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Compare Vantin vs. Penicillin

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

Key takeaways

Cefpodoxime (Vantin) and penicillin (Penicillin VK) are antibiotics, but they belong to different classes. Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in adults and children, including strep throat, sinus infections, and pneumonia. It is taken twice daily and is available in both tablet and liquid forms. Penicillin, on the other hand, is a penicillin antibiotic primarily used for strep infections, certain types of pneumonia, and staph skin infections. It is usually taken every 6 to 8 hours and is available as a low-cost generic. One major difference is that penicillin is often less effective due to bacterial resistance, whereas cefpodoxime can be an option if you have a mild penicillin allergy. However, both medications can cause diarrhea and severe allergic reactions, especially if you have a history of allergies to beta-lactam antibiotics. It's important to complete the full course of either antibiotic to prevent resistance.

  • Cefpodoxime
    Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)
  • Cefpodoxime
    Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)

  • Summary of Vantin vs. Penicillin

    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 Penicillin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is an antibiotic used to treat several types of infections throughout the body in adults and children. It's available as tablets and suspension that are taken by mouth. The dosage depends on the type of infection you have and how severe it is, but the medication is typically taken every 6 to 12 hours. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

  • Indications of Vantin vs. Penicillin

    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
    •Certain types of streptococcal infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, strep throat, scarlet fever, erysipelas (a type of skin infection)
    •Pneumococcal respiratory tract infections
    •Staphylococcal skin infections
    •Vincent's gingivitis
    •Prevention of rheumatic fever or chorea (long-term problems from strep infection)
    •Prevention of heart valve infections in certain people with heart problems

  • Pros and Cons of Vantin vs. Penicillin

    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 Penicillin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many different bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a tablet and suspension
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillin
    •Not recommended for treating a cold or the flu because these are viral infections
    •Needs to be taken every 6 to 8 hours

  • Common Side Effects of Vantin vs. Penicillin

    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
    •Stomach upset
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Vantin vs. Penicillin

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Vantin vs. Penicillin

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