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Compare Vantin vs. Bactrim

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

Key takeaways

Cefpodoxime (Vantin) and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different classes and work in different ways. Cefpodoxime, available as a generic, is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria by preventing them from forming a protective covering. It's typically taken twice a day and treats infections like strep throat, pneumonia, and UTIs. On the other hand, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, also available as a generic, is a combination of a sulfonamide and an antifolate that stops bacteria from making folic acid, which is essential for their growth. This antibiotic is used for UTIs, ear infections, and certain types of pneumonia, and it can be taken as a tablet, liquid, or injection. While both medications can cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun and is not recommended during pregnancy. Additionally, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim should not be taken if you have a sulfa allergy, whereas cefpodoxime might not be suitable if you have a severe penicillin allergy.

  • Cefpodoxime
    Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
  • Cefpodoxime
    Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

  • Summary of Vantin vs. Bactrim

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It's used to treat several types of bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, and strep throat, in adults and children. The brand-name product Vantin is discontinued, but the antibiotic is still available as a lower-cost generic tablet and suspension. The dosage depends on your age and the type of infection you have, but cefpodoxime is typically taken twice per day by mouth. Side effects include diarrhea and nausea.

    Summary for Sulfonamide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (sometimes known as SMZ/TMP) is a combination medication containing an antifolate and sulfa antibiotic. It's used to treat different types of infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and lung infections. This antibiotic has two different brand names, Bactrim and Septra, and it's also available as a lower-cost generic. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically twice daily for most types of infections. This antibiotic also comes as a suspension under the brand name Sulfatrim for people who can't swallow tablets and as an injection for people in the hospital. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and rash.

  • Indications of Vantin vs. Bactrim

    Indications for
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infection
    •Sinus infection
    •Pneumonia
    •Lung infection related to long-term bronchitis
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI)
    •Gonorrhea
    •Skin infection
    •Ear infection
    Indications for
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI)
    •Lower respiratory tract infection (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia, infections related to bronchitis)
    •Diarrhea caused by Shigella (shigellosis)
    •Travelers' diarrhea - tablet or liquid only
    •Ear infections - tablet or liquid only

  • Pros and Cons of Vantin vs. Bactrim

    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections throughout the body
    •Can use to treat infections in both children and adults
    •Available as a tablet and liquid suspension
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to take twice per day to treat most infections
    •Might not be able to take if you have a severe allergy to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •Not recommended for the cold or flu, since they're not caused by a bacterial infection
    Pros and Const for Sulfonamide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections
    •Can be given to children as young as 2 months old to treat certain infections
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can upset your stomach and make your skin more sensitive to the sun
    •Not the best choice for people with liver or kidney problems
    •Not recommended if you're pregnant
    •Can't take if you have a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Vantin vs. Bactrim

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diaper rash or fungal skin rash in children (up to 9%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 7% in adults; up to 13% in children under 2 years old)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Vomiting (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Loss of appetite
    •Rash
    •Hives
    •Skin sensitivity to sun or light

  • Warnings of Vantin vs. Bactrim

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Low platelet counts and risk for bleeding
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Low sodium levels and high potassium levels
    •Blood cell-related problems
    •Problems with processing phenylalanine - for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) only

  • Prices with our coupons for Vantin vs. Bactrim

    Learn more about Cefpodoxime
    Learn more about Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

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