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Compare Rocephin vs. Cefazolin

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

Key takeaways

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) and Cefazolin (Ancef) are both cephalosporin antibiotics, but they have some key differences. Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin, while Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin. This means Ceftriaxone can treat a broader range of bacterial infections compared to Cefazolin. Ceftriaxone is typically given once per day, whereas Cefazolin often requires more frequent dosing, such as every 6 to 8 hours. Ceftriaxone can be used in people with kidney problems without dose adjustment, but Cefazolin requires dose adjustments for those with kidney issues. Both medications are given by injection, but Ceftriaxone is more commonly used in hospital settings and can also be administered at home in certain cases. Lastly, Ceftriaxone is generally safe during pregnancy until close to delivery, while Cefazolin is considered safe throughout pregnancy as long as the benefits outweigh the risks.

  • Ceftriaxone
    Cefazolin (Ancef)
  • Ceftriaxone
    Cefazolin (Ancef)

  • Summary of Rocephin vs. Cefazolin

    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.

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cefazolin (Ancef) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections and prevents infections from surgery. It fights infections by killing bacteria. This medication can be used in adults and children over 1 month of age. Cefazolin (Ancef) is only available as an injection that's given through the veins (intravenously or IV) or into the muscle (intramuscularly or IM). Side effects aren't common, but you might not be able to take cefazolin (Ancef) if you have an allergy to other antibiotics, such as penicillins and other cephalosporins like cephalexin.

  • Indications of Rocephin vs. Cefazolin

    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
    Indications for
    •Respiratory tract infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Skin infections
    •Liver and gallbladder infections
    •Bone and joint infections
    •Genital infections
    •Bloodstream infections
    •Heart infections
    •Prevention of infection from surgery

  • Pros and Cons of Rocephin vs. Cefazolin

    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
    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections
    •Helps prevent infections from happening if you get it right before surgery
    •Generally has few side effects
    •Safe to use during pregnancy as long as the potential benefits outweigh the risks
    Cons
    •Only available as an injection, so it's usually given in the hospital or provider's office
    •Not recommended to be used for viral infections (e.g., the common cold)
    •Can be troublesome to take, especially if you need to take it every 6 to 8 hours (3 to 4 times a day)
    •Can leave a metallic or sour taste in the mouth

  • Common Side Effects of Rocephin vs. Cefazolin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.
    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other.

  • Warnings of Rocephin vs. Cefazolin

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea caused by C. difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    •Requires dose adjustment in people with kidney problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Rocephin vs. Cefazolin

    Learn more about Ceftriaxone
    Learn more about Cefazolin

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