What is the brand name for Clindamycin?
The brand name for Clindamycin is Cleocin.
PTCE Top 200 · #149
Clindamycin
Cleocin
Clindamycin is the generic name for the brand-name drug Cleocin. It is a lincosamide antibiotic used to treat skin, dental, anaerobic infections. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Clindamycin ranks #149 and is one of the most frequently tested infectious disease medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Clindamycin |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Cleocin |
| Drug class | Lincosamide antibiotic |
| Class group | Infectious Disease |
| Common use | skin, dental, anaerobic infections |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Clindamycin used for?
Treatment of susceptible bacterial infections (varies by formulation; commonly skin/soft tissue, anaerobic infections, dental infections).
What drug class is Clindamycin?
Clindamycin is a Lincosamide antibiotic in the Infectious Disease group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Clindamycin
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightAbdominal pain
- arrow_rightRash
- arrow_rightVomiting
Major interactions
- arrow_rightErythromycin → antagonism (avoid coadministration)
- arrow_rightNeuromuscular blocking agents → enhanced blockade
- arrow_rightHigh risk for C. difficile: avoid unnecessary use; monitor severe diarrhea
Is Clindamycin a controlled substance?
No. Clindamycin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
WARNING: Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with clindamycin and can range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.
How to remember Clindamycin (PTCE mnemonic)
CLEO-cin CLEANs gram+/anaerobes — clinda-MYCIN. HIGHEST C. DIFF RISK of any antibiotic ('clinda = colon' boxed warning); take with full water (esophagitis).
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Clindamycin's boxed warning is THE C. difficile question — severe or watery diarrhea after this antibiotic means call the prescriber, not reach for loperamide.
Clindamycin FAQ
What is Clindamycin used for?
Clindamycin is used to treat skin, dental, anaerobic infections. Treatment of susceptible bacterial infections (varies by formulation; commonly skin/soft tissue, anaerobic infections, dental infections).
What drug class is Clindamycin?
Clindamycin is a Lincosamide antibiotic (Infectious Disease group).
Is Clindamycin a controlled substance?
No. Clindamycin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Infectious Disease group
Drill Clindamycin the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).