Cleocin
(clindamycin)
●●●●●
3.5/ 5 average rating with 115 reviewsforCleocin
Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
Treats acne.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
Download Fact SheetDownload Fact Sheet
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.
Quick facts about Cleocin
- 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.
Get the newsletter!
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
Get our free fact sheet
What to expect from Cleocin, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
115Downsides
- 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.
Get the newsletter!
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
Get our free fact sheet
What to expect from Cleocin, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Cleocin (clindamycin) is an antibiotic. It treats acne by preventing the bacteria that cause acne from growing and reproducing.
Quick facts about Cleocin
- 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.Prices and coupons for 1 (30g-of-1%25) tube-of-gel of clindamycin near
Pay as low as$155.2Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- CostcoGet free coupon$157.34
- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$161.60
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$164.51
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat 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
Side effect rates for Cleocin (clindamycin)
From 553 clinical trials of Cleocin when taken for acne
- 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%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Cleocin.
Cleocin (clindamycin)
Placebo
People taking Cleocin felt side effect more
People taking Cleocin felt side effect less
No difference
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.