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Compare Keflex vs. Monurol

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

Key takeaways

Cephalexin (generic name) and Fosfomycin (brand name Monurol) are both antibiotics, but they have different uses and dosing schedules. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory, ear, skin, bone, urinary tract, and reproductive system infections. It is taken multiple times a day for 7 to 14 days. Fosfomycin, on the other hand, is specifically used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women and is taken as a single dose mixed with water. Cephalexin is available in generic forms like capsules, tablets, and liquid suspensions, while Fosfomycin is available as a brand name or generic powder that you mix with water. Cephalexin can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, whereas Fosfomycin can cause diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Both medications can cause serious allergic reactions and a type of infectious diarrhea called *C. difficile*-related diarrhea. However, Fosfomycin is noted for its convenience of a single dose and fewer drug interactions.

  • Cephalexin
    Fosfomycin (Monurol)
  • Cephalexin
    Fosfomycin (Monurol)

  • Summary of Keflex vs. Monurol

    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.

    Summary for Antibacterial
    Prescription only

    Fosfomycin (also known by its brand name, Monurol) is an antibiotic that's used for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, including those who are pregnant. It's a powder that's mixed with water before it's taken by mouth. Fosfomycin (Monurol) is a convenient option because you only need to take one dose to treat your infection and it doesn't have many drug interactions. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and headache.

  • Indications of Keflex vs. Monurol

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

  • Pros and Cons of Keflex vs. Monurol

    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)
    Pros and Const for Antibacterial
    Pros
    •Works well at treating UTIs, including those caused by resistant bacteria that are hard to treat with other antibiotics
    •Only need to take one dose to treat a UTI
    •Can use if you have kidney or liver problems
    Cons
    •Can cause diarrhea
    •Only used to treat UTIs that don't have complications
    •Hasn't been studied in children age 12 years and younger

  • Common Side Effects of Keflex vs. Monurol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Indigestion
    •Stomach pain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Vaginal inflammation (pain, redness, swelling, warmth; 6%)
    •Nausea (4%)
    •Headache (4%)

  • Warnings of Keflex vs. Monurol

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Keflex vs. Monurol

    Learn more about Cephalexin
    Learn more about Fosfomycin

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