Clindamycin Is a Prescription Antibiotic Used to Treat Serious Bacterial Infections

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic prescribed to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including skin infections, respiratory infections, bone and joint infections, dental infections, acne, and bacterial vaginosis.

Whether your doctor just wrote you a prescription or you're researching your options, this guide covers everything you need to know about Clindamycin in 2026 — what it treats, how to take it, what it costs, and what to watch out for.

What Is Clindamycin?

The Basics

• Generic name: Clindamycin (also Clindamycin Hydrochloride for oral, Clindamycin Phosphate for topical and injectable, Clindamycin Palmitate Hydrochloride for oral solution)
• Brand names: Cleocin, Cleocin HCl, Cleocin T, ClindaMax, Clindesse, Evoclin, Dalacin
• Drug class: Lincosamide antibiotic (derived from Lincomycin)
• Original manufacturer: Pfizer (Pharmacia & Upjohn); now widely available as a generic from multiple manufacturers
• Controlled substance: No — Clindamycin is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule
• Generic available: Yes — generic Clindamycin is widely available and significantly cheaper than brand-name Cleocin

How It Works

Clindamycin works by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, which blocks their ability to make proteins. Without protein production, bacteria can't grow or multiply. It's primarily bacteriostatic (stops bacterial growth) but can be bactericidal (kills bacteria) at higher concentrations. For a deeper dive, see: How Does Clindamycin Work?

What Is Clindamycin Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Serious skin and soft tissue infections — Cellulitis, abscesses, wound infections
• Respiratory tract infections — Pneumonia, lung abscess, empyema
• Bone and joint infections — Osteomyelitis, septic arthritis
• Intra-abdominal infections — Often combined with other antibiotics
• Septicemia — Bloodstream infections
• Gynecological infections — Pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis
• Bacterial vaginosis — Vaginal cream and suppository formulations
• Acne vulgaris — Topical formulations (gel, lotion, foam)

Common Off-Label Uses

• Dental infections — Tooth abscesses, periodontal infections, and prophylaxis before dental procedures (especially for patients allergic to Penicillin)
• MRSA skin infections — Clindamycin is one of the oral antibiotics effective against community-acquired MRSA
• Malaria — Used with Quinine for certain malaria infections
• Toxoplasmosis — Combined with Pyrimethamine
• Pneumocystis pneumonia — Alternative treatment
• Babesiosis — Tick-borne infection treatment
• Endocarditis prophylaxis — Before dental procedures in high-risk patients allergic to Amoxicillin

How Is Clindamycin Taken?

Clindamycin comes in several formulations, and how you take it depends on your condition:

Oral Capsules

• Available strengths: 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg
• Typical dose: 150–450 mg every 6 hours
• How to take: Swallow with a full glass of water. Can be taken with or without food.
• Duration: Usually 7–14 days for most infections. Your doctor will specify.

Oral Solution

• Strength: 75 mg per 5 mL
• Used for: Children and adults who can't swallow capsules

Injectable (IV/IM)

• Strength: 150 mg/mL vials and premixed IV bags
• Typical dose: 600–2,700 mg/day in 2–4 divided doses
• Used for: Serious infections requiring hospital treatment
• Note: The injectable form is currently in an active shortage

Topical (For Acne and Skin)

• Forms: Gel 1%, lotion 1%, solution 1%, foam 1%
• How to use: Apply a thin film to the affected area twice daily
• Brand names: Cleocin T, ClindaMax, Evoclin (foam)

Vaginal

• Forms: Vaginal cream 2%, vaginal suppositories 100 mg
• How to use: One applicatorful at bedtime for 3–7 days (cream) or one suppository at bedtime for 3 days
• Brand names: Cleocin, Clindesse

Important Tips

• Complete the full course — Even if you feel better, stopping early can cause the infection to come back or lead to antibiotic resistance.
• Don't crush or chew capsules — Swallow them whole.
• Store properly — Keep at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Who Should Not Take Clindamycin?

Clindamycin is not right for everyone. Do not take it if you have:

• Allergy to Clindamycin or Lincomycin — Even a mild past reaction means you should avoid it.
• History of C. difficile colitis — Clindamycin carries a boxed warning for this condition. If you've had it before, the risk of recurrence is higher.
• History of regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis — These inflammatory bowel conditions increase the risk of serious complications.

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Clindamycin has important drug interactions, particularly with Erythromycin, neuromuscular blocking agents, and Warfarin.

For detailed information about side effects and when to call your doctor, see our dedicated guide.

How Much Does Clindamycin Cost?

Clindamycin pricing varies significantly depending on where you fill your prescription:

• Generic with discount card: $9–$30 for 30 capsules of 300 mg
• Generic at retail (no discount): $106–$109 for 30 capsules
• Brand-name Cleocin: $400+ (rarely dispensed; generics are the standard)
• With insurance: Typically $0–$15 copay (Tier 1 preferred generic, no prior authorization usually needed)

The price difference between pharmacies can be dramatic. A discount card from GoodRx, SingleCare, or similar services can save you up to 80% off the retail price. See our full savings guide: How to Save Money on Clindamycin.

If you're uninsured and struggling to afford your medication, patient assistance programs through NeedyMeds, RxAssist, and RxHope may be able to help.

Final Thoughts

Clindamycin is a versatile, effective antibiotic that's been in use for decades. It treats a wide range of serious bacterial infections and is available in multiple formulations to fit different needs. The most important thing to know is the boxed warning about C. difficile-associated diarrhea — but for most patients, the benefits outweigh the risks when it's prescribed appropriately.

If you have a Clindamycin prescription and need to fill it, Medfinder can help you find it in stock near you.