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Suprax vs. Bactrim

Are Suprax and Bactrim the Same Thing?

Suprax (cefixime) and Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) are antibiotics used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Suprax and Bactrim are different types of antibiotics. Suprax is a cephalosporin antibiotic and Bactrim is a combination of a sulfonamide antimicrobial (a “sulfa” drug) and a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor antibacterial.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Suprax?

Common side effects of Suprax include:

  • stomach upset/pain,
  • diarrhea,
  • nausea,
  • constipation,
  • loss of appetite,
  • gas,
  • headache,
  • dizziness,
  • anxiety,
  • drowsiness,
  • increased night-time urination,
  • runny nose,
  • sore throat,
  • cough, or
  • vaginal itching or discharge.

Tell your doctor if you experience rare but very serious side effects of Suprax including:

  • severe stomach or abdominal pain,
  • persistent nausea or vomiting,
  • yellowing eyes or skin,
  • dark urine,
  • unusual tiredness,
  • new signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever),
  • easy bruising or bleeding,
  • change in the amount of urine, or
  • mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Bactrim?

Common side effects of Bactrim include:

  • loss of appetite,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • painful or swollen tongue,
  • dizziness,
  • spinning sensation,
  • ringing in your ears,
  • tiredness, or
  • sleep problems (insomnia).

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Bactrim including:

What Is Suprax?

Suprax (cefixime) for Oral Suspension is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

What Is Bactrim?

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) DS is a combination of two antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections, acute otitis media, bronchitis, Shigellosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and other bacterial infections susceptible to this antibiotic. Bactrim is available as a generic drug.

What Drugs Interact With Suprax?

Other drugs may interact with Suprax. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. Suprax should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. This drug passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What Drugs Interact With Bactrim?

Both Bactrim and Cipro may interact with blood thinners, cyclosporine, methotrexate, oral diabetes medications, and seizure medications. Bactrim may also interact with antidepressants, digoxin, diuretics (water pills), indomethacin, leucovorin, calcium folinate, and heart or blood pressure medications. Cipro may also interact clozapine, probenecid, ropinirole, theophylline, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), or steroids.

How Should Suprax Be Taken?

The recommended dosage of Suprax is 70 mg once monthly; some patients may benefit from a dosage of 140 mg once monthly, which is administered as two consecutive subcutaneous injections of 70 mg each.

How Should Bactrim Be Taken?

Administer the solution by intravenous infusion over a period of 60 to 90 minutes. Avoid administration by rapid infusion or bolus injection. Do NOT administer Bactrim intramuscularly.