Bactrim vs. Cefdinir for Pneumonia and Ear Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

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Cefdinir

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Summary for Bactrim

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.

Indications for Bactrim

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

Pros and Cons for Bactrim

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

Common Side Effects for Bactrim

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Rash
Hives
Skin sensitivity to sun or light

Warnings for Bactrim

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

Summary for Cefdinir

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 for Cefdinir

Pneumonia
Lung infections related to long-term bronchitis
Sinus infections
Strep throat
Tonsil infections
Skin infections
Ear infections - for children only

Pros and Cons for Cefdinir

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