Skip to main content

Cephalosporin Antibiotics

Cephalosporin antibiotics are used to treat ear infections, lower respiratory infections, upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and sinus Infections. They work by slowing the growth of the bacteria that is causing the infection.

Why are cephalosporin antibiotics prescribed?

  1. Upper Respiratory Infection (16%)
  2. Skin Infection (16%)
  3. Ear Infection (16%)
  4. Lower Respiratory Infection (15%)
  5. Urinary Tract Infection (13%)
  6. Bacterial Infection (12%)
  7. Sinus Infection (5%)
  8. Pneumonia (5%)
  9. Lyme Disease (1%)
  10. Meningitis (0%)

Key takeaways

Cephalosporin antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. They also have other uses, including treating ear infections and certain types of sexually transmitted infections. They work killing the bacteria by preventing them from making their own protective covering. These medications come in different forms, including oral pills and injectable solutions. Examples include cephalexin (Keflex), cefdinir, cefuroxime, cefpodoxime, and cefixime (Suprax). Your prescriber will help you choose the form that best fits your needs.

Prices for popular Cephalosporin Antibiotics medications
Viewing 16 of 16 medications
capsule icon

cephalexin

as low as$9
Cephalexin is an inexpensive drug used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It is more popular than comparable drugs. It is available as a generic. Generic cephalexin is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
capsule icon

cefdinir

as low as$16
Cefdinir is a moderately priced drug used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. it will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. It is more popular than comparable drugs. Cefdinir is only available as a generic drug; all brands have been discontinued. Generic cefdinir is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
vial icon

cefazolin

as low as$4
CEFAZOLIN treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
vial icon

ceftriaxone

as low as$7
CEFTRIAXONE treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
capsule icon

cefadroxil

as low as$9
CEFADROXIL treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
vial icon

cefotaxime

as low as$10
CEFOTAXIME treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
CEFUROXIME treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
capsule icon

cefaclor

as low as$28
CEFACLOR treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
tablet icon

cefprozil

as low as$28
CEFPROZIL treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
CEFEPIME treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
CEFPODOXIME treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
CEFACLOR treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
CEFIXIME treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
Cefditoren is part of the Cephalosporin Antibiotics class and treats Pneumonia, Skin Infection and Bacterial Infection. Cephalosporin antibiotics are used to treat ear infections, lower respiratory infections, upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and sinus Infections. They work by slowing the growth of the bacteria that is causing the infection. Cefditoren is only available as a generic drug.
vial icon

Fetroja

as low as$2,235
CEFIDEROCOL treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
vial icon

Teflaro

as low as$3,572
CEFTAROLINE treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
Disclaimer: Popularity is based on total prescriptions for the brand and generic versions of each drug, regardless of the condition being treated. Some drugs are prescribed for multiple conditions.

Subscribe and save

Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Enter your email to sign up

By signing up, I agree to GoodRx’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

Latest Articles

Browse medications

View All
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.