Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Cefdinir vs. Penicillin

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

Key takeaways

Cefdinir (Omnicef) and penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including strep throat and certain skin infections. However, they belong to different medication classes. Cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic, while penicillin V potassium is a penicillin antibiotic. Cefdinir is available as capsules and oral suspension, typically taken once or twice a day, whereas penicillin V potassium comes in tablets and suspension, usually taken three to four times daily. Cefdinir is often used off-label for urinary tract infections, especially in children, while penicillin V potassium is not used for this purpose. Common side effects of both medications include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Both medications can cause serious allergic reactions, especially if you have a history of allergies to similar antibiotics. Cefdinir should not be taken with certain antacids or iron supplements, while penicillin V potassium should not be combined with other antibiotics unless prescribed together.

  • Cefdinir
    Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)
  • Cefdinir
    Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)

  • Summary of Cefdinir vs. Penicillin

    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
    Prescription only

    Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is an antibiotic used to treat several types of infections throughout the body in adults and children. It's available as tablets and suspension that are taken by mouth. The dosage depends on the type of infection you have and how severe it is, but the medication is typically taken every 6 to 12 hours. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

  • Indications of Cefdinir vs. Penicillin

    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
    •Certain types of streptococcal infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, strep throat, scarlet fever, erysipelas (a type of skin infection)
    •Pneumococcal respiratory tract infections
    •Staphylococcal skin infections
    •Vincent's gingivitis
    •Prevention of rheumatic fever or chorea (long-term problems from strep infection)
    •Prevention of heart valve infections in certain people with heart problems

  • Pros and Cons of Cefdinir vs. Penicillin

    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
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many different bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a tablet and suspension
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillin
    •Not recommended for treating a cold or the flu because these are viral infections
    •Needs to be taken every 6 to 8 hours

  • Common Side Effects of Cefdinir vs. Penicillin

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

  • Warnings of Cefdinir vs. Penicillin

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Cefdinir vs. Penicillin

    Learn more about Cefdinir
    Learn more about Penicillin v potassium

Compare other Skin Infection drugs

Bactrim vs CefdinirCefdinir vs AmoxicillinCefdinir vs AugmentinCefdinir vs AzithromycinCefdinir vs CefpodoximeCefdinir vs CeftriaxoneCefdinir vs CephalexinCefdinir vs CiproCefdinir vs ClindamycinCefdinir vs DoxycyclineCefdinir vs PenicillinCefixime vs CefdinirCeftin vs CefdinirAugmentin vs AzithromycinAugmentin vs DoxycyclineAzithromycin vs AmoxicillinAzithromycin vs CephalexinAzithromycin vs CiproAzithromycin vs PenicillinCefpodoxime vs CephalexinCephalexin vs CeftriaxoneClarithromycin vs AzithromycinClindamycin vs AzithromycinDoxycycline vs AzithromycinErythromycin vs AzithromycinLevofloxacin vs AzithromycinMetronidazole vs CeftriaxoneSuprax vs CeftriaxoneTobramycin vs AzithromycinZymaxid vs Azithromycin
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.