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Compare Suprax vs. Zithromax

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

Key takeaways

Cefixime (Suprax) and Azithromycin (Zithromax) 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, while Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that stops bacteria from making certain proteins. Cefixime is often used for urinary tract infections, ear infections, throat infections, bronchitis, and gonorrhea, whereas Azithromycin is used for respiratory infections like pneumonia, sinus infections, strep throat, and also for skin infections and certain sexually transmitted infections. Cefixime is typically taken once a day, while Azithromycin is usually taken once daily for 3 to 5 days. Both medications can cause stomach-related side effects like diarrhea and nausea, but Azithromycin can also cause serious heart rhythm problems and liver issues. Cefixime is available as a generic, but it tends to be more expensive than other antibiotics. Azithromycin is also available as a generic and comes in a convenient pre-packaged form called Z-Pak.

  • Cefixime (Suprax)
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)
  • Cefixime (Suprax)
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Summary of Suprax vs. Zithromax

    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 Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a macrolide antibiotic. It's used to treat many types of infections in children and adults, including strep throat, sinus infection, and pneumonia. Azithromycin (Zithromax) is taken by mouth once daily. Typically, the length of treatment ranges from 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of infection you have. For convenience, azithromycin (Zithromax) also comes pre-packaged as Z-Pak. Some of the more common side effects of azithromycin (Zithromax) include diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.

  • Indications of Suprax vs. Zithromax

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

    Adults

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a bacterial infection
    •Bronchitis
    •Sinus infections
    •Pneumonia
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Urethra or cervix infections
    •Genital ulcer disease (chancroid)

    Children

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Ear infections (ages 6 months and older)
    •Pneumonia (ages 6 months and older)
    •Strep throat (ages 2 years and older)
    •Tonsil infections (ages 2 years and older)

  • Pros and Cons of Suprax vs. Zithromax

    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 Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Treatment typically lasts only 3 to 5 days
    •Comes as a liquid; good option for people who've trouble swallowing tablets
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might not be the best choice for people with severe liver problems or certain heart problems
    •Can cause stomach-related side effects, like diarrhea and stomach pain
    •Some bugs might be resistant to azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Common Side Effects of Suprax vs. Zithromax

    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

    Adults

    •Diarrhea (4-5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Stomach pain (2-3%)

    Children

    •Diarrhea (2-6%)
    •Vomiting (1-6%)
    •Stomach pain (1-3%)

  • Warnings of Suprax vs. Zithromax

    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
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Liver damage
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Possible higher risk of death from heart problems
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Worsening of certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis)
    •Doesn't treat syphilis

  • Prices with our coupons for Suprax vs. Zithromax

    Learn more about Cefixime
    Learn more about Azithromycin

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