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Compare Cefdinir vs. Cefpodoxime

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

Key takeaways

Cefdinir (Omnicef) and cefpodoxime (Vantin) are both cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, sinus infections, and strep throat. While they share these uses, cefdinir is also commonly used off-label for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children, whereas cefpodoxime is FDA-approved for UTIs in children and adults. Cefdinir is available as capsules and oral suspension, typically taken once or twice a day, while cefpodoxime comes in tablets and suspension, usually taken twice a day. Both medications are available as generics since their brand names are discontinued. Common side effects for both include diarrhea and nausea, but cefdinir may cause a rash more frequently, while cefpodoxime can lead to diaper rash in children. You should avoid taking antacids or iron supplements close to cefdinir, as they can interfere with its absorption, whereas cefpodoxime should be taken with food to improve absorption. Both medications carry a risk of severe allergic reactions, especially if you have a penicillin allergy, and can cause serious diarrhea related to *C. difficile* infection.

  • Cefdinir
    Cefpodoxime
  • Cefdinir
    Cefpodoxime

  • Summary of Cefdinir vs. Cefpodoxime

    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 Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It's used to treat several types of bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, and strep throat, in adults and children. The brand-name product Vantin is discontinued, but the antibiotic is still available as a lower-cost generic tablet and suspension. The dosage depends on your age and the type of infection you have, but cefpodoxime is typically taken twice per day by mouth. Side effects include diarrhea and nausea.

  • Indications of Cefdinir vs. Cefpodoxime

    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
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infection
    •Sinus infection
    •Pneumonia
    •Lung infection related to long-term bronchitis
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI)
    •Gonorrhea
    •Skin infection
    •Ear infection

  • Pros and Cons of Cefdinir vs. Cefpodoxime

    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 Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections throughout the body
    •Can use to treat infections in both children and adults
    •Available as a tablet and liquid suspension
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to take twice per day to treat most infections
    •Might not be able to take if you have a severe allergy to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •Not recommended for the cold or flu, since they're not caused by a bacterial infection

  • Common Side Effects of Cefdinir vs. Cefpodoxime

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (up to 15%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diaper rash or fungal skin rash in children (up to 9%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 7% in adults; up to 13% in children under 2 years old)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Vomiting (2%)

  • Warnings of Cefdinir vs. Cefpodoxime

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria

  • Prices with our coupons for Cefdinir vs. Cefpodoxime

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