cefdinir vs cefixime
Side-by-side comparison of cefdinir and cefixime Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Cefdinir is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in your body. It is used to treat different types of infections.
Cefixime is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in your body. It is used to treat several different types of bacterial infections.
Cefdinir treats mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria. It can treat pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections. It is also used for strep throat and skin infections.
Cefixime treats infections like urinary tract infections, ear infections, and sore throats. It also treats bronchitis and gonorrhea. This medicine should only be used to treat infections that are proven or very likely to be caused by bacteria. This helps to prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to the medicine.
Cefdinir belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporins. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This helps your body fight off the infection.
Cefixime belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporins. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This helps your body fight off the infection.
- • Diarrhea
- • Vaginal yeast infection (in women)
- • Nausea
- • Headache
- • Diarrhea (16%)
- • Nausea (7%)
- • Loose stools (6%)
- • Abdominal pain (3%)
- • Indigestion (3%)
- Diarrhea 508
- Long-term kidney disease 485
- Pneumonia/Lung infection 466
- Tiredness 441
- Feeling sick to your stomach 381
- Drug Ineffective 276
- Off Label Use 268
- Pyrexia 162
- Nausea 155
- Diarrhoea 150
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics.
Cefixime can cause severe allergic reactions, including shock and death. Stop taking cefixime and get medical help right away if you have any signs of an allergic reaction. Cefixime can also cause severe diarrhea due to a bacteria called Clostridium difficile. Tell your doctor right away if you have diarrhea while taking cefixime.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if cefdinir will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking cefdinir while breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Studies haven't shown harm to the fetus, but it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether cefixime passes into breast milk.
Also Compare — Nearby Drugs
Compare cefdinir with
Compare cefixime with
How to Read This cefdinir vs cefixime Comparison
cefdinir is classified in the Third-Generation Cephalosporin drug class, while cefixime sits within the Third-Generation Cephalosporin class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory — but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, cefdinir has 2,281 submissions while cefixime has 1,011. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between cefdinir and cefixime — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.