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Compare Cefdinir vs. Cephalexin

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

Key takeaways

Cefdinir (Omnicef) and cephalexin (Keflex) are both cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, such as ear and sinus infections. While they share this drug class, they differ in several ways. Cefdinir is available as capsules and oral suspension, typically taken once or twice a day, and is often used off-label for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. Cephalexin, on the other hand, is available as capsules, tablets, and liquid suspension, and is taken 2 to 4 times a day. Cephalexin is FDA-approved for UTIs, unlike cefdinir. Both medications can cause side effects like diarrhea and nausea, but cephalexin can also cause vomiting and indigestion. Cefdinir has specific interactions with probenecid, antacids and iron supplements, while cephalexin can interact with metformin and probenecid. Both medications are available as generics, but cephalexin is noted to be a lower-cost option.

  • Cefdinir
    Cephalexin
  • Cefdinir
    Cephalexin

  • Summary of Cefdinir vs. Cephalexin

    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

    Cephalexin, also commonly known as Keflex, is a cephalosporin antibiotic for people ages 1 year and older. It can treat many types of bacterial infections. This includes ear infections, skin infections like cellulitis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and strep throat. Cephalexin comes as capsules, tablets, and a liquid suspension. It's taken by mouth 2 to 4 times per day. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cephalexin is a generic medication; its brand name Keflex is no longer available.

  • Indications of Cefdinir vs. Cephalexin

    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
    •Respiratory tract infections (e.g., strep throat)
    •Ear infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Bone infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Reproductive system infections (e.g., prostatitis)

  • Pros and Cons of Cefdinir vs. Cephalexin

    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 several common types of bacterial infections
    •Okay for children as young as 1 year old to take
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    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 Cefdinir vs. Cephalexin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (up to 15%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Indigestion
    •Stomach pain

  • Warnings of Cefdinir vs. Cephalexin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria

  • Prices with our coupons for Cefdinir vs. Cephalexin

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