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Compare Spectracef vs. Penicillin

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

Key takeaways

Cefditoren (Spectracef) and penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including those affecting the respiratory tract. However, they belong to different medication classes. Cefditoren is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, while penicillin V potassium is a penicillin antibiotic. Cefditoren is no longer available in the U.S., whereas penicillin V potassium is still available by prescription. Penicillin V potassium is used for a wider range of infections, including strep throat, scarlet fever, and skin infections, and it can also prevent rheumatic fever and heart valve infections. It is available in tablet and suspension forms and is typically taken every 6 to 12 hours. Common side effects of penicillin V potassium include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and it can cause serious allergic reactions in people with penicillin allergies. In contrast, cefditoren's availability and specific side effects are not detailed, as it has been discontinued.

  • Cefditoren (Spectracef)
    Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)
  • Cefditoren (Spectracef)
    Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)

  • Summary of Spectracef vs. Penicillin

    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 Penicillin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is an antibiotic used to treat several types of infections throughout the body in adults and children. It's available as tablets and suspension that are taken by mouth. The dosage depends on the type of infection you have and how severe it is, but the medication is typically taken every 6 to 12 hours. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

  • Indications of Spectracef vs. Penicillin

    Indications for
    Indications for
    •Certain types of streptococcal infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, strep throat, scarlet fever, erysipelas (a type of skin infection)
    •Pneumococcal respiratory tract infections
    •Staphylococcal skin infections
    •Vincent's gingivitis
    •Prevention of rheumatic fever or chorea (long-term problems from strep infection)
    •Prevention of heart valve infections in certain people with heart problems

  • Pros and Cons of Spectracef vs. Penicillin

    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    Cons
    Pros and Const for Penicillin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many different bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a tablet and suspension
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillin
    •Not recommended for treating a cold or the flu because these are viral infections
    •Needs to be taken every 6 to 8 hours

  • Common Side Effects of Spectracef vs. Penicillin

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Spectracef vs. Penicillin

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria

  • Prices with our coupons for Spectracef vs. Penicillin

    Learn more about Cefditoren
    Learn more about Penicillin v potassium

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