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Zithromax vs. Keflex

Are Keflex and Zithromax the Same Thing?

Zithromax Z-PAK (azithromycin) and Keflex (cephalexin) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.

Keflex is also used before dental procedures in patients identified with certain heart-related conditions to prevent bacterial infections of the heart known as endocarditis.

Zithromax and Keflex belong to different antibiotic drug classes. Zithromax is a macrolide antibiotic Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

 

What Are Possible Side Effects of Zithromax?

Common side effects of Zithromax include:

What Are Possible Side Effects of Keflex?

Common side effects of Keflex include:

  • diarrhea,
  • dizziness,
  • tiredness,
  • headache,
  • stomach upset,
  • abdominal pain,
  • joint pain,
  • vaginal itching or discharge,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • itching,
  • swelling, and
  • rash.

What is Zithromax?

Zithromax Z-PAK (azithromycin) is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic used for treating:

Zithromax is also effective against several sexually transmitted infectious diseases (STDs) such as nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis. Zithromax is available in generic form.

What is Keflex?

Keflex (cephalexin) is a cephalosporin antibiotic prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Keflex is also used before dental procedures in patients identified with certain heart-related conditions to prevent bacterial infections of the heart known as endocarditis. Keflex is available as a generic drug.

 

What Drugs Interact With Zithromax?

Zithromax may interact with blood thinners, cyclosporine, other antibiotics, theophylline, cholesterol-lowering medicines, heart medications, HIV medicines, sedatives or seizure medicines.

Zithromax may also interact with arsenic trioxide, pimozide, tacrolimus, antidepressants, anti-malaria medications, ergot medicines, blood pressure medications, medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, migraine headache medicines, narcotics, or tranquilizers.

What Drugs Interact With Keflex?

Keflex and amoxicillin may interact with probenecid and blood thinners.

Keflex may also interact with metformin.

 

How Should Zithromax Be Taken?

A typical oral dose of Zithromax consists of 500 mg for 1 day then 250 mg for 4 days. A typical intravenous dose consists of 500 mg for 2 days followed by 500 mg orally daily for an additional 5-8 days.

How Should Keflex Be Taken?

Keflex dosage depends on the condition being treated. Keflex should be used with caution in patients who have kidney disease and those who report a history of penicillin allergy.