Compare Cleocin vs. Erygel
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats acne.
Cleocin (clindamycin) is proven to be effective at treating acne when combined with another acne medicine and is available in a variety of formulations.
●●●●●
3.5/ 5 average rating with 115 reviewsforCleocin
Topical treatment for acne.
Akne-Mycin (Erythromycin) is a very common acne treatment you apply to the skin that may work better when combined with other topical medicines.
●●●●●
3.4/ 5 average rating with 93 reviewsforErygel
Upsides
- Available in generic.
- Comes in different formulations (gel, solution, lotion, foam) to fit your preferences.
- Works well for the kind of acne that causes large, red, and swollen pimples.
- Applying erythromycin to the skin reduces the amount of acne bacteria and "calms" the skin down (lowers the inflammatory response) in acne.
- Available in a gel formulation which may be better if your skin is very oily.
- Better choice if you're pregnant. erythromycin is categorized as pregnancy Category B (likely safe) as compared to similar topical medicines that are Category C (weigh risks vs benefits).
Downsides
- Foam formulation can cause headaches.
- You will likely have to use another acne medicine along with Cleocin (clindamycin) since it is not as effective by itself.
- Is only preferred for mild to moderate acne. If you have severe acne your doctor 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 doctor may give you an alternative medicine.
- There's a risk of irritation with anything you apply to your skin and this is no different. erythromycin, like other topical antibiotics, can cause skin irritation and may appear as redness, peeling, abnormal dryness or stinging, tightening, or burning sensations.
- It's rare, that a serious allergic reaction would occur, but it's a good idea to test a small area of skin before using on any larger or sensitive areas
- Studies show it works better when combined with other topical medicines to fight acne and reduce the risk of it losing its effectiveness over time.
- Can cause severe inflammation of the large intestine (pseudomembranous colitis)
- Stop using if you don't notice any improvement in your acne after 6-8 weeks. The most time you can use it is three months.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Gel
- Foam
- Solution
- Lotion
- Cream, gel, or ointment
- Topical solution
Price
Lowest price
$101.42
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$51.74
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
115 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Cleocin (clindamycin)?
Leave a review93 reviews so far
46%
saidit'sworth it
34%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Akne-Mycin (Erythromycin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
9possible side effects
- Dryness23%
- Oiliness/Oily skin18%
- Redness16%
- Burning11%
- Burning/Itching11%
- Peeling11%
- Itching11%
- Burning where applied6%
- Headache3%
Risks and risk factors
- Skin irritation
- Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin
- Eczema
- Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Severe diarrhea and stomach cramps
- Using Cleocin (clindamycin) for a long time
- Allergic reaction
- Skin irritation
- Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin
- Eczema
- Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Development of more serious infections