Is clindamycin over the counter (OTC)?
Do you want to know if clindamycin gels and lotions (a popular topical acne medication) is available over the counter (OTC)? Unfortunately, it is not, but keep reading to learn how you can request an online prescription and collect your medication 3 days from today.
Table of Content:
What is clindamycin? | Can you get it OTC? | How to get a prescription for clindamycin? | Price of clindamycin | Benefits | Side-effects | Precautions
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If you’re wondering whether clindamycin is available over the counter for acne treatment, the short answer is usually no. Clindamycin is a prescription topical antibiotic commonly used by dermatologists to help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, especially for red, inflamed pimples and moderate inflammatory acne.
Because antibiotic resistance is an important concern, clindamycin is typically prescribed alongside other acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids rather than used alone long term.
In this article, you’ll learn how clindamycin works for acne, potential side effects, and how dermatologists commonly incorporate it into personalized acne treatment plans.
Because acne treatment is highly individual, the best prescription approach often depends on your skin type, acne severity, and sensitivity. Through Miiskin, you can get an online consultation with licensed dermatologists and explore customized prescription skincare treatments, including personalized clindamycin formulas tailored to your skin concerns and treatment goals.
Need a customized formula with clindamycin?
What is clindamycin?
Clindamycin is an antibiotic medication commonly used to treat bacterial infections and acne. It belongs to the class of antibiotics called lincosamide and works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria or killing them1.
Clindamycin is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquids for oral administration, as well as foams, gels and lotions for topical use.
Can you get clindamycin gels, creams and lotions over the counter (OTC)?
No, clindamycin gels and lotions for acne can only be purchased with a prescription from a healthcare provider, typically a primary care physician or a dermatologist.
What is the price for clindamycin?
If you have a consultation via Miiskin and you choose Foothills as your preferred pharmacy, the price of your clindamycin formula will be $48.99. You can order your medication as soon as you get your prescription.
So, how to get topical clindamycin for acne?
You need to have an in-person or virtual consultation with an online dermatologist in your state. The price of this photo consultation is $59 and you will get an answer in 1-2 working days.
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How does clindamycin help with acne?
Topical treatment is the established method for managing mild to moderate acne. The primary components of topical acne therapy consist of retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and antibiotics (such as clindamycin), which target the affected areas. These treatments not only address existing lesions but also help prevent the development of new ones2 3.
Side-effects of topical clindamycin
- Skin irritation (burning, itching, peeling)
- Hives
- Dryness of skin
- Oily skin
- Worsening of acne
- Stinging of the eyes
- Stomach pain or diarrhea
- Inflammation of the skin7
Warning and precautions when using clindamycin
Do not use topical clindamycin if you are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin. If you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or antibiotic-associated colitis, it is also important to avoid using this medicine.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you tend to experience diarrhea while taking antibiotics or if you currently have diarrhea. If you experience severe, prolonged, or bloody diarrhea during or after using clindamycin, inform your doctor.
When applying the lotion, be cautious around your mouth as it may have an unpleasant taste.
Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking or have recently taken, including those obtained without a prescription. Specifically, mention if you are using any skin treatments containing benzoyl peroxide8.
Acne Antibiotics: What You Need to Know
The takeaway
Topical clindamycin is an effective and affordable treatment for acne that can be used with other topical medications such as Altreno (new tretinoin), Aklief (trifarotene), Fabior (tazarotene) or Differin (adapalene).
Talk to your online dermatologist to see if this medication is adequate for you and start experiencing clearer skin 3 days from today.
Learn more about customized prescription skincare!
Compare formulas, ingredients, and prices before deciding.
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References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519574/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456883/
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0115/p357.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519574/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20184207/
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0115/p357.html
https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=13935
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