How long does Xaciato (clindamycin) last?

Xaciato (clindamycin) is a one-time use vaginal gel, but it keeps working in your body for a few days after you use it. For most people, it stays in your system for about [2 days](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9780544/#:~:text=dropping%20in%20most%20subjects), though it can take a little longer for some. Even after the dose is given, the medication continues to treat your infection during that time.

What's the difference between Xaciato and Clindesse?

__Xaciato__ and [__Clindesse__](https://www.goodrx.com/clindesse/what-is) are both single-dose treatments for bacterial vaginosis (BV), and they both contain the same active antibiotic (clindamycin). The main difference is how they're made: __Clindesse__ is a *vaginal cream* that sticks to the vaginal walls, while __Xaciato__ is a newer *vaginal gel* that [thickens](https://www.organon.com/news/organons-xaciato-clindamycin-phosphate-vaginal-gel-2-available-nationwide-to-treat-bacterial-vaginosis-bv-in-females-aged-12-and-older/) when it warms up in your body. Both slowly release medication over time to help clear your infection. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about [comparing](https://www.goodrx.com/compare/xaciato-vs-clindesse) the two.

How well does Xaciato (clindamycin) work?

In a [clinical study](https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2022/06000/single_dose,_bioadhesive_clindamycin_2__gel_for.15.aspx), about 70% of people who used Xaciato (clindamycin) were cured of their infection within 3 to 4 weeks. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about how well this medication might work for you.

Who shouldn't use Xaciato (clindamycin)?

Most people can safely use Xaciato (clindamycin). But you shouldn’t use it if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to [clindamycin](https://www.goodrx.com/clindamycin/what-is). It's also not approved for children under 12 years old. Talk to your prescriber before using Xaciato (clindamycin) if you have a history of bowel problems, like [Crohn's disease](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/crohns-disease) or [ulcerative colitis](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/ulcerative-colitis). You should also check with them if you’ve had [severe diarrhea](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/side-effects/which-antibiotics-are-less-likely-to-cause-diarrhea) from antibiotics in the past.

Xaciato

clindamycin

Used for Bacterial Vaginosis

Xaciato (clindamycin) is an antibiotic that's used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women and girls 12 years and older. It comes as a single-dose vaginal gel that you insert with an applicator into the vagina, and you can use it at any time of day. Common side effects include vaginal discomfort and yeast infection.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 13, 2026

What is Xaciato (clindamycin)?

What is Xaciato (clindamycin) used for?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

How Xaciato (clindamycin) works

Xaciato (clindamycin) is a lincosamide antibiotic. It works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow. This helps reduce harmful bacteria in the vagina and restores a more normal balance.

Are you looking for information on clindamycin cream (Clindesse and Cleocin) for BV, clindamycin oral capsule (Cleocin), clindamycin topical products (Cleocin-T) for acne, or Cleocin (clindamycin) suppository instead?

When does Xaciato (clindamycin) start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

Initial effect

WEEKS

Full effect

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common Brands	Xaciato
Drug Class	Lincosamide antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Xaciato

Drug Class

Lincosamide antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Side effects of Xaciato (clindamycin)

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

Yeast infection (17%)
Vaginal discomfort (6%)

Xaciato (clindamycin) serious side effects

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

Severe allergic reactions: hives, rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
Severe diarrhea: stomach cramps, blood in your stool, watery diarrhea that doesn't go away, fever

Source: DailyMed

The following Xaciato (clindamycin) side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Severe diarrhea, fever
Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Vaginal irritation at application site

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Avg retail price

$197.72(Save 65.10%)

$69.00

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Pros and cons of Xaciato (clindamycin)

Pros

Applied directly in the vagina to treat the problem where it is
Only need to use one time
Safe for women and girls 12 years and older

Cons

Can cause yeast infections
Can't use polyurethane condoms, or tampons for several days after finishing treatment
Possible irritation or discomfort

Pharmacist tips for Xaciato (clindamycin)

You can use Xaciato (clindamycin) at any time of day. It comes with a tube of gel and an applicator that you need to fill before use. Follow the instructions to prepare the applicator right before using it.
Don't have vaginal sex or use vaginal products like tampons or douches during treatment and for 3 days after using Xaciato (clindamycin). Doing so can make the medication work less well to treat your infection.
Xaciato (clindamycin) can weaken polyurethane condoms, making them less effective at preventing pregnancy. Avoid using them for at least 7 days after treatment. You can use latex or polyisoprene condoms instead.
Xaciato (clindamycin) can cause vaginal yeast infections as a side effect. Watch for symptoms like itching or thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese and let your prescriber know.

How to use Xaciato (clindamycin)

Wash your hands with soap and water.
Remove the cap, puncture the seal, and attach the applicator. Then squeeze the tube until the plunger reaches the black line.
Lie on your back with your knees bent or in a comfortable position. Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as it will go.
Slowly push the plunger to release the gel. Then remove the applicator and throw it away.

Common questions about Xaciato

Xaciato is a one-time use vaginal gel, but it keeps working in your body for a few days after you use it. For most people, it stays in your system for about 2 days, though it can take a little longer for some. Even after the dose is given, the medication continues to treat your infection during that time.

Xaciato comes as a vaginal gel that you load into a plastic applicator. You insert it into your vagina, similar to how you would use a tampon. Then, push the plunger to release the gel. Afterwards, remove the applicator and throw it away.

Studies of Xaciato show that most infections were cured within 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Your symptoms should start to improve during the first week or two. If your symptoms get worse or don’t go away, contact your prescriber.

Xaciato and Clindesse are both single-dose treatments for bacterial vaginosis (BV), and they both contain the same active antibiotic (clindamycin). The main difference is how they're made: Clindesse is a vaginal cream that sticks to the vaginal walls, while Xaciato is a newer vaginal gel that thickens when it warms up in your body. Both slowly release medication over time to help clear your infection. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about comparing the two.

In a clinical study, about 70% of people who used Xaciato were cured of their infection within 3 to 4 weeks. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about how well this medication might work for you.

Xaciato is a single-dose treatment, so you usually only use it one time for each infection. You shouldn’t use it again unless your prescriber tells you to. If your symptoms come back or don’t improve, talk to your prescriber about what to do next.

Most people can safely use Xaciato. But you shouldn’t use it if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to clindamycin. It's also not approved for children under 12 years old. Talk to your prescriber before using Xaciato if you have a history of bowel problems, like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. You should also check with them if you’ve had severe diarrhea from antibiotics in the past.

Risks and warnings for Xaciato (clindamycin)

Xaciato (clindamycin) 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.

Severe diarrhea

Risk factors: History of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea | Crohn's disease | Ulcerative colitis

Like all antibiotics, Xaciato (clindamycin) can cause diarrhea because it can reduce the helpful bacteria in your gut. In rare cases, this diarrhea is caused by bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which is usually kept under control by your normal gut bacteria. C. diff can spread easily and can lead to diarrhea and serious dehydration, and it can happen even up to 2 months after you stop the medication. Your risk may be higher if you have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

Contact your care team if you have watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, or feel very tired. If you have a C. diff infection, you might need fluids, nutrition support, or specific treatment. In severe cases, surgery may also be needed.

Damage to polyurethane condoms

Xaciato (clindamycin) can weaken polyurethane condoms, so you shouldn’t use them during treatment or for 7 days after. During this time, these condoms might not work well to prevent pregnancy or protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use latex or polyisoprene condoms instead.

Yeast infections

Using Xaciato (clindamycin) can raise your risk for vaginal yeast infections. Let your prescriber know if you have redness, pain, or burning around your vagina, or thick, white vaginal discharge. These could be signs of a yeast infection, and you might need treatment.

Xaciato (clindamycin) dosage

The average cost for 1 tube of 8g of 2% of Xaciato (clindamycin) is $69.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 65.10% off the average retail price of $197.72.

Tube of gel

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
8g of 2%	1 tube	$69.00	$69.00

Typical dosage for Xaciato (clindamycin)

The typical dose is to insert 1 applicatorful (100 mg of clindamycin) into the vagina once at any time of the day.

How much does Xaciato (clindamycin) cost?

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Xaciato (brand)

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$69.00

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Xaciato (clindamycin) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Xaciato (clindamycin) will not be safe for you to take.