Compare Vancocin vs. Cleocin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Vancocin (vancomycin)

Prescription only

Cleocin (clindamycin)

Prescription only
Treats bacterial infections.

Vancocin (vancomycin) is effective in treating C. difficile-associated diarrhea or Staph infection of the small intestine and colon.

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
Upsides
  • Vancocin (vancomycin) is the first choice medicine to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
  • Available in generic.
  • Available as both a capsule and a liquid.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Vancocin (vancomycin) is only given by mouth to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhea or Staph infection of the small intestine and colon. It is not effective for other types of infections.
  • Vancocin (vancomycin) must be taken 3 to 4 times a day.
  • 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.
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Used for
  • Clostridium difficile diarrhea
  • Staphylococcal infection of small intestine and colon
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Gel
  • Foam
  • Solution
  • Lotion
Price
Lowest price
$74.09
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Lowest price
$101.42
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Reviews
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115 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
13possible side effects
  • Nausea
    17%
  • Abdominal pain
    15%
  • Low potassium levels
    13%
  • Vomiting
    9%
  • Diarrhea
    9%
  • Fever
    9%
  • Gas
    8%
  • Urinary tract infection
    8%
  • Headache
    7%
  • Swelling
    6%
  • Back pain
    6%
  • Fatigue
    5%
  • Kidney problems
    5%
See more detailed side effects
9possible side effects
  • Dryness
    23%
  • Oiliness/Oily skin
    18%
  • Redness
    16%
  • Burning
    11%
  • Burning/Itching
    11%
  • Peeling
    11%
  • Itching
    11%
  • Burning where applied
    6%
  • Headache
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Oral use only
  • Kidney problems
    • Age 65 and older
    • Kidney problems
    • Kidney disease
    • Hemodialysis
  • New infection
  • Hearing loss
    • Underlying hearing loss
    • Taking high doses of Vancocin (vancomycin) intravenously
    • Using another medicine that causes hearing loss
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Vancocin (vancomycin)
Learn more about Cleocin (clindamycin)