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Omnicef vs Ceftin
Introduction
For patients with bacterial infections, certain antibiotics that inhibit the growth or eliminate bacteria can help in reducing symptoms and eliminating the infection. Omnicef (cefdinir) and Ceftin (cefuroxime axetil) are two such drugs that are prescribed for bacterial infections. They belong to a class of medicines known as cephalosporins, which interfere with synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, ultimately leading to its destruction. Both antibiotics work against a wide spectrum of bacteria but have differences in their coverage and efficacy against specific organisms. Omnicef is considered a third-generation cephalosporin effective against many Gram-negative bacteria while Ceftin is classified as second-generation antibiotic mainly used for treating Gram-positive infections.
Omnicef vs Ceftin Side By Side
| Attribute | Omnicef | Ceftin |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Omnicef | Ceftin |
| Contraindications | Allergy to cephalosporins or penicillin antibiotics, kidney disease, intestinal disease such as colitis. | Allergy to cephalosporins or penicillin antibiotics, kidney disease, intestinal disease such as colitis. |
| Cost | For the brand name, around $200 for 20 tablets (300 mg). For the generic version, cefdinir, between $30 and $60 for a typical course. | For the brand name, about $270 for 20 tablets (500 mg). For the generic version, cefuroxime axetil, slightly higher than cefdinir but within a similar range. |
| Generic Name | Cefdinir | Cefuroxime axetil |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Severe allergic reactions, severe skin reaction, symptoms of liver problems, change in the amount of urine passed, hearing loss. | Signs of an allergic reaction, severe stomach pain or diarrhea, jaundice, unusual changes in mood or behavior, kidney problems, liver problems. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Not specifically mentioned in the article, but as with all antibiotics, interactions with other medications should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider. | Not specifically mentioned in the article, but as with all antibiotics, interactions with other medications should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider. |
| Typical Dose | 300–600 mg/day for adults, with a maximum dosage of 600 mg/day. For children, around 7 mg/kg twice a day. | 250 mg taken twice a day for adults, can be increased to 500 mg twice a day. For children, doses determined by their weight and type of infection, not to exceed 1000 mg/day in two divided doses. |
What is Omnicef?
Cefdinir (the generic name for Omnicef) and Cefuroxime (the generic name for Ceftin) are both medications in the class of cephalosporin antibiotics, which marked a major development upon the first class of antibiotic drugs known as penicillins. Both were approved by the FDA for medical use, with cefdinir approved in 1997 and cefuroxime in 1987. These antibiotics work by stopping bacteria from forming cell walls, effectively killing the bacteria to treat infections. They are prescribed for treating various bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections among others.
Despite being in the same class of antibiotics, they differ slightly on their spectrum of activity against different types of bacteria and pharmacokinetic properties. While both show good coverage against many common pathogens responsible for community-acquired pneumonia or otitis media, cefuroxime additionally covers some strains resistant to cefdinir such as Enterobacteriaceae producing beta-lactamase enzymes.
Both have similar side effect profiles typical to cephalosporins like diarrhoea or allergic reactions but due to individual variability one may be better tolerated than other.
What conditions is Omnicef approved to treat?
Omnicef is approved for the treatment of various bacterial infections:
- Acute maxillary sinusitis
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Acute bacterial otitis media
- Skin and skin structure infections
Ceftin, meanwhile, also treats a variety of different conditions:
- Lower respiratory tract infections
- Urinary tract infection
- Gonorrhea
- Early Lyme disease, specifically erythema migrans (a rash associated with Lyme disease)
Both are antibiotics from the cephalosporin class used to treat similar types of bacterial infections.
How does Omnicef help with these illnesses?
Omnicef, also known as cefdinir, is an antibiotic that helps manage bacterial infections by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacteria's cell wall. This occurs through its binding and blocking of essential proteins in the bacteria, which prevents them from forming a solid structure around their cellular contents. Without this protective layer, bacteria are unable to survive and reproduce efficiently. Cell walls play a crucial role in maintaining shape, protecting against environmental threats, and facilitating nutrient absorption among other functions for bacteria.
Similarly to Omnicef, Ceftin or cefuroxime axetil is another type of antibiotic that operates on the same principle - weakening bacterial cell walls by preventing protein synthesis. However, different antibiotics may be more or less effective depending on the specific strain of bacteria being treated.
Both medications belong to a class called cephalosporins but they are used to treat slightly different types of infections due to differences in their spectrums of activity against various strains of pathogens. In summary: while both Omnicef and Ceftin can help patients manage their condition by fighting off bacterial infections effectively; your doctor will decide which drug would be most fitting based on factors like your medical history and specifics related to your infection such as its location and suspected causative agent.
What is Ceftin?
Ceftin is a brand name for cefuroxime, which is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Ceftin works by inhibiting the construction of bacterial cell walls, thus preventing bacteria from multiplying and leading to their eventual death. It was first approved by the FDA in 1987. As cefuroxime does not inhibit DNA or RNA synthesis like some other antibiotics, its side-effect profile differs significantly from those drugs. Specifically, it rarely causes photosensitivity or severe gastrointestinal issues (common side effects of certain antibiotics such as tetracyclines). Its action on bacterial cell walls can be extremely beneficial in treating various types of infections caused by susceptible bacteria including strep throat, ear infections, urinary tract infections and others. This drug can be particularly effective for patients who do not respond well to other "typical" antibiotics.
What conditions is Ceftin approved to treat?
Ceftin is a powerful antibiotic that has received FDA approval for the treatment of various bacterial infections such as:
- Acute bacterial otitis media (middle ear infection)
- Pharyngitis and tonsillitis
- Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis
- Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin and skin structure infections It's important to note that Ceftin should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare provider, as misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance.
How does Ceftin help with these illnesses?
Ceftin, like Omnicef, is a cephalosporin antibiotic which stops the growth of bacteria by interrupting the cell wall synthesis. It's heavily involved in combatting bacterial infections within the body such as sinusitis, bronchitis and skin infections. Its action on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria may also play roles in its efficiency as an antibiotic. Since it does not significantly affect viral or fungal organisms, it should be prescribed when a patient has confirmed bacterial infection rather than viral or fungal ones (such as flu or candidiasis), or perhaps combined with antiviral or antifungal medications when necessary. Ceftin can be seen as versatile due to its broad spectrum effectiveness against diverse types of bacteria compared to some other antibiotics.
How effective are both Omnicef and Ceftin?
Both cefdinir (Omnicef) and cefuroxime (Ceftin) are effective cephalosporin antibiotics with a broad spectrum of activity against many types of bacteria. They were initially approved by the FDA only 4 years apart, with Ceftin getting approval in 1987 followed by Omnicef in 1991. Given that they act on different ranges of bacteria, they may be prescribed under different circumstances.
In multiple studies comparing these two drugs for various bacterial infections, both have shown similar efficacy and safety profiles. For example, a study from 2004 found no significant difference between cefdinir and cefuroxime in treating acute sinusitis; patients receiving either drug showed comparable improvement rates.
An earlier review from 1998 highlighted that Omnicef is highly effective at treating common respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis starting from the first few days of treatment. It also noted that it has a favorable side effect profile compared to other cephalosporins and is well-tolerated even in elderly populations.
On the other hand, Ceftin was reviewed in a meta-analysis conducted back in 2013 where it seemed to be more effective than placebo at treating Lyme disease–a tick-borne illness prevalent across North America–and seems to perform similarly well when compared to doxycycline, another commonly-prescribed antibiotic for Lyme disease treatment.
While both drugs are generally considered as first- or second-line treatments depending on the type of infection involved - Ceftin might be co-prescribed alongside amoxicillin for certain stubborn bacterial strains due its robust data confirming its efficacy as an adjunctive therapy.
Nonetheless, because of their unique pharmacological properties – Omnicef’s non-interference with oral contraceptives unlike some other cephalosporins or Ceftin’s effectiveness against Lyme disease – each might prove optimal depending on specific patient requirements or existing conditions.
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At what dose is Omnicef typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Omnicef range from 300–600 mg/day, with studies showing that 300 mg/day is typically ample for treating most bacterial infections in adults. For children and adolescents, the dose can be determined based on weight, often starting at around 7 mg/kg twice a day. In both groups, dosage may be increased after a few days if there is no response. The maximum dosage that should not be exceeded under any circumstance is 600 mg/day.
At what dose is Ceftin typically prescribed?
Ceftin treatment typically begins at 250 mg taken twice a day for adults, and can be increased to 500 mg twice a day based on the severity of the infection. For children, it's often prescribed as an oral suspension with doses determined by their weight and type of infection. Dosing should not exceed 1000 mg/day in two divided doses. After several days if there seems to be no response or improvement in symptoms, your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage accordingly. As always when taking antibiotics, make sure to complete the full course of Ceftin even if you start feeling better before finishing all medication.
What are the most common side effects for Omnicef?
Side effects that can occur with Omnicef and Ceftin include:
- Diarrhea
- Changes in bowel habits
- Stomach cramps or bloating
- Nausea, vomiting
- Indigestion (burning discomfort or pain in the digestive tract)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue (general weakness and tiredness)
- Insomnia or somnolence (difficulty sleeping or feeling excessively sleepy)
- Irritability, restlessness
- Skin rash, itching -Sweating more than usual.
However, it is important to remember that these are potential side effects - not everyone who takes these medications will experience all of them. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about a new medication's side effects.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Omnicef?
While Omnicef and Ceftin are both used to treat bacterial infections, they can have different side effects. For Omnicef, some rare but serious side effects include:
- Severe allergic reactions: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
- A severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes; skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) causing blistering and peeling.
- Symptoms of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry/upset stomach/abdominal pain/yellow skin/eyes/light colored stools/vomiting.
- Change in the amount of urine passed.
- Hearing loss.
With Ceftin on the other hand you should be aware of potential side effects such as:
- Worsening stomach pain
- Signs of low blood cell counts - sudden weakness or ill-feeling, fever/chills/stiff neck/mouth sores/pale skin/easy bruising/unusual bleeding/tiredness/shortness of breath/rapid heart rate
- Neurological symptoms - severe headaches/dizziness/confusion/sensitivity to light/seizures/hallucinations/depression/aggressive behavior
In case any such symptoms occur while taking either medication seek medical attention immediately.
What are the most common side effects for Ceftin?
Ceftin, a cephalosporin antibiotic like Omnicef, also has its unique side effects. Some of the commonly seen ones are:
- Stomach upset or discomfort
- Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Rash (although rare) It's important to note that while some individuals might experience these side effects, many do not. This is why ongoing communication with your healthcare provider is essential when taking new medication like Ceftin.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Ceftin?
While Ceftin is commonly prescribed and considered safe for most patients, there are instances where it can cause certain adverse effects. Be vigilant of the following potential side effects when taking this medication:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, tongue or throat
- A skin rash, no matter how mild
- Severe stomach pain or diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Kidney problems - little or no urination; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired
- Liver problems - upper stomach pain, loss of appetite
If you experience any of these symptoms while on Ceftin, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention.
Contraindications for Omnicef and Ceftin?
Both Omnicef (Cefdinir) and Ceftin (Cefuroxime), along with most other antibiotic medications, may cause a variety of side effects in some people. If you notice severe diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing eyes or skin (jaundice), persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, changes in the amount of urine produced or any other serious symptoms while taking these medications, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Omnicef nor Ceftin should be taken if you are allergic to cephalosporins or penicillin antibiotics. Always tell your physician which medications you are taking; an allergic reaction will require immediate discontinuation of the medication and appropriate treatment to manage symptoms. Furthermore, if you have kidney disease or intestinal disease such as colitis past history especially due to previous use of antibiotics inform your doctor before starting on either medication.
How much do Omnicef and Ceftin cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 20 tablets of Omnicef (300 mg) averages around $200, which works out to approximately $10/day.
- The price of 20 tablets of Ceftin (500 mg), on the other hand, is about $270. This equates to roughly $13.50 per day.
Thus, if you are prescribed a regular dosage for either medication, then brand-name Omnicef tends to be less expensive on a daily basis compared with Ceftin. Please remember that cost should not be your primary consideration in determining which antibiotic is best suited for your needs; effectiveness and side effects also play crucial roles.
Looking at the generic versions:
-
Cefdinir (generic version of Omnicef) costs between $30 and $60 for a typical course (usually lasting from 5 to 14 days), translating into an approximate daily cost ranging from$2.15 up to $12 depending upon duration and dose.
-
Cefuroxime axetil (generic version of Ceftin) has a similar price range as cefdinir but slightly higher overall, leading to an average cost per day slightly above that seen with cefdinir when considering normal courses.
These prices can vary based upon location, pharmacy choice or insurance coverage among others factors but both generic medications provide more affordable options than their branded counterparts.
Popularity of Omnicef and Ceftin
Cefdinir, available under brand names such as Omnicef, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 7.5 million people in the US in 2020. Cefdinir accounted for just over 16% of cephalosporin prescriptions in the US. As a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, it is quite effective against numerous types of bacteria and has seen an increase use since its introduction.
On the other hand, cefuroxime or Ceftin was prescribed to approximately 6 million people in the USA during the same year. Accounting for around 13% of cephalosporin prescriptions within that time frame, it is also considered a highly effective second-generation cephalosporin with a broad spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The prevalence of Ceftin has remained relatively steady over recent years.
Conclusion
Both Omnicef (cefdinir) and Ceftin (cefuroxime) are antibiotics belonging to the cephalosporin family, which are widely used in treating bacterial infections. Both drugs have a broad spectrum of activity against many types of bacteria, with numerous clinical trials demonstrating their effectiveness over placebo treatments. In certain cases, these medications may be used together under careful consideration by a physician due to potential drug interactions.
Omnicef acts on a wide range of bacteria while Ceftin is particularly effective against specific strains such as streptococcus pneumoniae and haemophilus influenzae. Therefore, they might be prescribed under different circumstances based on the type of infection being treated.
Both drugs are available in generic form providing significant cost savings especially for patients who must pay out-of-pocket. Both Omnicef and Ceftin may require an adjustment period where symptoms start alleviating gradually after initiating therapy.
The side effect profile is similar between the two antibiotics, both generally well-tolerated but can cause common antibiotic-associated side effects like upset stomach or diarrhea. For both drugs, patients should closely monitor any adverse reactions when starting treatment and seek immediate medical help if severe allergic reactions occur or symptoms persist or worsen.
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Refrences
- Perry, C. M., & Scott, L. J. (2004). Cefdinir. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200464130-00004
- Norrby, S. R. (1987). Side Effects of Cephalosporins. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-198700342-00009