Compare Cleocin vs. Keflex
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 bacterial infections.
Keflex (cephalexin) is good for treating many bacterial infections, and is available as a generic.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 686 reviewsforKeflex
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.
- Available in generic.
- Available in different forms: tablet, capsule, and suspension.
- Used to treat many types of bacterial infections.
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Generally few side effects compared with other antibiotics.
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.
- Can cause diarrhea.
- You may need to take Keflex (cephalexin) 2 to 4 times a day, which can be hard to remember.
- If you're allergic to penicillins or other antibiotics, you might not be able to take this medicine.
Used for
- Bone infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Ear infection
- Respiratory tract infection
- Skin infection
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Prevention of endocarditis
- Prevention of infection in people with prosthetic joint implants undergoing dental procedure
- Prosthetic joint infection
- Surgical site infection
Dosage forms
- Gel
- Foam
- Solution
- Lotion
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$157.34
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$8.90
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Reviews
115 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Cleocin (clindamycin)?
Leave a review686 reviews so far
64%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Keflex (cephalexin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
9possible side effects
- Dryness23%
- Oiliness/Oily skin18%
- Redness16%
- Burning11%
- Burning/Itching11%
- Peeling11%
- Itching11%
- Burning where applied6%
- Headache3%
The Keflex (cephalexin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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
- Diarrhea
- New infections while taking Keflex (cephalexin)
- Weakened immune system
- Not taking Keflex (cephalexin) correctly
- Allergic reaction
- History of penicillin or cephalosporin allergies