Compare Keflex vs. Cleocin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats bacterial infections.
Keflex (cephalexin) is good for treating many bacterial infections, and is available as a generic.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 686 reviewsforKeflex
Topical treatment for acne.
Cleocin T (Clindamycin Phosphate) is good for treating many bacterial infections and is available as a generic. If you're taking the vaginal form, you have to avoid sex and tampons for the period your doctor tells you to. The topical form can cause skin sensitivity and irritation.
●●●●●
3.5/ 5 average rating with 115 reviewsforCleocin
Upsides
- 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.
- Available in generic.
- Topical form treats acne.
- Available in different oral forms: tablet, capsule, and suspension.
- Available in forms to treat skin infections and vaginal infections.
- Used to treat many types of bacterial infections.
- Less resistance seen in bacteria to this antibiotic. Your doctor may run tests to see which antibiotics will kill the bacteria causing your infection.
- Can be taken with or without food.
Downsides
- 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.
- Have to take the oral forms with a full glass of liquid or with food since it can cause irritation in your stomach and esophagus.
- If you're taking the vaginal form, you have to avoid sex and not use tampons for the period your doctor tells you to.
- If you're allergic to aspirin, your doctor may have to prescribe an alternate.
- If you have to take live vaccines, talk to your doctor when to take them since Clindamycin can make it less effective.
- If you're taking the topical form, it can cause sensitivity and irritation.
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
- Pill
- Liquid
- Topical
- Cream, gel, or ointment
- Foam
- Vaginal cream
- Vaginal suppository
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$9.75
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$36.64
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
686 reviews so far
64%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Keflex (cephalexin)?
Leave a review115 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Cleocin T (Clindamycin Phosphate)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Keflex (cephalexin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Cleocin T (Clindamycin Phosphate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Diarrhea
- New infections while taking Keflex (cephalexin)
- Weakened immune system
- Not taking Keflex (cephalexin) correctly
- Allergic reaction
- History of penicillin or cephalosporin allergies
- Diarrhea
- Liver damage
- History of liver disease
- Rash