Spectracef vs. Bactrim for Pneumonia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

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Summary for Spectracef

Discontinued

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.

Pros and Cons for Spectracef

Pros

Cons

Summary for Bactrim

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 for Bactrim

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 for Bactrim

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 for Bactrim

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Rash
Hives
Skin sensitivity to sun or light

Warnings for Bactrim

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