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Compare Metronidazole vs. Ceftriaxone

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

Key takeaways

Metronidazole (Flagyl) and ceftriaxone (Rocephin) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different medication classes. Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic, while ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Both medications can treat infections like meningitis and bone and joint infections, but metronidazole is also used for parasitic infections like trichomoniasis and amebiasis, which ceftriaxone does not treat. Metronidazole is taken orally or by injection, usually three times a day. In contrast, ceftriaxone is given as an injection, typically once a day. Both medications are availible as a generic. Metronidazole can cause side effects like a metallic taste and should not be taken with alcohol, while ceftriaxone can cause diarrhea and should not be mixed with calcium-containing medications. Both medications have potential interactions with other drugs, so it's important to discuss all medications you are taking with your healthcare provider.

  • Metronidazole (Flagyl)
    Ceftriaxone
  • Metronidazole (Flagyl)
    Ceftriaxone

  • Summary of Metronidazole vs. Ceftriaxone

    Summary for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an oral antibiotic for adults and children. It's used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (a type of vaginal bacteria infection) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection, or STI). Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking and for 3 days after stopping metronidazole (Flagyl) because this combination can cause a serious reaction. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is available as a lower-cost generic.

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    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 of Metronidazole vs. Ceftriaxone

    Indications for

    Treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including:

    •Trichomoniasis
    •Amebiasis (parasitic gut infection)
    •Serious bacterial infections, such as:
    •Abdominal infection (including peritonitis)
    •Skin infections
    •Gynecological infections (including endometritis)
    •Bloodstream infection (septicemia)
    •Bone and joint infections
    •Central nervous system infections (meningitis)
    •Lung infections (lower respiratory tract infections)
    •Heart infection (endocarditis)
    Indications for
    •Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)
    •Ear infections
    •Stomach infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Bone and joint infections
    •Bloodstream infections
    •Meningitis
    •Gonorrhea
    •Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
    •Preventing infection from surgery

  • Pros and Cons of Metronidazole vs. Ceftriaxone

    Pros and Const for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Can be used to treat different types of bacterial infection
    •Immediate-release formulations can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Immediate-release formulations needs to be taken multiple times a day for most infections
    •Serious interaction with alcohol
    •Can cause metallic taste in mouth
    •Not recommended while breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    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 of Metronidazole vs. Ceftriaxone

    Common Side Effects for

    Please note: These are common side effects reported by people who took extended-release metronidazole (Flagyl)

    •Headache (18%)
    •Inflammation of the vagina (15%)
    •Nausea (10%)
    •Metallic taste (9%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

  • Warnings of Metronidazole vs. Ceftriaxone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk of cancer
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Brain and nerve problems
    •Liver and kidney problems
    •Risk of fungal infection
    •Risk of drug resistance
    •Lower white blood cell counts
    •Interaction with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 Metronidazole vs. Ceftriaxone

    Learn more about Metronidazole
    Learn more about Ceftriaxone

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