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Compare Spectracef vs. Bactrim

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

Key takeaways

Cefditoren (Spectracef) and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including lung infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. However, they belong to different medication classes. Cefditoren is a cephalosporin antibiotic, while sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is a combination of a sulfonamide and an antifolate. Cefditoren is no longer available in the U.S., whereas sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is still available as a generic and under various brand names. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim can be taken orally or as an injection, while cefditoren was only available in oral form. Common side effects of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim include nausea, diarrhea, and rash, and it can interact with many medications, such as warfarin. In contrast, cefditoren's side effects and interactions are less detailed due to its discontinuation. Additionally, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is not recommended during pregnancy and should be avoided if you have a sulfa allergy, while such specific warnings are not mentioned for cefditoren.

  • Cefditoren (Spectracef)
    Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
  • Cefditoren (Spectracef)
    Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

  • Summary of Spectracef vs. Bactrim

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic

    Cefditoren (Spectracef) is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats bacterial infections of the lungs (bronchitis and pneumonia) and throat (strep throat and tonsillitis). It is no longer available in the U.S.

    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 Spectracef vs. Bactrim

    Indications for
    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 Spectracef vs. Bactrim

    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    Cons
    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 Spectracef vs. Bactrim

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Loss of appetite
    •Rash
    •Hives
    •Skin sensitivity to sun or light

  • Warnings of Spectracef vs. Bactrim

    Common Side Effects for
    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 Spectracef vs. Bactrim

    Learn more about Cefditoren
    Learn more about Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

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