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Cleocin vs Keflex
Introduction
For patients with bacterial infections, certain antibiotics that inhibit the growth or kill bacteria can help in controlling symptoms and speeding up recovery. Cleocin and Keflex are two such drugs prescribed for treating bacterial infections. They each interact differently with bacteria but both have positive effects on patients suffering from an array of bacterial diseases.
Cleocin (clindamycin) is a lincosamide antibiotic which works by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins required for bacterial growth, leading to slow death of the bacteria. It is often used for skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections, and peritonitis.
Keflex (cephalexin), on the other hand, belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics that works by disrupting cell wall synthesis leading to rupture and death of sensitive organisms. It's commonly indicated for urinary tract infections, skin/skin structure infections as well as upper respiratory tract infection.
Cleocin vs Keflex Side By Side
| Attribute | Cleocin | Keflex |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Cleocin | Keflex |
| Contraindications | Should not be taken if allergic to clindamycin or have had a serious reaction to similar drugs. Can interact negatively with erythromycin. | Should not be taken if allergic to cephalexin or have had a serious reaction to similar drugs. Can react adversely with metformin. |
| Cost | For brand-name, around $370 for 20 capsules (300 mg). Generic versions cost roughly between $1 and $2 per day depending on the dose. | For brand-name, around $100 for 28 capsules (500 mg). Generic versions can cost as low as just over a dollar per day even at higher dosages such as 2000mg/day. |
| Generic Name | Clindamycin | Cephalexin |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Severe skin reactions, signs of an allergic reaction, unusual bleeding/bruising, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, changes in the amount of urine produced, yellowing eyes/skin, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. | Severe skin reactions, difficulty breathing or swallowing due to allergic reaction, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice), confusion, hallucinations. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Can interact negatively with erythromycin. | Can react adversely with metformin. |
| Typical Dose | Oral dosages range from 150–450 mg every 6 hours. For severe infections, up to 450 mg every six hours. | Typically initiated at a dosage of 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours. Can be increased to up to 4000 mg/day. |
What is Cleocin?
Clindamycin (the generic name for Cleocin) is an antibiotic belonging to a group called lincosamides, which marked a significant advance over the earlier class of antibiotics known as penicillins. Clindamycin was first approved by the FDA in 1970. Cleocin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, effectively preventing bacteria from growing and multiplying, leading to their eventual demise. It is prescribed for treating severe infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria or certain susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci.
Cephalexin (generic name for Keflex), on the other hand, belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics that are used primarily against gram-positive pathogens with some activity against gram-negative organisms too. Both drugs have different spectra of activity and potential side effects; however clindamycin has been associated more frequently with diarrhea including serious infection with Clostridium difficile while cephalexin usually has fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
What conditions is Cleocin approved to treat?
Cleocin and Keflex are both used for the treatment of different types of bacterial infections:
- Cleocin (Clindamycin) is primarily used to treat serious infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, including dental infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even certain types of pneumonia.
- Keflex (Cephalexin), on the other hand, is commonly prescribed for skin infections, upper respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis and tonsillitis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and middle ear infections.
How does Cleocin help with these illnesses?
Cleocin, also known as clindamycin, is an antibiotic that works to combat bacterial infections by interfering with the ability of bacteria to produce proteins essential for their growth and multiplication. It does this by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, thus inhibiting protein synthesis. This action hinders further reproduction or repair processes in the bacteria, leading to their eventual death.
Keflex, on the other hand, also an antibiotic but belonging to a different class called cephalosporins, operates differently. Keflex (cephalexin) disrupts cell wall synthesis in bacteria, causing them to rupture and die due its osmotic instability. Cell walls offer structural integrity and protection for bacterial cells against changes in external environment; without it they cannot survive.
Both Cleocin and Keflex are efficient at treating various types of bacterial infections but their mechanism of action differs significantly representing two distinct classes within antibiotics: lincosamides (clindamycin) versus cephalosporins (cephalexin). The choice between these two will depend on factors such as type of infection present and patient's medical history including any allergies.
What is Keflex?
Keflex is a brand name for cephalexin, which is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. This means it's designed to fight bacterial infections by inhibiting the synthesis of their cell walls, leading to their death and eventual elimination from the body. Cephalexin was first approved by the FDA in 1971. As cephalexin is not an antifungal or antiviral drug, it does not inhibit viral replication or fungal growth processes. Its specific action on bacteria means its side-effect profile differs from that of other antimicrobials – particularly in that it rarely leads to yeast overgrowth (a common side effect of broad-spectrum antibiotics like Cleocin). The effects on bacteria can be beneficial for treating various types of skin, bone, ear, respiratory tract and urinary tract infections - especially in patients who do not respond well to typical narrow-spectrum antibiotics such as penicillin.
What conditions is Keflex approved to treat?
Keflex is a well-regarded antibiotic, and it has received approval from the FDA to treat:
- Various types of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections like pneumonia and strep throat
- Infections of the bone, ear, skin and urinary tract
- Dental infections as well
How does Keflex help with these illnesses?
Cephalexin, commonly known as Keflex, is a widely used antibiotic that inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. This disrupts the formation and repair processes of these bacterial structures, eventually leading to their death. It's part of the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and has broad activity against many types of bacteria, particularly gram-positive ones such as Staphylococci and Streptococci species. Its actions on various other forms may also play roles in its effectiveness as an antibiotic medication. Since it doesn't significantly affect certain types of bacteria (like those resistant to cephalosporins), Keflex might be prescribed when a patient does not respond well to other classes or specific antibiotics like Cleocin (clindamycin) or could be combined with them for a wider spectrum coverage.
How effective are both Cleocin and Keflex?
Both clindamycin (Cleocin) and cephalexin (Keflex) are antibiotics with long-standing histories of successfully treating bacterial infections, and their approvals by the FDA were only a few years apart. Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, while cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin that disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Their effectiveness was directly studied in numerous trials; both drugs exhibited similar efficacy in managing symptoms of various types of infections as well as comparable safety profiles. In these studies, none of the different metrics used to measure efficacy differed significantly between patients receiving clindamycin and those receiving cephalexin.
A 2007 review on clindamycin showed it to be effective against serious infections caused by Gram-positive organisms and anaerobes starting from the first days of treatment. Its side effect profile is generally favorable over many other antibiotics, though gastrointestinal disturbances including antibiotic-associated colitis can occur.
On the other hand, a 2010 review indicated that cephalexin seems to be more effective than placebo in treating skin and soft tissue infections, ear nose throat (ENT), bone/joint, respiratory tract infections etc., It's usually considered as one among primary treatment options for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infection due to its broad spectrum activity against gram positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin-sensitive strains.
Nonetheless, each drug may be best suited for certain kinds of bacterial infections - Cleocin could work better on anaerobic bacteria or MRSA related conditions whereas Keflex might be ideal for strep throat or cellulitis where you would need good coverage against Streptococcus species.
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At what dose is Cleocin typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Cleocin range from 150–450 mg every 6 hours, but studies have indicated that a dose of 150 mg taken four times a day is sufficient for treating serious infections in most people. For more severe infections, the dosage may be increased to up to 450 mg every six hours. Children and adolescents can start on lower doses tailored to their body weight; typically this is about 8-20mg per kilogram per day divided into three or four doses. In either population, dosage can be increased after several days if there is no response. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 1800 mg.
At what dose is Keflex typically prescribed?
Keflex treatment is typically initiated at a dosage of 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours. The dose can then be increased to up to 4000 mg/day, divided into four doses spaced equally apart. This maximum dose may be considered if there's no sufficient response to the initial treatment after a certain period. Always remember that the dosage and duration of Keflex therapy will depend on the type and severity of infection and should always be determined by your healthcare provider.
What are the most common side effects for Cleocin?
Common side effects of Cleocin may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea, which can be severe or persistent
- Stomach cramps or discomfort
- Skin rash, itching, hives
- Vaginal itching or discharge (due to overgrowth of certain types of bacteria in the vagina)
While Keflex's most common side effects are usually milder and might include:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Genital or anal itchiness
Are there any potential serious side effects for Cleocin?
While generally well-tolerated, Cleocin and Keflex can cause potentially serious side effects. These may include:
- Severe skin reactions: including hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in your face or throat. More severe symptoms might involve fever with a sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) which causes blistering and peeling.
- Signs of an allergic reaction: such as itching, rash, severe dizziness or trouble breathing
- Unusual bleeding/bruising
- Persistent nausea/vomiting
- Dark urine
- Changes in the amount of urine produced
- Yellowing eyes/skin
Additionally be aware of any signs related to new infections like sore throat or fever. In rare instances these drugs can cause Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea due to a type of resistant bacteria causing persistent diarrhea.
If you experience any of these symptoms after taking either Cleocin or Keflex seek medical help immediately.
What are the most common side effects for Keflex?
Keflex, also known as cephalexin, can cause a variety of side effects:
- Upset stomach and abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness and headache
- Tiredness
- Joint or muscle pain
- Vaginal itching or discharge.
It's important to note that while these are potential side effects, they do not occur in everyone. If you experience severe reactions such as rash, confusion, agitation or fast heartbeat while on Keflex, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Keflex?
While Keflex is generally well-tolerated, it is important to be aware of potential serious side effects. These may include:
- Severe skin reactions: rash, hives, itching or discoloration. In some cases, these can progress to more severe conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis characterized by blistering and peeling.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to allergic reaction
- Swelling in your face or throat
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice), possibly indicating liver problems
- Confusion, hallucinations; extreme tiredness and weakness - signs that could point towards a possible nervous system effect.
If you experience any of the above symptoms while on Keflex therapy, seek immediate medical attention.
Contraindications for Cleocin and Keflex?
Both Cleocin and Keflex, like other antibiotics, may cause certain side effects such as diarrhea or nausea. If these symptoms persist or become severe, you should seek medical attention.
Neither Cleocin nor Keflex should be taken if you are allergic to them or have had a serious reaction to similar drugs in the past. It's crucial that your physician knows about all medications you're currently taking; this includes any over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Cleocin and Keflex can interact with certain medications causing potentially harmful adverse reactions. For instance, Cleocin could interact negatively with erythromycin while Keflex might react adversely with metformin.
It is also important to note that misuse of antibiotic medication could lead to decreased effectiveness which means it may not work when needed for treating future infections.
How much do Cleocin and Keflex cost?
For the brand-name versions of these drugs:
- The price for 20 capsules of Cleocin (300 mg) averages around $370, which works out to about $18.50 per day.
- The price for 28 capsules of Keflex (500 mg) averages about $100, working out to approximately $3.57 per day.
Thus, if you are in a typical dosage range for Cleocin (i.e., 900 mg/day or higher), then brand-named Keflex is less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be the primary consideration when determining which drug is right for you.
Regarding generic versions of Cleocin (clindamycin) and Keflex (cephalexin):
- Clindamycin is available in packs starting from 30 capsules with costs ranging roughly between $1 and $2 per day depending on your dose.
- Cephalexin comes in packs as small as 15 up to hundreds of tablets at an estimated cost as low as just over a dollar per day even at higher dosages such as 2000mg/day.
As always, prices can vary based on location, insurance coverage and pharmacy chosen.
Popularity of Cleocin and Keflex
Clindamycin, available in generic form and under the brand name Cleocin, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 4.8 million people in the US in 2020. Clindamycin accounted for roughly 11% of antibiotic prescriptions used to fight bacterial infections such as acne, certain respiratory tract infections and skin structures infections among others. While there has been a slight decrease in clindamycin use since 2013 due to concerns over antibiotic resistance, it remains an important part of our antibacterial arsenal.
Cephalexin, including brand versions such as Keflex, was prescribed to around 6 million people in the USA during the same period. In the US market alone, cephalexin makes up approximately just under 14% of cephalosporin class antibiotic prescriptions and nearly under 8% of overall antibiotic prescriptions. The prevalence of cephalexin prescription has remained fairly stable over the last decade due to its well-established safety profile and effectiveness against many common bacterial pathogens.
Conclusion
Both Cleocin (clindamycin) and Keflex (cephalexin) are effective antibiotics with a long history of use against bacterial infections. They work by different mechanisms: Clindamycin inhibits protein synthesis in bacteria, while Cephalexin is a cephalosporin that interferes with the formation of the bacteria's cell walls leading to their rupture.
Cleocin is often chosen for severe skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus, as well as certain types of anaerobic infections. On the other hand, Keflex may be selected first-line for uncomplicated urinary tract or respiratory tract infections due to its broad-spectrum activity.
Both medications are available in generic forms which can lead to cost savings. The onset time for both drugs is typically within 1-2 hours after administration, but full therapeutic effects might not be observed until several doses have been taken.
The side effect profiles are comparable between these two drugs; however, they may cause varying degrees of gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhoea or nausea. Patients must watch closely for signs and symptoms like rash or persistent diarrhea that could indicate an allergic reaction or Clostridium difficile infection respectively and should seek medical help immediately if such symptoms occur.