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MetroGel vs. Cleocin

Are MetroGel and Cleocin the Same Thing?

MetroGel (metronidazole) and Cleocin (clindamycin hydrochloride) are antibiotics used to treat different conditions.

MetroGel is a topical (for the skin) gel used to treat skin lesions caused by rosacea.

Cleocin is taken orally or injected and is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria.

Side effects of MetroGel and Cleocin that are similar include nausea, skin itching, sore throat, or vaginal itching or discharge.

Side effects of MetroGel that are different from Cleocin include application site reactions (skin stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, redness, scaling), metallic taste, headache, numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet, cough, stuffy nose, or cold symptoms.

Side effects of Cleocin that are different from MetroGel include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, joint pain, heartburn, skin rash, or changes in bowel habits (especially in older adults).

MetroGel may interact with blood thinners.

Cleocin may interact with other drugs.

What Are Possible Side Effects of MetroGel?

Common side effects of MetroGel include:

  • skin stinging/burning/irritation/dryness/ redness/scaling/itching,
  • metallic taste,
  • nausea,
  • headache,
  • numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet,
  • cough,
  • stuffy nose,
  • sore throat,
  • cold symptoms, or
  • vaginal itching or discharge.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Cleocin?

Common side effects of Cleocin include:

Other 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 Is MetroGel?

MetroGel (metronidazole) Topical gel is a topical (for the skin) antibiotic used to treat skin lesions caused by rosacea. MetroGel is available in generic form.

What Is Cleocin?

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

What Drugs Interact With MetroGel?

Metrogel may interact with blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin). It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied Metrogel. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Metrogel should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. Metrogel passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What Drugs Interact With Cleocin?

Cleocin may interact with other neuromuscular blocking agents or zithromax.

How Should MetroGel Be Taken?

Apply and rub in a thin film dose of Metrogel once daily to affected area(s).

How Should Cleocin Be Taken?

Apply a thin film of Cleocin twice daily to affected area. Cleocin T may interact with zithromax topical or zithromax 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.

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