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Compare Xenleta vs. Ceftin

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

Key takeaways

Xenleta (lefamulin) and cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different medication classes and have different uses. Xenleta (lefamulin) is specifically FDA-approved for treating community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults. It comes as an oral tablet and an intravenous (IV) infusion. In contrast, cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats a wide range of infections, including sinus infections, ear infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and Lyme disease. Cefuroxime is available as a generic tablet and injection. While both medications can cause side effects like diarrhea and nausea, Xenleta (lefamulin) has a risk of causing QT prolongation, a serious heart rhythm problem, especially when taken with certain other medications. Cefuroxime has a higher risk of allergic reactions, especially for those with penicillin allergies. Additionally, Xenleta (lefamulin) is not recommended during pregnancy, whereas cefuroxime is generally considered safe during pregnancy.

  • Xenleta (lefamulin)
    Cefuroxime
  • Xenleta (lefamulin)
    Cefuroxime

  • Summary of Xenleta vs. Ceftin

    Summary for Pleuromutilin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Xenleta (lefamulin) is FDA approved to treat adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). This medication is a type of antibiotic called a pleuromutilin antibiotic. Xenleta (lefamulin) is a tablet that's taken by mouth twice a day for 5 days. It's also available as an intravenous (IV) infusion that's given by a healthcare professional for 5 to 7 days. Side effects aren't common but can 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 Xenleta vs. Ceftin

    Indications for
    •Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults
    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 Xenleta vs. Ceftin

    Pros and Const for Pleuromutilin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Available as a tablet and an IV infusion
    •Treatment typically lasts 5 to 7 days
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for treating CABP
    •Must take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals
    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 Xenleta vs. Ceftin

    Common Side Effects for

    Xenleta (lefamulin) tablets:

    •Diarrhea (12%)
    •Nausea (5%)

    Xenleta (lefamulin) injection:

    •Pain, swollen vein, or other reactions at the injection site (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (3%)

  • Warnings of Xenleta vs. Ceftin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk for serious abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •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 Xenleta vs. Ceftin

    Learn more about Xenleta
    Learn more about Cefuroxime

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