Compare Cleocin vs. Flagyl
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.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 115 reviewsforCleocin
Treats and prevents bacterial infections.
Flagyl (metronidazole) is very good at treating certain bacterial infections, but you can't have any alcohol while on it since it'll make you throw up a lot.
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.
- Flagyl (metronidazole) is good at killing a variety of bacteria.
- Unlike many other antibiotics, Flagyl (metronidazole) is less likely to make bacteria resistant to it.
- Most forms are available as a generic, so it's relatively cheap.
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.
- You can't drink alcohol while on Flagyl (metronidazole), and for at least 3 days after you finish it.
- Side effects can include nausea, headache, stomach upset, and a metallic taste in your mouth.
- If you're taking Flagyl (metronidazole) for a long time, there's a risk of more side effects, such as nerve damage.
- If you're on blood thinners, let your doctor know. Flagyl (metronidazole) can interact with your medicines and make you more likely to bleed.
Used for
- Amebiasis
- Infection caused by anaerobic bacteria
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Trichomoniasis
- Balantidiasis
- Bite wounds
- Clostridium difficile infection
- Crohn's disease
- Dientamoeba fragilis
- Giardiasis
- Helicobacter pylori eradication
- Periodontitis
- Pouchitis
- Prophylaxis against sexually-transmitted diseases following sexual assault
- Skin and soft tissue necrotizing infections
- Surgical site infections
- Tetanus
- Urethritis, nongonococcal
Dosage forms
- Gel
- Foam
- Solution
- Lotion
- Pill
- Extended-release pill
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$157.34
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$8.30
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Reviews
115 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
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Side effects
9possible side effects
- Dryness23%
- Oiliness/Oily skin18%
- Redness16%
- Burning11%
- Burning/Itching11%
- Peeling11%
- Itching11%
- Burning where applied6%
- Headache3%
13possible side effects
- Headache18%
- Nausea10%
- Metallic taste9%
- Genital itching5%
- Dizziness4%
- Diarrhea4%
- Stomach problems4%
- Overgrowth of yeast3%
- Stuffy nose3%
- Menstrual cramps3%
- Abnormal urine3%
- Dry mouth2%
- Urinary tract infection2%
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
- Seizure or brain problems
- Taking high doses of Flagyl (metronidazole)
- Taking Flagyl (metronidazole) for a long time
- Nerve damage
- Taking high doses of Flagyl (metronidazole)
- Taking Flagyl (metronidazole) for a long time
- Cancer
- New infection while taking Flagyl (metronidazole)
- Taking Flagyl (metronidazole) incorrectly
- Interaction with alcohol
- Drinking alcohol while taking Flagyl (metronidazole)