Cleocin: What It Is, How It Works, and What Alternatives You Should Know

When you’re dealing with a stubborn bacterial infection, your doctor might reach for Cleocin, a brand name for the antibiotic clindamycin, commonly prescribed for skin, respiratory, and deep tissue infections. Also known as clindamycin, it works by stopping bacteria from building proteins they need to survive—making it a go-to when penicillin won’t cut it. But Cleocin isn’t a magic bullet. It’s strong, and that strength comes with real trade-offs.

Many people use Cleocin for acne, cellulitis, or after dental work, but it’s also linked to a dangerous gut infection called C. diff, a type of antibiotic-associated diarrhea that can turn life-threatening if not caught early. That’s why doctors now think twice before prescribing it—especially for mild cases. You’ll often see it replaced by doxycycline, a broader-spectrum antibiotic that’s gentler on the gut and just as effective for many skin and respiratory bugs. Or sometimes, amoxicillin, a classic penicillin-based option that’s safer for most people and cheaper. Cleocin is still useful, but only when other options fail or aren’t an option.

If you’ve been on Cleocin and felt stomach cramps, diarrhea, or even a fever after a few days, don’t ignore it. That’s not just a side effect—it could be C. diff. And if you’re using it for acne, there are now better, targeted treatments that don’t wreck your gut flora. The posts below cover exactly this: real comparisons between Cleocin and other antibiotics, what patients actually experience, how to spot when it’s doing more harm than good, and when to push back on your doctor’s prescription. You’ll find guides on managing side effects, alternatives for acne and infections, and even how to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use altogether. This isn’t just about one drug—it’s about learning how to use antibiotics wisely so they still work when you really need them.