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Suprax vs. Vibramycin

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

Key takeaways

Cefixime (Suprax) and doxycycline hyclate (Vibramycin, Doryx) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and treat different types of infections. Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works by preventing bacteria from making their protective covering, and it is used for infections like urinary tract infections, ear infections, and gonorrhea. Doxycycline hyclate is a tetracycline antibiotic that stops bacteria and parasites from making certain proteins, and it treats conditions such as acne, chlamydia, and Lyme disease. Cefixime is available as a generic and can be taken once a day, while doxycycline hyclate is also available in generic form but is typically taken once or twice daily. Cefixime can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, while doxycycline hyclate can cause sun sensitivity and esophagus irritation. Additionally, doxycycline hyclate is not safe for young children or pregnant women due to risks of tooth discoloration and harm to unborn babies. Both medications require you to finish the entire course even if you start feeling better to prevent resistance.

Cefixime

(Suprax)

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doxycycline hyclate

 

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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 Vibramycin

Prescription only

Doxycycline hyclate is an antibiotic that treats many conditions, including acne, chlamydia, sinus infection, and urinary tract infection (UTI). It's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It comes as capsules, tablets, and a liquid syrup. Side effects of doxycycline hyclate include stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.

Indications for Vibramycin

Doxycycline hyclate is used to prevent malaria due to the parasite Plasmodium falciparum and to treat many different infections caused by bacteria. Some examples include:

  • Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs
  • Infections caused by ticks, mites, or fleas (Rocky Mountain spotted fever or typhus fever)
  • Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, and syphilis
  • Lyme disease
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Severe acne
  • Anthrax
  • Plague
  • Cholera

Pros and Cons for Vibramycin

Pros

  • Good alternative for some infections if you're allergic to penicillins
  • Treats many different infections, including severe acne and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia
  • Available as a liquid for those who have trouble swallowing pills
  • Likely safe for people who have kidney problems

Cons

  • Can raise your risk of sunburns
  • Can sometimes cause stomach discomfort or stomach upset
  • Interacts with blood thinners and birth control pills
  • Not safe for young children or pregnant females

Common Side Effects for Vibramycin

  • Stomach upset
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sunburn

Warnings for Vibramycin

  • Permanent tooth discoloration
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Severe skin reactions
  • High pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri)
  • Harm to unborn and young babies
  • Sunburn
  • Damage to the esophagus
  • New infections
  • Drug-resistant bacteria

Prices with our coupons for Suprax vs. Vibramycin

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Cefixime2 capsules / 400mg
$17.71$38.31
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Doxycycline Hyclate14 capsules / 100mg
$10.44$11.30
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