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Cephalexin vs. Ceftriaxone

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

Key takeaways

Cephalexin (Keflex) and ceftriaxone (Rocephin) are both cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and ear infections. However, they differ in several ways. Cephalexin is taken orally as capsules, tablets, or liquid suspensions, while ceftriaxone is given as an injection into the veins or muscles, usually in a healthcare setting. Cephalexin is typically taken 2 to 4 times a day, whereas ceftriaxone is usually given once a day. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of cephalexin include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while ceftriaxone can cause injection site pain and, less commonly, nervous system side effects like confusion and seizures. Cephalexin may interact with medications like metformin and probenecid, whereas ceftriaxone should not be mixed with calcium-containing medications and also interacts with probenecid.

Cephalexin

 

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Ceftriaxone

 

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Summary for Cephalexin

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 for Cephalexin

Pros and Cons for Cephalexin

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 for Cephalexin

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Stomach pain

Warnings for Cephalexin

  • Allergic reactions
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Seizures
  • Higher risk of bleeding
  • 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 Cephalexin vs. Ceftriaxone

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Cephalexin28 capsules / 500mg
$10.68$30.03
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Ceftriaxone1 vial / 1g
$7.75$40.37
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