Cleocin (clindamycin) prescription available online
If you are suffering from a bacterial infection, clindamycin can help. Get a new prescription or refill of clindamycin from a board-certified doctor online.*
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Effective against skin, lung, and pelvic infections
Powerful antibiotic for bacterial infections
Complete prescribed course for full efficacy
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Clindamycin
Clindamycin is an antibiotic treatment, which functions by stopping or slowing the growth of bacteria. Like other antibiotics, clindamycin isn't effective against viral or fungal infections.
Some conditions that Cleocin is known to treat include bacterial lung, stomach, blood, and skin infections. Clindamycin is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as clindamycin as well as under different brand names, including Cleocin.
Clindamycin may be prescribed as an oral tablet, capsule, liquid suspension, topical gel, or injectable solution. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed clindamycin, be sure to complete the full course of the antibiotic unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the antibiotic may not fully treat your bacterial infection.
Clindamycin uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for clindamycin, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Skin infections
Clindamycin is FDA-approved to treat soft tissue infections caused by Streptococci, Staphylococci, and Anaerobes bacteria. It may also be prescribed as a topical gel (clindamycin phosphate) to treat acne.
Pelvic infections
Clindamycin is FDA-approved to treat pelvic infections, including endometritis, pelvic cellulitis, and bacterial vaginosis.
Lung infections
Clindamycin is FDA-approved to treat lung infections, including bacterial pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Clindamycin side effects
The side effects associated with taking clindamycin are typically mild. Most clindamycin side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort. Clindamycin has some common side effects. They may include:
Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
Mild skin rash
Vaginal itching and discharge
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Severe stomach pain or watery diarrhea
Little to no urination
A metallic taste in your mouth
You should call your doctor if you notice any adverse effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Cleocin may be prescribed to treat serious infections in children weighing 22 lb (10 kg) or more.
How to take Clindamycin - doses and forms
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your clindamycin prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Clindamycin can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. To treat mild bacterial infections, Cleocin is typically prescribed at a starting dose of 150 mg to 300 mg taken every six hours. For more serious infections, adults may take 300 mg to 450 mg every six hours.
Take clindamycin capsules with a full glass of water. If you're taking the oral solution, measure your dose carefully using the dosing syringe provided. Take your medication for the prescribed length of time unless your doctor tells you to stop.
What to avoid while taking clindamycin (interactions)
Clindamycin has 83 drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as other drugs.
Possible drug interactions with clindamycin include:
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
ProAir HFA (albuterol)
Vitamin B12, vitamin C, and vitamin D3
Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Ask your doctor for medical advice before drinking alcohol. Alcohol can weaken your immune system, which can make it harder for your body to fight serious infection.
Medication alternatives to clindamycin
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another antibiotic in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Skin infections
Pelvic infections
Lung infections
Clindamycin prescription FAQs
How much does clindamycin cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, clindamycin costs around $11 for four 150 mg capsules without insurance. Clindamycin is a generic brand, and name brands may cost more.
How can I refill my clindamycin prescription?
Clindamycin is only available by prescription, so you will need to see a board-certified doctor to get a refill on your prescription. To get started, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup.
Who should not take clindamycin?
To make sure clindamycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Intestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (UC)
Severe liver disease
Eczema or allergic skin reactions
Allergy to yellow food dye
Asthma
Severe drug reaction to aspirin
What should I avoid while taking clindamycin?
Avoid stopping antibiotic treatment early, even if your symptoms improve. If you stop taking the medication too soon, it may become ineffective in treating future infections.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking clindamycin, as it may weaken your immune system. In addition, avoid laying down immediately after taking the antibiotic to prevent irritation in your esophagus.How long after taking clindamycin does it stay in your system?
After your clindamycin dose, the medication stays in your system for four to six hours.
Why shouldn't you lie down after taking clindamycin?
Laying down after taking clindamycin may slow the time it takes for the medication to move down your esophagus into your stomach. As a result, clindamycin may irritate your esophagus.
What happens if I miss a dose of clindamycin?
If you miss a dose of clindamycin, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I take too much clindamycin?
If you've taken too much clindamycin, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center.
3 simple steps to request your clindamycin prescription today
Step 1
Book a clindamycin prescription request appointment.
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Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your clindamycin prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your clindamycin prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Clindamycin prescription pricing details
How pricing works
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Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
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Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Clindamycin prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Cleocin prescription label. Accessed on November 23, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/50162s082,50441s045,50639s013lbl.pdf
John Hopkins Medicine. Clindamycin. Accessed on November 23, 2022. https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_ABX_Guide/540131/all/Clindamycin
MedlinePlus. Clindamycin. Accessed on November 23, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682399.html
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.