Cleocin vs. Keflex

Are Cleocin and Keflex the Same Thing?

Cleocin (clindamycin hydrochloride) and Keflex (cephalexin) are antibiotics used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria.

Keflex is also used before dental procedures in patients identified with certain heart-related conditions to prevent bacterial infections of the heart known as endocarditis.

Cleocin and belong to different antibiotic drug classes. Cleocin is a lincomycin antibiotic and Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Cleocin?

Common side effects of Cleocin include:

  • burning,
  • itching,
  • dryness,
  • redness,
  • oily skin,
  • skin peeling, or
  • other irritation of treated skin.

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Cleocin including:

  • severe redness, itching, or dryness of treat skin areas; or
  • diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Keflex?

Common side effects of Keflex include:

  • diarrhea,
  • dizziness,
  • tiredness,
  • headache,
  • stomach upset,
  • abdominal pain,
  • joint pain,
  • vaginal itching or discharge,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • itching,
  • swelling, and
  • rash.

What is Cleocin?

Cleocin (clindamycin) is an antibiotic used to treat severe acne. Cleocin T is available in generic form.

What is Keflex?

Keflex (cephalexin) is a cephalosporin antibiotic prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Keflex is also used before dental procedures in patients identified with certain heart-related conditions to prevent bacterial infections of the heart known as endocarditis. Keflex is available as a generic drug.

What Drugs Interact With Cleocin?

Cleocin may interact with other neuromuscular blocking agents or erythromycin.

What Drugs Interact With Keflex?

Keflex and amoxicillin may interact with probenecid and blood thinners.

Keflex may also interact with metformin.

How Should Cleocin Be Taken?

Apply a thin film of Cleocin T Topical twice daily to affected area. Cleocin T may interact with erythromycin topical or erythromycin taken by mouth. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. The dose of Cleocin HCl for adults is 150 to 300 mg every 6 hours. For more severe infections is 300 to 450 mg every 6 hours. The dose of for pediatric patients is 8 to 16 mg/kg/day divided in three or four equal doses. For more severe infections, 16 to 20 mg/kg/day divided in three or four equal doses.

How Should Keflex Be Taken?

Keflex dosage depends on the condition being treated. Keflex should be used with caution in patients who have kidney disease and those who report a history of penicillin allergy.

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References
Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

SOURCE:

RxList. Cleocin Medication Guide.

https://www.rxlist.com/cleocin-drug.htm#medguide

RxList. Keflex Product Monograph.

https://www.rxlist.com/keflex-drug.htm

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