Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

ofloxacin ear drops

 

Get free coupons

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 Floxin Otic

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 for Floxin Otic

Pros and Cons for Floxin Otic

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 for Floxin Otic

  • Pain or irritation where the medication touches the ear (up to 17%)
  • Itching (up to 4%)

Warnings for Floxin Otic

  • Use only in the ear
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Risk of developing new infection

Prices with our coupons for Suprax vs. Floxin Otic

Price Card Drug Icon
Cefixime2 capsules / 400mg
$17.71$38.33
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Ofloxacin1 ear dropper / 5ml of 0.3%
$19.60$154.49
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.