Key takeaways
Azithromycin (Zithromax) and cephalexin (Keflex) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different medication classes. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, while cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Both medications can treat respiratory and skin infections, but azithromycin is also used for conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, and certain sexually transmitted infections, while cephalexin is used for urinary tract infections and bone infections. Azithromycin is typically taken once daily for 3 to 5 days, whereas cephalexin is taken 2 to 4 times per day for 7 to 14 days. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics and come in liquid forms for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Common side effects for both include diarrhea and stomach pain, but azithromycin can also cause nausea, and cephalexin can cause vomiting and indigestion. Azithromycin has potential interactions with antiarrhythmics and statins, while cephalexin can interact with metformin and probenecid. It's important to take each medication exactly as prescribed to avoid resistance and ensure effectiveness.
