Compare Keflex vs. Finacea
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.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 686 reviewsforKeflex
Treats rosacea.
Finacea (azelaic acid) helps treat raised spots and pimple-like bumps that come from rosacea, but only provides slight redness improvement. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the redness from rosacea.
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.
- Comes in both a gel and foam formulation.
- Studies show Finacea (azelaic acid) is effective at reducing raised spots and pimple-like bumps in mild to moderate rosacea.
- Is as effective as alternative medicines.
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.
- Only available as a prescription.
- More expensive than alternative medicines. A generic option is not available. Your doctor may have you try a less expensive alternative medicine first.
- May not be the best option if you are looking to improve redness from rosacea.
- Causes more skin irritation than alternative medicines. Speak to your doctor if you already have very sensitive skin. An alternative medicine may be better for you.
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
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Gel, foam
Price
Lowest price
$8.90
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$446.23
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Reviews
686 reviews so far
64%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
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Side effects
The Keflex (cephalexin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
4possible side effects
- Burning/Stinging/Tingling28%
- Itching11%
- Scaling/Dry skin/Very dry skin8%
- Redness/Irritation3%
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
- Allergic reactions
- Loss of skin color
- Skin irritation
- Worsening of asthma
- Eye and mouth irritation