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Cefdinir vs. Azithromycin

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

Key takeaways

Cefdinir (Omnicef) and azithromycin (Zithromax) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, sinus infections, and strep throat. However, they belong to different medication classes: cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic, while azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Cefdinir is available as capsules and oral suspension, and it is typically taken once or twice a day for 5 to 10 days. Azithromycin is taken once daily, often for a shorter duration of 3 to 5 days, and is available in tablet and liquid forms. While both medications can cause side effects like diarrhea and nausea, azithromycin may also lead to heart rhythm problems and liver issues. Cefdinir can interact with antacids and iron supplements, while azithromycin can interact with medications that affect heart rhythm. Both medications are available as generics, but azithromycin is often packaged as a convenient Z-Pak.

Cefdinir

 

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Azithromycin

(Zithromax)

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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

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

Common Side Effects for Cefdinir

  • Diarrhea (up to 15%)

Warnings for Cefdinir

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria

Summary for Azithromycin

Prescription only

Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a macrolide antibiotic. It's used to treat many types of infections in children and adults, including strep throat, sinus infection, and pneumonia. Azithromycin (Zithromax) is taken by mouth once daily. Typically, the length of treatment ranges from 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of infection you have. For convenience, azithromycin (Zithromax) also comes pre-packaged as Z-Pak. Some of the more common side effects of azithromycin (Zithromax) include diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.

Indications for Azithromycin

Adults

Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

Children

Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

  • Ear infections (ages 6 months and older)
  • Pneumonia (ages 6 months and older)
  • Strep throat (ages 2 years and older)
  • Tonsil infections (ages 2 years and older)

Pros and Cons for Azithromycin

Pros

  • Taken by mouth once daily
  • Treatment typically lasts only 3 to 5 days
  • Comes as a liquid; good option for people who've trouble swallowing tablets
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Might not be the best choice for people with severe liver problems or certain heart problems
  • Can cause stomach-related side effects, like diarrhea and stomach pain
  • Some bugs might be resistant to azithromycin (Zithromax)

Common Side Effects for Azithromycin

Adults

  • Diarrhea (4-5%)
  • Nausea (3%)
  • Stomach pain (2-3%)

Children

  • Diarrhea (2-6%)
  • Vomiting (1-6%)
  • Stomach pain (1-3%)

Warnings for Azithromycin

  • Severe allergic and skin reactions
  • Liver damage
  • Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
  • Possible higher risk of death from heart problems
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Worsening of certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis)
  • Doesn't treat syphilis

Prices with our coupons for Cefdinir vs. Azithromycin

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Cefdinir20 capsules / 300mg
$19.03$91.55
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Azithromycin1 z-pak / 6 tablets of 250mg
$9.38$23.26
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