IRRITATION

Risk factors: Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin | Eczema | Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)

Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) may cause skin redness, burning, and peeling. Speak to your healthcare provider if the irritation is bothersome or doesn't go away.

SEVERE DIARRHEA AND STOMACH CRAMPS

Risk factors: Using clindamycin (Cleocin-T) for a long time

In some rare cases, clindamycin (Cleocin-T) can raise your chances of getting a serious and life-threatening bacterial infection. This is less likely to happen than if you were taking an oral antibiotic. If you have diarrhea with bloody stools and/or get severe stomach cramps while using clindamycin (Cleocin-T), talk to your healthcare provider right away. In some cases, this infection can develop even several weeks after you have stopped using the medication.

SUN SENSITIVITY

While on clindamycin (Cleocin-T), you'll be more sensitive to the sun and may sunburn more easily. Try to stay out of the sun, and use high SPF sunscreen and hats even if there's no sun out while using clindamycin (Cleocin-T).

Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) dosage

The average cost for 1 tube of 60g of 1% of Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) is $17.94 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 84.09% off the average retail price of $112.77.

Bottle of lotion

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
60ml of 1%	1 bottle	$27.51	$27.51

Bottle of topical solution

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
60ml of 1%	1 bottle	$19.30	$19.30
30ml of 1%	1 bottle	$13.35	$13.35

Carton

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
60 pledgets of 1%	1 carton	$25.16	$25.16

Tube of gel

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
30g of 1%	1 tube	$14.19	$14.19
60g of 1%	1 tube	$17.94	$17.94

Typical dosage for Clindamycin (Cleocin-T)

Apply a thin layer one to two times a day on the skin where acne appears. Use enough to cover the entire affected area lightly.

Interactions between Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) and other drugs

Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Clindamycin (Cleocin-T). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Cholera Vaccine, Live
Erythromycin

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.