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Compare Sivextro vs. Bactrim

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

Key takeaways

Sivextro (tedizolid) and Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) are both antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections and belong to different drug classes. Sivextro (tedizolid) is an oxazolidinone antibiotic used mainly for skin infections and is taken once daily for 6 days. It is only available as a brand-name medication. On the other hand, Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) is a combination of a sulfonamide and an antifolate antibiotic, used to treat a variety of infections including urinary tract infections, ear infections, and lung infections. Bactrim is available as a lower-cost generic and is typically taken twice daily. While both medications can cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea, Bactrim can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun and is not recommended for people with sulfa allergies. Additionally, Bactrim is not recommended during pregnancy, whereas the safety of Sivextro during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-studied.

  • Sivextro (tedizolid)
    Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
  • Sivextro (tedizolid)
    Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

  • Summary of Sivextro vs. Bactrim

    Summary for Oxazolidinone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Sivextro (tedizolid) is an antibiotic used to treat skin infections, such as cellulitis. It's taken once daily for 6 days. Sivextro (tedizolid) is available only as a brand-name medication in tablet and intravenous (IV) forms. Some common effects of this medication include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

    Summary for Sulfonamide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (sometimes known as SMZ/TMP) is a combination medication containing an antifolate and sulfa antibiotic. It's used to treat different types of infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and lung infections. This antibiotic has two different brand names, Bactrim and Septra, and it's also available as a lower-cost generic. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically twice daily for most types of infections. This antibiotic also comes as a suspension under the brand name Sulfatrim for people who can't swallow tablets and as an injection for people in the hospital. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and rash.

  • Indications of Sivextro vs. Bactrim

    Indications for
    •Certain skin infections in adults and children ages 12 years and older
    Indications for
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI)
    •Lower respiratory tract infection (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia, infections related to bronchitis)
    •Diarrhea caused by Shigella (shigellosis)
    •Travelers' diarrhea - tablet or liquid only
    •Ear infections - tablet or liquid only

  • Pros and Cons of Sivextro vs. Bactrim

    Pros and Const for Oxazolidinone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Only needs to be taken once a day
    •Total treatment lasts only 6 days
    •Less likely to cause gut-related side effects than linezolid (Zyvox), a similar medication
    Cons
    •Only approved for skin infections
    •Not for children under 12 years of age
    •Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding females isn't well-studied
    Pros and Const for Sulfonamide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections
    •Can be given to children as young as 2 months old to treat certain infections
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can upset your stomach and make your skin more sensitive to the sun
    •Not the best choice for people with liver or kidney problems
    •Not recommended if you're pregnant
    •Can't take if you have a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Sivextro vs. Bactrim

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Loss of appetite
    •Rash
    •Hives
    •Skin sensitivity to sun or light

  • Warnings of Sivextro vs. Bactrim

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Low platelet counts and risk for bleeding
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Low sodium levels and high potassium levels
    •Blood cell-related problems
    •Problems with processing phenylalanine - for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) only

  • Prices with our coupons for Sivextro vs. Bactrim

    Learn more about Sivextro
    Learn more about Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

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