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Suprax vs. Zithromax

Are Suprax and Zithromax the Same Thing?

Suprax (cefixime) and Zithromax Z-PAK (azithromycin) are antibiotics used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Suprax is a cephalosporin antibiotic and Zithromax Z-PAK is a macrolide antibiotic.

Side effects of Suprax and Zithromax that are similar include stomach or abdominal upset/pain, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, or vaginal itching or discharge.

Side effects of Suprax that are different from Zithromax include loss of appetite, gas, anxiety, drowsiness, increased nighttime urination, runny nose, sore throat, or cough.

Side effects of Zithromax that are different from Suprax include vomiting, tiredness, nervousness, sleep problems (insomnia), skin rash or itching, ringing in the ears, hearing problems, or decreased sense of taste or smell.

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 Zithromax?

Common side effects of Zithromax include:

  • diarrhea or loose stools,
  • nausea,
  • abdominal pain,
  • stomach upset,
  • vomiting,
  • constipation,
  • dizziness,
  • tiredness,
  • headache,
  • vaginal itching or discharge,
  • nervousness,
  • sleep problems (insomnia),
  • skin rash or itching,
  • ringing in the ears,
  • hearing problems,
  • or decreased sense of taste or smell.

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 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 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 Zithromax?

Zithromax may interact with arsenic trioxide, cyclosporine, pimozide, tacrolimus, theophylline, warfarin, other antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-malaria medications, cholesterol-lowering medicines, ergot medicines, heart or blood pressure medications, heart rhythm medicines, HIV medicines, medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, migraine headache medicines, narcotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, or seizure medicines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

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 Zithromax Be Taken?

Zithromax may interact with arsenic trioxide, cyclosporine, pimozide, tacrolimus, theophylline, warfarin, other antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-malaria medications, cholesterol-lowering medicines, ergot medicines, heart or blood pressure medications, heart rhythm medicines, HIV medicines, medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, migraine headache medicines, narcotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, or seizure medicines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

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