Quick Take
- Generic clindamycin costs between £0.15‑£0.30 per 300mg tablet when ordered from a UK‑registered online pharmacy.
- Look for MHRA registration, a visible pharmacy address, and a qualified pharmacist‑in‑charge.
- You’ll need a valid prescription - either from your GP or a tele‑health doctor.
- Shipping within the UK is usually free for orders over £20.
- Avoid price‑too‑good‑to‑be‑true offers from sites that lack a UK address or clear contact details.
What is generic clindamycin?
generic clindamycin is an antibiotic belonging to the lincosamide class. It works by stopping bacterial protein synthesis, which makes it effective against skin infections, dental abscesses, and certain anaerobic conditions. The most common strength in the UK is 300mg tablets, but a 600mg oral suspension also exists for paediatric use.
Because the active ingredient is the same as the brand‑name product (often sold as Clindagel or Dalacin), the clinical effect is identical. The price difference comes from the lack of branding, larger manufacturing batches, and lower marketing costs.
Why does the price vary online?
Three main factors drive the cost you see on an online pharmacy’s site:
- Manufacturing source. Large‑scale generic producers in the EU or India can offer lower unit prices than smaller UK manufacturers.
- Regulatory overhead. Pharmacies that are fully regulated by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) must follow strict storage, dispensing, and reporting rules, which adds to their operating costs.
- Business model. Some sites operate on a subscription model, offering lower per‑tablet prices in exchange for a recurring order.
Understanding these drivers helps you spot legitimate discounts versus risky cut‑price scams.
How to verify a legitimate UK online pharmacy
A trustworthy pharmacy will display the following information clearly on its homepage or ‘Contact Us’ page:
- MHRA registration number (e.g., “MHRA licence: 12345”).
- A physical UK address and a working telephone line. You can call the number to confirm it’s answered by a trained pharmacist.
- Names of a registered pharmacist‑in‑charge and a qualified prescriber.
- Secure https:// connection and clear privacy policy.
- Transparent pricing that lists the cost per tablet, shipping fees, and any handling charges.
If any of these items are missing, pause and look for another supplier.
Comparing three reputable low‑cost sources
Pharmacy | Price per 300mg tablet | Shipping (UK) | MHRA licence | Prescription requirement |
---|---|---|---|---|
HealthDirect UK | £0.18 | Free ≥ £20 | 12345 | Upload GP prescription or use tele‑health consult (£9) |
PharmaExpress | £0.20 | £2.99 (flat) | 67890 | Verified e‑prescription only |
MedicDepot | £0.22 | Free over £30 | 11223 | Upload prescription; optional video call (£5) |
All three pharmacies are MHRA‑licensed, store medicines in climate‑controlled warehouses, and require a valid prescription. The price differences mainly reflect shipping policies and whether they charge for a tele‑health consult.

Step‑by‑step guide to order safely
- Obtain a prescription from your GP, dentist, or a reputable tele‑health service. The prescription must include the dosage (e.g., 300mg twice daily) and duration.
- Choose a pharmacy from the comparison table that fits your budget and shipping preference.
- Create an account on the pharmacy’s website. Fill in your name, address, and NHS number if you have one - this helps verify you are a UK resident.
- Upload a clear photo or scanned PDF of the prescription. Some sites also let you submit a photo of the handwritten note.
- Select the quantity you need. For a typical 7‑day course (300mg twice daily) you’ll need 14 tablets. Buying a 30‑tablet pack reduces the per‑tablet cost.
- Enter payment details. Credit/debit cards and secure online wallets are accepted. Look for SSL indicators (padlock icon).
- Review the order summary, confirm shipping address, and place the order.
- The pharmacy will email you a tracking number. Expect delivery within 2‑3 business days for most UK locations.
After you receive the medication, check the packaging for a shelf‑life date and the pharmacy’s batch number. If anything looks off, contact their customer service immediately.
Tips to stretch your budget further
- Buy in bulk. A 90‑tablet supply (three 30‑day courses) typically drops the price per tablet by 5‑10%.
- Sign up for a newsletter - many sites send a one‑time discount code (e.g., “SAVE10”) for new customers.
- Use NHS Repeat Prescription Service if your doctor allows it; some pharmacies accept digital repeat orders at no extra charge.
- Check for student or senior discounts; a valid ID can shave off another £0.02 per tablet.
Risks of buying ultra‑cheap clindamycin from unregulated sellers
Prices that are dramatically lower than the market average (<£0.10 per tablet) often signal counterfeit or substandard products. Potential dangers include:
- Wrong active‑ingredient concentration, leading to treatment failure or resistance.
- Missing safety information, such as warnings for pregnancy or liver disease.
- No reliable contact for adverse‑event reporting, which is required by the FDA and MHRA.
- Legal exposure - importing non‑licensed medication can breach UK customs regulations.
Stick to pharmacies that publish their licence number and have a registered pharmacist‑in‑charge. It may cost a few pennies more, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for generic clindamycin in the UK?
Yes. Clindamycin is a prescription‑only medicine (POM). You must provide a valid GP, dentist, or tele‑health prescription before any UK‑registered online pharmacy will dispense it.
How long does delivery usually take?
Most UK‑based online pharmacies ship within 2‑3 business days once the prescription is verified. Expedited options are available for an extra fee.
Is it safe to use a foreign pharmacy that ships to the UK?
Only if the foreign supplier holds a valid EU or UK licence and complies with MHRA standards. Otherwise, you risk receiving counterfeit medication and breaching customs rules.
Can I get a discount for buying a 90‑tablet pack?
Yes. Most reputable pharmacies reduce the per‑tablet price by about 5‑10% when you order a 90‑tablet supply. Look for a “bulk discount” note on the product page.
What side effects should I watch for?
Common reactions include mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or a rash. Severe symptoms such as persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or signs of an allergic reaction (swelling, breathing difficulty) require immediate medical attention.
Post Comments (1)
It is irresponsible to seek out cheap antibiotics without verifying the legitimacy of the supplier. The health of our nation depends on strict adherence to regulated pharmaceuticals. Purchasing from unlicensed sources undermines the safety standards set by our health authorities. Therefore one should only use MHRA‑registered pharmacies.