Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Bactrim vs. Cefdinir

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra) and cefdinir (Omnicef) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including ear infections and lung infections related to bronchitis. However, they belong to different medication classes. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is a sulfonamide antibiotic, while cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is available in oral and injectable forms and is typically taken twice daily, whereas cefdinir is taken orally as capsules or suspension, usually once or twice a day. Both medications are available as a generic. Common side effects of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim include nausea, diarrhea, and rash, and it can interact with medications like dofetilide. Cefdinir can cause diarrhea, nausea, and rash, and it should not be taken with certain antacids or iron supplements. Additionally, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is not recommended during pregnancy, while cefdinir is generally considered safe for pregnant individuals.

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
Cefdinir
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
Cefdinir
Summary of Bactrim vs. Cefdinir
Summary for Sulfonamide antibiotic
Prescription only
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (sometimes known as SMZ/TMP) is a combination medication containing an antifolate and sulfa antibiotic. It's used to treat different types of infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and lung infections. This antibiotic has two different brand names, Bactrim and Septra, and it's also available as a lower-cost generic. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically twice daily for most types of infections. This antibiotic also comes as a suspension under the brand name Sulfatrim for people who can't swallow tablets and as an injection for people in the hospital. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and rash.
Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
Prescription only
Cefdinir, also known by its brand name Omnicef, is a cephalosporin antibiotic that can treat several types of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, sinus infections, and ear infections. Although the brand name is no longer available, its generic can still be prescribed for adults and children. Cefdinir comes as capsules and a suspension that are taken once or twice per day by mouth. Side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.
Indications of Bactrim vs. Cefdinir
Indications for

•Urinary tract infection (UTI)

•Lower respiratory tract infection (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia, infections related to bronchitis)

•Diarrhea caused by Shigella (shigellosis)

•Travelers' diarrhea - tablet or liquid only

•Ear infections - tablet or liquid only

Indications for

•Pneumonia

•Lung infections related to long-term bronchitis

•Sinus infections

•Strep throat

•Tonsil infections

•Skin infections

•Ear infections - for children only
Pros and Cons of Bactrim vs. Cefdinir
Pros and Const for Sulfonamide antibiotic
Pros

•Treats many types of bacterial infections

•Can be given to children as young as 2 months old to treat certain infections

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•Can upset your stomach and make your skin more sensitive to the sun

•Not the best choice for people with liver or kidney problems

•Not recommended if you're pregnant

•Can't take if you have a sulfa allergy

Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
Pros

•Available as a capsule and oral suspension

•Can be used for children and adults

•Might be able to take once per day, depending on the infection

•Can keep oral suspension at room temperature for up to 10 days

Cons

•Might not be able to take this antibiotic if you've had a severe allergic reaction to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics

•Must separate when you take cefdinir and antacids or iron supplements by at least 2 hours

•Oral suspension contains sugar, so people with diabetes might have higher blood sugar levels while they're taking the antibiotic

•Not recommended for the cold or flu, since they're not caused by a bacterial infection
Common Side Effects of Bactrim vs. Cefdinir
Common Side Effects for

•Nausea

•Vomiting

•Diarrhea

•Loss of appetite

•Rash

•Hives

•Skin sensitivity to sun or light

Common Side Effects for

•Diarrhea (up to 15%)
Warnings of Bactrim vs. Cefdinir
Common Side Effects for

•Not for use during pregnancy

•Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions

•Low platelet counts and risk for bleeding

•Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

•Low sodium levels and high potassium levels

•Blood cell-related problems

•Problems with processing phenylalanine - for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) only

Common Side Effects for

•Severe allergic reactions

•Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

•Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria
Prices with our coupons for Bactrim vs. Cefdinir
Learn more about Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
Learn more about Cefdinir

Browse medications

View All

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

Compare Bactrim vs. Cefdinir

Key takeaways

Summary of Bactrim vs. Cefdinir

Indications of Bactrim vs. Cefdinir

Pros and Cons of Bactrim vs. Cefdinir

Common Side Effects of Bactrim vs. Cefdinir

Warnings of Bactrim vs. Cefdinir

Prices with our coupons for Bactrim vs. Cefdinir

Compare other Pneumonia and Ear Infection drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox