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Compare Penicillin vs. Ceclor

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

Key takeaways

Cefaclor (generic name) and penicillin (generic name) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different classes. Cefaclor is a cephalosporin antibiotic, while penicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. Both work by preventing bacteria from making their protective covering, but cefaclor is generally used for a broader range of infections, such as bronchitis, strep throat, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Penicillin, available as penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK), is often used for strep throat, pneumonia, and staph skin infections. Cefaclor is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day, whereas penicillin is taken every 6 to 8 hours, which can be harder to remember. If you're allergic to penicillin, you might also be allergic to cefaclor, so it's important to let your provider know about any past reactions. Both antibiotics are available in generic forms, making them more affordable. However, many common bacteria are resistant to penicillin, limiting its effectiveness to specific infections.

  • Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)
    Cefaclor
  • Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)
    Cefaclor

  • Summary of Penicillin vs. Ceclor

    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.

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cefaclor is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It's used to treat many different types of infections throughout the body in both children and adults. This medication is available as tablets and as a liquid suspension that's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times daily. Because cefaclor isn't a penicillin antibiotic, you might be able to take it if you have a penicillin allergy. Some side effects of cefaclor include headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Penicillin vs. Ceclor

    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
    Indications for
    •Ear infections (capsule and suspension only)
    •Lower respiratory tract infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (capsule and suspension only)
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)

  • Pros and Cons of Penicillin vs. Ceclor

    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
    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections and has generally few side effects
    •Available as a capsule, extended-release tablet, and liquid suspension
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •Needs to be taken 2 to 3 times a day
    •Liquid suspension must be stored in the refrigerator after mixing

  • Common Side Effects of Penicillin vs. Ceclor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (5%)
    •Runny nose (4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Nausea (3%)

    Please note: These side effects were reported by people taking the cefaclor extended-release tablet.

  • Warnings of Penicillin vs. Ceclor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Difficult-to-treat infections

  • Prices with our coupons for Penicillin vs. Ceclor

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