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Cefdinir vs. Ceftriaxone

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

Key takeaways

Cefdinir (Omnicef) and ceftriaxone (Rocephin) are both cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. They share some common uses, such as treating ear infections and skin infections. However, cefdinir is not FDA-approved for urinary tract infections (UTIs) but is often used off-label for this purpose, especially in children. In contrast, ceftriaxone is FDA-approved for UTIs. Cefdinir is taken orally as capsules or a liquid suspension, while ceftriaxone is given as an injection into a vein or muscle, usually in a healthcare setting. Cefdinir is typically taken once or twice a day, whereas ceftriaxone is usually given once a day. Common side effects of cefdinir include diarrhea and nausea, while ceftriaxone can cause injection site pain and, rarely, nervous system side effects like confusion or seizures. Both medications can cause serious allergic reactions, especially if you have a penicillin allergy. Cefdinir should not be taken with certain antacids or iron supplements, while ceftriaxone should not be mixed with calcium-containing medications.

Cefdinir

 

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Ceftriaxone

 

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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 Ceftriaxone

Prescription only

Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly used antibiotics because of its low risk for side effects and its ability to treat several types of bacterial infections. Ceftriaxone is an injection given either into the veins or into the muscle, so it's used most often in the hospital or a clinic setting (e.g., nursing home, provider's office). But it can also be used at home in certain situations. The dosage depends on the type and severity of your infection, but it's usually given once per day. If you have a penicillin allergy, you might still be able to receive ceftriaxone depending on your reaction to penicillin.

Indications for Ceftriaxone

Pros and Cons for Ceftriaxone

Pros

  • Can treat many different types of infections
  • Can use in people with kidney problems
  • Can use in children
  • Typically given once per day

Cons

  • Must be given by an injection into the veins or into the muscle
  • Sometimes requires twice-daily dosing for more severe infections
  • Not a good choice for treating infections caused by resistant bacteria
  • Might not be the best choice if you've had an allergic reaction to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics

Common Side Effects for Ceftriaxone

  • Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

Warnings for Ceftriaxone

  • Allergic reactions
  • Avoid administration with calcium-containing medications
  • Nervous system side effects
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
  • Development of drug-resistant bacteria

Prices with our coupons for Cefdinir vs. Ceftriaxone

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Cefdinir20 capsules / 300mg
$19.03$91.51
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Ceftriaxone1 vial / 1g
$7.75$40.37
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