Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Cefpodoxime vs. Cephalexin

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

Key takeaways

Cefpodoxime and cephalexin are both cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and ear infections. However, they differ in several ways. Cefpodoxime, available as a generic, is typically taken twice a day and is used for a wider range of infections, such as gonorrhea. Cephalexin, also available as a generic, is taken 2 to 4 times a day and is used for infections like bone and reproductive system infections. While both medications can cause side effects like diarrhea and nausea, cephalexin may also cause indigestion and dizziness. Cefpodoxime should be taken with food to improve absorption, whereas cephalexin can be taken with or without food. Both medications can interact with other drugs like probenecid, but cephalexin has specific interactions with metformin. Additionally, cephalexin carries a risk of seizures and bleeding, especially in people with kidney problems or those taking high doses.

  • Cefpodoxime
    Cephalexin
  • Cefpodoxime
    Cephalexin

  • Summary of Cefpodoxime vs. Cephalexin

    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.

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cephalexin is a common antibiotic that's used to treat many different bacterial infections including urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and sinus infections, to name a few. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria to fight the infection. It's safe to use in people over the age of 1, and it's typically taken by mouth 2 to 4 times per day. This medication is available as a lower-cost generic capsule, tablet, and suspension; the brand name Keflex is no longer available. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Cefpodoxime vs. Cephalexin

    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
    Indications for
    •Respiratory tract infections
    •Ear infections
    •Skin infections
    •Bone infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Reproductive system infections

  • Pros and Cons of Cefpodoxime vs. Cephalexin

    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
    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats several common types of bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children over the age of 1
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    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 Cefpodoxime vs. Cephalexin

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Indigestion
    •Stomach pain

  • Warnings of Cefpodoxime vs. Cephalexin

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Cefpodoxime vs. Cephalexin

    Learn more about Cefpodoxime
    Learn more about Cephalexin

Compare other Skin Infection and Ear Infection drugs

Cefdinir vs CefpodoximeCefpodoxime vs CephalexinAugmentin vs AmoxicillinAugmentin vs AzithromycinAugmentin vs BactrimAugmentin vs CephalexinAugmentin vs CiproAzithromycin vs CephalexinBactrim vs CefdinirCefadroxil vs CephalexinCefazolin vs CephalexinCefdinir vs AmoxicillinCefdinir vs AugmentinCefdinir vs AzithromycinCefdinir vs CeftriaxoneCefdinir vs CephalexinCefdinir vs CiproCefdinir vs ClindamycinCefdinir vs DoxycyclineCefdinir vs PenicillinCefixime vs CefdinirCeftin vs CefdinirCefuroxime Axetil vs CephalexinCefuroxime vs CephalexinCephalexin vs AmoxicillinCephalexin vs CeftriaxoneCephalexin vs ClindamycinCephalexin vs DoxycyclineCephalexin vs PenicillinCiprofloxacin vs Cephalexin
View More

Browse medications

View All

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