Compare Biaxin vs. Ceftin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats bacterial infections.
Biaxin (clarithromycin) is a good first-choice medicine to treat most common respiratory infections. Side-effects are common, but mild.
Treats bacterial infections.
Ceftin (cefuroxime axetil) is good for treating many bacterial infections, but be sure to take the full course without stopping so that the medication can work.
Upsides
- Good first-choice treatment for respiratory infections.
- Compared to similar medicines, Biaxin (clarithromycin) is better tolerated.
- Available as an extended-release pill for convenient once daily dosing and as a liquid for trouble swallowing pills.
- Children as young as 6 months can use Biaxin (clarithromycin) safely and effectively.
- Good at treating many types of bacterial infections.
- Available in several different forms: pill, oral suspension, and injection.
- Available in generic.
Downsides
- Can cause changes in taste.
- Can cause abnormal heart rhythms.
- Biaxin (clarithromycin), can interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are taking medicines for heart problems or gout.
- If you have kidney or liver problems, Biaxin (clarithromycin) might not be a good option.
- Must take the liquid suspension with food.
- Acid reducers can lower the effectiveness of Ceftin (cefuroxime axetil). Talk to your doctor if you are on acid reducers.
Used for
- Acute bronchitis
- Acute sinusitis
- Community acquired pneumonia
- Ear infections
- Treatment and prophylaxis of disseminated mycobacterial infections
- Ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection
- Anthrax
- Prevention of heart infection (endocarditis)
- Whooping cough
- Strep throat
- Tonsillitis
- Ear infection
- Sinusitis
- Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
- Skin infections
- Urinary tract infection
- Gonorrhea
- Lyme disease
- Impetigo
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Oral suspension
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$21.03
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$18.52
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Reviews
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Side effects
7possible side effects
- Nausea12%
- Vomiting8%
- Abnormal changes in taste4%
- Abdominal pain3%
- Diarrhea3%
- Rash3%
- Headache2%
The Ceftin (cefuroxime axetil) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Serious allergic reaction
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- History of heart arrhythmias
- Drugs that cause prolonged QT interval
- Abnormal electrolytes
- Elderly
- Liver toxicity
- Serious drug interactions
- Severe diarrhea caused by bacteria
- Antibiotic use
- Birth defects
- Pregnancy
- Allergic reaction
- History of penicillin allergy
- History of cephalosporin allergy
- New infection
- Taking Ceftin (cefuroxime axetil) for a long time
- Diarrhea