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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

 

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Cefazolin

(Ancef)

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Summary for Rocephin

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 Rocephin

Pros and Cons for Rocephin

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 Rocephin

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

Warnings for Rocephin

  • 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

Summary for Cefazolin

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 for Cefazolin

  • 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 for Cefazolin

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 for Cefazolin

  • Side effects aren't common. See Other.

Warnings for Cefazolin

  • 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

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Ceftriaxone1 vial / 500mg
$5.36$30.75
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Cefazolin5 vials / 10g
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