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Suprax vs. Ceftriaxone

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

Key takeaways

Cefixime (Suprax) and ceftriaxone (Rocephin) are both cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they have some key differences. Cefixime is taken orally, making it convenient for home use, while ceftriaxone is given by injection, usually in a healthcare setting. Cefixime is available as a generic and brand name, whereas the brand name for ceftriaxone, Rocephin, is no longer available. Cefixime is commonly used for infections like UTIs, ear infections, and gonorrhea, but it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in about 30% of people. Ceftriaxone, on the other hand, is used for a wider range of infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and skin infections, and is known for its low risk of side effects. However, ceftriaxone requires careful administration, especially avoiding mixing with calcium-containing medications. Both medications can be used in people with kidney problems. Ceftriaxone is also safe for use in children and during most of pregnancy.

Cefixime

(Suprax)

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Ceftriaxone

 

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Summary for Suprax

Prescription only

Cefixime (Suprax) is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections, but it tends to cause diarrhea and stomach upset, and is more expensive than other similar antibiotics.

Indications for Suprax

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Ear infections (otitis media)
  • Throat and tonsil infections (strep throat, tonsillitis)
  • Bronchitis with bacterial infection
  • Gonorrhea

Pros and Cons for Suprax

Pros

  • Treats many types of bacterial infections
  • May be a good choice for people who have gonorrhea and don't like getting shots
  • Available as a suspension and chewable tablet for people who cannot swallow pills
  • Can be taken once a day, which is convenient
  • Available as a generic

Cons

  • About 30% of people who take cefixime (Suprax) experience a stomach or intestinal side effect, such as nausea and diarrhea.
  • Not recommended to be used for the cold or flu, or for bronchitis that is not bacterial
  • If you're allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics, you might not be able to take this medicine.
  • Though it is available as a generic, cefixime (Suprax) costs more than other antibiotics that are used for the same types of infections.

Common Side Effects for Suprax

  • Diarrhea (16%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Loose or frequent stools (6%)
  • Passing gas (4%)
  • Abdominal pain (3%)
  • Indigestion (3%)

Warnings for Suprax

  • ALLERGIC REACTION
  • C. DIFFICILE DIARRHEA
  • KIDNEY PROBLEMS
  • HIGHER RISK OF BLEEDING
  • DRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIA
  • PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU) PROBLEMS

Summary for Ceftriaxone

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 Ceftriaxone

Pros and Cons for Ceftriaxone

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 Ceftriaxone

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

Warnings for Ceftriaxone

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Suprax vs. Ceftriaxone

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Cefixime2 capsules / 400mg
$17.71$38.31
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Ceftriaxone1 vial / 1g
$10.32$40.37
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