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Compare Cefadroxil vs. Cephalexin

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

  • Cefadroxil
    Cephalexin
  • Cefadroxil
    Cephalexin

  • Summary of Cefadroxil vs. Cephalexin

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections. It is also available as an affordable generic.

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cephalexin is a common antibiotic that's used to treat many different bacterial infections including urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and sinus infections, to name a few. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria to fight the infection. It's safe to use in people over the age of 1, and it's typically taken by mouth 2 to 4 times per day. This medication is available as a lower-cost generic capsule, tablet, and suspension; the brand name Keflex is no longer available. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Cefadroxil vs. Cephalexin

    Indications for
    •Urinary tract infections (bladder infections)
    •Skin infections
    •Throat infections (strep throat)
    •Tonsil infections (tonsillitis)
    Indications for
    •Respiratory tract infections
    •Ear infections
    •Skin infections
    •Bone infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Reproductive system infections

  • Pros and Cons of Cefadroxil vs. Cephalexin

    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections and has generally few side effects
    •Taken once or twice a day, compared to some other antibiotics that are taken more often
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Is an affordable generic medication and comes in different forms: tablet, capsule, and suspension
    Cons
    •May not be a good option if you have colitis or other digestive tract problems
    •Not recommended to be used for the cold or flu (since these are viral illnesses)
    •If you're allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics, you might not be able to take this medication.
    •May have to adjust your dose if you have severe kidney problems
    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats several common types of bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children over the age of 1
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Usually need to take a few times per day
    •Might not be able to take if you're allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •Not recommended for the cold or flu (these are viral illnesses, not bacterial infections)

  • Common Side Effects of Cefadroxil vs. Cephalexin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Indigestion
    •Stomach pain

  • Warnings of Cefadroxil vs. Cephalexin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •C. Difficile diarrhea
    •Kidney problems
    •Drug-resistant bacteria
    •New infection
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of bleeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Cefadroxil vs. Cephalexin

    Learn more about Cefadroxil
    Learn more about Cephalexin

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