Generic clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that treats bacterial skin, respiratory and dental infections by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It is sold as tablets, capsules, or a topical gel and is the off‑brand equivalent of the patented product Cleocin.
Quick Takeaways
- Generic clindamycin costs 30‑60% less than the brand name.
- Only licensed online pharmacies that require a valid prescription can legally ship it in Australia.
- Typical adult dose: 300mg every 8hours (tablet) for most infections.
- Watch for side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and rare C.difficile infection.
- Compare price, shipping, and verification policies before you click ‘Buy’.
What Is Generic Clindamycin?
When a drug’s patent expires, manufacturers can produce a chemically identical version called a generic. In the case of clindamycin, the generic contains the same active ingredient, clindamycin phosphate or clindamycin hydrochloride, as the brand‑name Cleocin. The therapeutic class is lincosamide, a group that also includes lincomycin.
Because the chemical structure is identical, efficacy, dosage, and safety profile are the same. The price difference comes from lower development costs and competition among multiple manufacturers worldwide.
Why Buy Online?
Purchasing from an online pharmacy can shave hundreds of dollars off the retail price you’d pay at a brick‑and‑mortuary pharmacy. Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) allows licensed pharmacies to dispense prescription medicines to residents, provided a qualified registered medical practitioner verifies the prescription.
Key benefits include:
- Transparent price comparison across dozens of suppliers.
- Home delivery that saves a trip to the pharmacy.
- Access to bulk packs (e.g., 30‑tablet bottles) that further reduce unit cost.
How to Spot a Reputable Online Pharmacy
- Check for a valid pharmacy licence. In Australia, a legitimate site will display its Australian Pharmacy Council registration number.
- Prescription requirement. Any site that sells clindamycin without asking for a prescription is breaking the law and likely selling counterfeit medication.
- Secure checkout. Look for HTTPS encryption and reputable payment gateways.
- Clear returns and privacy policy. Legit businesses outline how they handle personal data and what to do if you receive the wrong product.
- Third‑party verification. Services like PharmacyChecker.com or Cebaz audit online pharmacies and publish safety ratings.
Price Comparison: Generic vs Brand vs Other Lincosamides
Attribute | Generic Clindamycin | Brand Cleocin | Lincomycin |
---|---|---|---|
Typical price (AU$) per 300mg tablet | 0.45 | 1.20 | 0.60 |
Dosage forms available | Tablet, capsule, topical gel | Tablet, injectable | Injectable only |
Prescription needed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Online availability (AU) | High - many licensed pharmacies | Medium - limited to brand distributors | Low - specialty suppliers |
Typical side‑effects incidence | Diarrhea 10%, nausea 5% | Similar to generic | Similar to generic |

Legal and Safety Considerations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulate antibiotic sales. Importing medication without a prescription can lead to customs seizure, fines, or worse-receiving sub‑standard product.
To stay on the right side of the law:
- Obtain a valid prescription from a qualified doctor, either in‑person or via a telehealth service.
- Upload the prescription to the pharmacy’s secure portal; many sites allow direct electronic verification with your GP.
- Keep a copy of the prescription and the receipt for at least one year.
Beyond legality, there’s the public‑health issue of antibiotic resistance. Over‑use or misuse of clindamycin can select for resistant strains, making future infections harder to treat. Follow the prescribed course exactly-no skipping doses and no early stopping.
Dosage Guidelines and Administration
Clindamycin dosing varies by infection type, patient weight, and renal function. The most common adult regimen for skin and soft‑tissue infections is 300mg every 8hours (total 900mg per day).
For dental infections, a short‑course of 150mg every 6hours for 5‑7 days is typical. Pediatric dosing is weight‑based, often 20‑40mg/kg per day divided into three doses.
When using the topical gel (often 1% concentration), apply a thin layer to the affected area twice daily. Do not cover with occlusive dressings unless advised by a clinician.
Always take tablets with a full glass of water. If you experience stomach upset, a light snack can help, but avoid high‑fat meals that might delay absorption.
Side Effects, Interactions, and Precautions
Most patients tolerate clindamycin well. Common side effects include:
- Diarrhea (up to 10% of users)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
A rare but serious complication is Clostridioides difficile‑associated diarrhea. If you develop watery stools with a foul smell or fever, stop the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Clindamycin interacts with several drug classes:
- Neuromuscular blockers (e.g., rocuronium) - may potentiate muscle weakness.
- Erythromycin - competitive inhibition can raise clindamycin levels.
- Live vaccines - antibiotics may reduce vaccine efficacy.
Inform your prescriber about any herbal supplements (e.g., St.John’s Wort) or over‑the‑counter meds you’re taking.
Related Topics Worth Exploring
Understanding clindamycin fits into a larger picture of antimicrobial stewardship. You may also want to read about:
- Antibiotic stewardship programs - how hospitals curb resistance.
- Alternative antibiotics for skin infections - such as doxycycline or trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole.
- Telehealth prescribing laws - what’s allowed in Australia post‑COVID‑19.
- How to verify pharmacy credentials - using the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) database.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Buying Cheap Generic Clindamycin Online
- Get a valid prescription from a GP or a licensed telehealth service.
- Visit a reputable online pharmacy that displays its Australian licence number.
- Upload or fax the prescription using the site’s secure portal.
- Choose the dosage form you need (tablet 300mg is most common).
- Compare total cost, including shipping and any handling fees.
- Add the product to your cart and proceed to checkout using a secure payment method.
- Save the order confirmation and receipt for future reference.
- When the medication arrives, verify the packaging, batch number, and expiry date before using.
Following these steps keeps you within legal bounds, protects your health, and maximizes savings.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy generic clindamycin without a prescription?
No. In Australia, clindamycin is classified as a Schedule 4 prescription‑only medicine. Any website that offers it without asking for a valid prescription is operating illegally and likely selling counterfeit product.
How much cheaper is generic clindamycin compared to Cleocin?
The price difference can be 30‑60%. A 30‑tablet pack of 300mg generic typically costs around AU$13‑15, while the same pack of brand‑name Cleocin can run AU$35‑40.
Is it safe to import clindamycin from overseas?
Importing prescription medication without a TGA‑approved licence is illegal and carries risk of receiving sub‑standard drugs. Stick to licensed Australian online pharmacies that ship domestically.
What should I do if I develop severe diarrhea while taking clindamycin?
Stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor. Severe watery stools could signal a C.difficile infection, which requires prompt medical treatment.
Can clindamycin be taken with alcohol?
There is no direct interaction, but alcohol can aggravate stomach upset, a common side effect of clindamycin. It’s best to limit alcohol until the course is finished.
How long does it take to see improvement after starting clindamycin?
Most patients notice symptom relief within 48‑72hours. If there’s no improvement after three days, contact your clinician for reassessment.
Are there any foods I should avoid while on clindamycin?
High‑fat meals can delay absorption, but they don’t affect overall efficacy. A light snack can help reduce nausea; no specific food interactions are listed.
Alyssa Matarum
September 27, 2025 AT 15:20Check the pharmacy’s registration number before you click buy.