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Compare Cefdinir vs. Augmentin

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

Key takeaways

Cefdinir (Omnicef) and Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, such as sinus and ear infections. However, they belong to different medication classes. Cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic, while Augmentin combines a penicillin antibiotic with a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Cefdinir is available as capsules and oral suspension, typically taken once or twice daily, and is often used off-label for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. Augmentin comes in tablets, chewable tablets, and suspension forms, usually taken two to three times daily, and is FDA-approved for UTIs. Generic versions of both medications are available, but Augmentin is generally less expensive. Common side effects for both include diarrhea, nausea, and serious skin reactions, but Augmentin can also cause liver issues. Both medications can interact with warfarin, while cefdinir may interact with antacids and iron supplements.

  • Cefdinir
    Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
  • Cefdinir
    Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)

  • Summary of Cefdinir vs. Augmentin

    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.

    Summary for Penicillin antibiotic / Beta-lactamase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is an antibiotic medication. It contains a penicillin and a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This antibiotic treats many types of bacterial infections, like urinary tract infection (UTI), sinus infection, and ear infection, among others. It fights infections by preventing bacteria from protecting themselves from harm. This medication comes as tablets, chewable tablets, and a suspension that are taken by mouth typically two to three times daily. It's approved for use in adults and children. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.

  • Indications of Cefdinir vs. Augmentin

    Indications for
    •Pneumonia
    •Lung infections related to long-term bronchitis
    •Sinus infections
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infections
    •Skin infections
    •Ear infections - for children only
    Indications for
    •Ear infections
    •Sinus infections
    •Lower respiratory tract infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Pros and Cons of Cefdinir vs. Augmentin

    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
    Pros and Const for Penicillin antibiotic / Beta-lactamase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections in children and adults
    •Available as a tablet, chewable tablet, and oral suspension
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Safe to use while pregnant and while breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Typically need to take 2 or 3 times daily
    •Might not be able to take this antibiotic if you've had a severe penicillin allergy
    •Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

  • Common Side Effects of Cefdinir vs. Augmentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (up to 15%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets, chewable tablets, and suspension

    •Diarrhea or loose stools (9%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Skin rash (3%)

    Extended-release tablets

    •Diarrhea (15%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (3%)

    Augmentin ES-600 (amoxicillin / clavulanate) suspension

    •Vomiting (7%)
    •Fever (6%)
    •Rash (6%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)

  • Warnings of Cefdinir vs. Augmentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Liver problems
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - for chewable tablets and suspension

  • Prices with our coupons for Cefdinir vs. Augmentin

    Learn more about Cefdinir
    Learn more about Augmentin

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