What it's used for
Clindamycin topical gel is used once daily for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
A thin film of the gel should be applied once daily to the skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to lightly cover the entire affected area.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Boxed warning / key safety info
Oral and injectable forms of clindamycin have been associated with severe and potentially fatal colitis, and the topical form is also absorbed through the skin.
Common side effects
Adverse events occurring in at least 1% of patients in clinical studies include contact dermatitis, fungal dermatitis, folliculitis, photosensitivity, pruritus, and skin peeling.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other antibiotics & antivirals medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Clindamycin cost without insurance
Cash prices for Clindamycin without insurance vary widely by pharmacy, strength and quantity — the same prescription can cost very different amounts at two pharmacies in the same town. That is the problem a membership solves.
Clindamycin is on Tab's covered $0 generic list. With an active Tab membership, every covered strength is $0 — not a percentage off, not a coupon that changes month to month — at participating pharmacies nationwide or through mail order. You do not need insurance, and Tab works whether or not you have a health plan.
Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician.
Clindamycin dosage and administration
Apply a thin film of clindamycin phosphate topical lotion twice daily to affected area. Lotion: Shake well immediately before using. Keep all liquid dosage forms in containers tightly closed.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Clindamycin side effects
In 18 clinical studies of various formulations of clindamycin phosphate using placebo vehicle and/or active comparator drugs as controls, patients experienced a number of treatment emergent adverse dermatologic events [see table below]. Number of Patients Reporting Events Treatment Emergent Adverse Event Solution n=553(%) Gel n=148(%) Lotion n=160(%) Burning 62 (11) 15 (10) 17 (11) Itching 36 ( 7) 15 (10) 17 (11) Burning/Itching 60 (11) # ( – ) # ( – ) Dryness 105 (19) 34 (23) 29 (18) Erythema 86 (16) 10 ( 7) 22 (14) Oiliness/Oily Skin 8 ( 1) 26 (18) 12* (10) Peeling 61 (11) # ( – ) 11 ( 7) # not recorded * of 126 subjects Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Clindamycin drug interactions
Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician and pharmacist about every medication, supplement and over-the-counter product you take.
Who should not take clindamycin
Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin, a history of regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis, or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Whether this medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made by your prescribing clinician.
Common questions
Is clindamycin covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Clindamycin is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get clindamycin through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
How do I get a clindamycin prescription with Tab?
Book a video visit with a licensed Tab clinician (unlimited visits are included with membership). If it's clinically appropriate, they send the prescription to your chosen participating pharmacy or by mail order.
How much does clindamycin cost without insurance?
Without insurance, retail cash prices for clindamycin vary by pharmacy, strength and quantity. Clindamycin is on Tab's covered $0 generic list, so every covered strength is $0 with an active Tab membership at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
What is the cheapest way to get clindamycin?
For medications on Tab's covered list, a Tab membership is the cheapest route: covered strengths of clindamycin are $0 with an active membership, and unlimited video visits with a licensed clinician are included, so the visit that produces the prescription is covered too.
What is the usual dose of clindamycin?
Apply a thin film of clindamycin phosphate topical lotion twice daily to affected area. Lotion: Shake well immediately before using. Keep all liquid dosage forms in containers tightly closed. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of clindamycin?
In 18 clinical studies of various formulations of clindamycin phosphate using placebo vehicle and/or active comparator drugs as controls, patients experienced a number of treatment emergent adverse dermatologic events [see table below]. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
What interacts with clindamycin?
Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician about every medication and supplement you take.)
Clindamycin is $0 on the covered list
Members pay $0 for covered generics at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order — plus unlimited virtual primary care, urgent care and dermatology visits. No insurance needed.
Solo $49/mo · Family $119/mo for up to 4 people · Family+ $149/mo for up to 8
Start your membership → Compare plansTab is a membership and prescription-discount program, not insurance. A licensed clinician must prescribe any medication. Cancel anytime — no renewal.