Compare penicillin vs. Keflex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats bacterial infections.
Penicillin VK (penicillin) is good at treating strep throat and is cheap, however, it can only be used for certain infections as many bacteria have developed resistance to it.
●●●●●
3.9/ 5 average rating with 1297 reviewsforpenicillin
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
Upsides
- Compared to alternatives, Penicillin VK (penicillin) is the preferred choice for treating strep throat infections.
- This medicine is available as a generic, which is cheap.
- It’s also available in different forms: pill and liquid.
- 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.
Downsides
- Many bacteria are resistant to Penicillin VK (penicillin), so it only works for certain infection typically in ear, nose, and throat.
- Penicillin VK (penicillin) has a bitter taste. Children might not like the taste.
- 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.
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
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$10.00
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$8.90
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
1297 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
52%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Penicillin VK (penicillin)?
Leave a review686 reviews so far
64%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Keflex (cephalexin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Penicillin VK (penicillin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Keflex (cephalexin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Diarrhea
- Taking Penicillin VK (penicillin) for a long time
- Interaction with birth control pills
- Allergic reaction
- History of severe allergic reaction to Penicillin VK (penicillin)
- Cephalosporin medication allergy
- Diarrhea
- New infections while taking Keflex (cephalexin)
- Weakened immune system
- Not taking Keflex (cephalexin) correctly
- Allergic reaction
- History of penicillin or cephalosporin allergies