Cleocin
(clindamycin)
Treats acne.
Our bottom line
Cleocin (clindamycin) is proven to be effective at treating acne when combined with another acne medicine and is available in a variety of formulations.
- Price before coupon$197.99
- Lowest price with coupon$125.24
- Savings37%
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (clindamycin)
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.
What to expect from Cleocin, on one page
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.
What to expect from Cleocin, on one page
Cleocin (clindamycin) is an antibiotic. It treats acne by preventing the bacteria that cause acne from growing and reproducing.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (clindamycin)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Gel
- Foam
- Solution
- Lotion
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$120.03Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- CostcoGet free coupon$125.24
- Get free discount$126.93
- Get free coupon$128.92
What to expect when you take Cleocin (clindamycin) for Acne
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Burning
- Itching
- Dryness
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Cleocin (clindamycin)
- Dryness23%23%
- Oiliness/Oily skin18%18%
- Dryness18%18%
- Redness16%16%
- Burning11%11%
- Burning/Itching11%11%
- Peeling11%11%
- Burning11%11%
- Itching11%11%
- Burning10%10%
- Itching10%10%
- Oiliness/Oily skin10%10%
- Itching7%7%
- Redness7%7%
- Peeling7%7%
- Burning where applied6%6%9%9%
- Headache3%3%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Cleocin.
People taking Cleocin felt side effect more
People taking Cleocin felt side effect less
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking Cleocin for acne
- Peeling
- Burning/Itching
Risks and Warnings for Cleocin (clindamycin)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin
- › Eczema
- › Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
Cleocin (clindamycin) may cause skin redness, burning, and peeling. Speak to your doctor if the irritation is bothersome or does not go away.