Compare Keflex vs. Bactrim
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats bacterial infections.
Keflex (cephalexin) is good for treating many bacterial infections, and is available as a generic.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 686 reviewsforKeflex
Kills bacteria.
Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) is good for treating many bacterial infections and is available as a generic. However, you can be more likely to sunburn.
●●●●●
3.6/ 5 average rating with 473 reviewsforBactrim
Upsides
- Available in generic.
- Available in different forms: tablet, capsule, and suspension.
- Used to treat many types of bacterial infections.
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Generally few side effects compared with other antibiotics.
- Widely available as a generic product and in a variety of formulations (tablet, capsule, suspension).
- Works well to treat many types of bacterial infections
Downsides
- Can cause diarrhea.
- You may need to take Keflex (cephalexin) 2 to 4 times a day, which can be hard to remember.
- If you're allergic to penicillins or other antibiotics, you might not be able to take this medicine.
- Makes you sensitive to the sun.
- Can upset your stomach
- Drink plenty of water or fluids to avoid harming your kidneys
- May cause birth defects
Used for
- Bone infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Ear infection
- Respiratory tract infection
- Skin infection
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Prevention of endocarditis
- Prevention of infection in people with prosthetic joint implants undergoing dental procedure
- Prosthetic joint infection
- Surgical site infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Traveler's diarrhea
- Inner ear infection
- Chronic bronchitis
- Pneumonia in HIV
- Pneumonia prevention in HIV
- Shigellosis
- Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Prevention of urinary tract infections
- Treatment and prevention of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDs patients
- Treatment and prevention of opportunistic infections in transplant patients
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$8.90
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$6.65
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
686 reviews so far
64%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Keflex (cephalexin)?
Leave a review473 reviews so far
59%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
22%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Keflex (cephalexin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Diarrhea
- New infections while taking Keflex (cephalexin)
- Weakened immune system
- Not taking Keflex (cephalexin) correctly
- Allergic reaction
- History of penicillin or cephalosporin allergies
- Diarrhea
- Sunburn
- Rash
- Harm to fetus
- Lower kidney function
- Elderly
- Taking other medicines that lower kidney function