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Compare Suprax vs. Floxin Otic

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

Key takeaways

Cefixime (Suprax) and ofloxacin (Floxin Otic) are both antibiotics used to treat infections, but they belong to different medication classes and treat different types of infections. Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic taken orally to treat various bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, ear infections, throat infections, bronchitis, and gonorrhea. Ofloxacin, on the other hand, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used as ear drops to treat ear infections like swimmer's ear and middle ear infections. Cefixime is available in tablet, suspension, and chewable tablet forms, while ofloxacin is only available as ear drops. Common side effects of cefixime include diarrhea and nausea, whereas ofloxacin may cause ear discomfort and itching. Cefixime is available as a generic, but it can be more expensive than other antibiotics. Ofloxacin is also available as a generic and is generally lower in cost. Both medications require a prescription, but they have different routes of administration and specific uses, making them suitable for different types of infections.

  • Cefixime (Suprax)
    Ofloxacin ear drops
  • Cefixime (Suprax)
    Ofloxacin ear drops

  • Summary of Suprax vs. Floxin Otic

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    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.

    Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Ofloxacin is a prescription otic medication, or ear drop. It's a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that's used to treat different types of ear infections, such as swimmer's ear and middle ear infection, in adults and children. This medication is given as 5 or 10 drops into the infected ear once or twice a day for 7 or 14 days, depending on your age and the type of ear infection you have. The most common side effect is ear discomfort from applying the drops.

  • Indications of Suprax vs. Floxin Otic

    Indications for
    •Urinary tract infections
    •Ear infections (otitis media)
    •Throat and tonsil infections (strep throat, tonsillitis)
    •Bronchitis with bacterial infection
    •Gonorrhea
    Indications for
    •Outer ear infection (swimmer's ear) in people ages 6 months and older
    •Middle ear infections in children ages 1 year and older with ear tubes
    •Long-term middle ear infections in people ages 12 years and older with burst eardrums

  • Pros and Cons of Suprax vs. Floxin Otic

    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    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.
    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat certain types of ear infections
    •Can safely use in babies for certain ear infections
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Doesn't contain medication to help with ear pain
    •Must lie still for 5 minutes after placing the drops into the ear to make sure the medication is absorbed
    •Must warm up the medication in your hands before putting the drops into the ear to prevent dizziness

  • Common Side Effects of Suprax vs. Floxin Otic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (16%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Loose or frequent stools (6%)
    •Passing gas (4%)
    •Abdominal pain (3%)
    •Indigestion (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain or irritation where the medication touches the ear (up to 17%)
    •Itching (up to 4%)

  • Warnings of Suprax vs. Floxin Otic

    Common Side Effects for
    •ALLERGIC REACTION
    •C. DIFFICILE DIARRHEA
    •KIDNEY PROBLEMS
    •HIGHER RISK OF BLEEDING
    •DRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIA
    •PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU) PROBLEMS
    Common Side Effects for
    •Use only in the ear
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Risk of developing new infection

  • Prices with our coupons for Suprax vs. Floxin Otic

    Learn more about Cefixime
    Learn more about Ofloxacin ear drops

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