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Compare Vantin vs. Ceftin

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

Key takeaways

Cefpodoxime (Vantin) and cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin) are both cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they have some differences. Cefpodoxime, available as a generic, is a third-generation cephalosporin, while cefuroxime axetil, also available as a generic, is a second-generation cephalosporin. Cefpodoxime is typically taken twice a day and is used for a variety of infections, including strep throat, pneumonia, and UTIs. On the other hand, cefuroxime axetil is also taken twice a day but can treat additional infections like Lyme disease and is available in both tablet and injection forms. Both medications can cause side effects like diarrhea and nausea, but cefuroxime axetil has fewer common side effects reported. Additionally, cefuroxime axetil tablets should not be crushed due to their bitter taste, whereas cefpodoxime tablets should not be crushed because it can affect how the medication works. Both antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed to avoid the risk of developing drug-resistant bacteria.

  • Cefpodoxime
    Cefuroxime
  • Cefpodoxime
    Cefuroxime

  • Summary of Vantin vs. Ceftin

    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 Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cefuroxime, also known by its brand name Ceftin, is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats bacterial infections throughout the body. These infections can include sinus infection, ear infection, and urinary tract infection (UTI), among others. The brand name Ceftin has been discontinued, but generic cefuroxime is still available as a tablet and an injection. The tablets are taken by mouth typically every 12 hours, but the dosage depends on your infection and kidney function. Side effects aren't common, but can include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

  • Indications of Vantin vs. Ceftin

    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

    Cefuroxime tablets:

    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infection
    •Ear infection
    •Sinus infection
    •Lung infection related to long-term bronchitis
    •Skin infection
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI)
    •Gonorrhea
    •Lyme disease

    Cefuroxime injection:

    •Lower respiratory tract infection
    •UTI
    •Skin infection
    •Bone and joint infection
    •Bloodstream infection
    •Meningitis

  • Pros and Cons of Vantin vs. Ceftin

    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 Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections throughout your body
    •Has generally few side effects
    •Can be used for children and adults
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •No oral liquid available for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Not recommended for the cold or flu, since these infections aren't typically caused by bacteria

  • Common Side Effects of Vantin vs. Ceftin

    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
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (3%)

  • Warnings of Vantin vs. Ceftin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria

  • Prices with our coupons for Vantin vs. Ceftin

    Learn more about Cefpodoxime
    Learn more about Cefuroxime

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