Compare Vancocin vs. Bactrim

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Treats bacterial infections.

Vancocin (vancomycin) is effective in treating C. difficile-associated diarrhea or Staph infection of the small intestine and colon.

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.

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3.6/ 5 average rating with 473 reviewsforBactrim
Upsides
  • Vancocin (vancomycin) is the first choice medicine to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
  • Available in generic.
  • Available as both a capsule and a liquid.
  • 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
  • Vancocin (vancomycin) is only given by mouth to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhea or Staph infection of the small intestine and colon. It is not effective for other types of infections.
  • Vancocin (vancomycin) must be taken 3 to 4 times a day.
  • 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
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Used for
  • Clostridium difficile diarrhea
  • Staphylococcal infection of small intestine and colon
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$78.50
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Lowest price
$6.38
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Reviews
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473 reviews so far
59%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
22%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim)?

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Side effects
13possible side effects
  • Nausea
    17%
  • Abdominal pain
    15%
  • Low potassium levels
    13%
  • Vomiting
    9%
  • Diarrhea
    9%
  • Fever
    9%
  • Gas
    8%
  • Urinary tract infection
    8%
  • Headache
    7%
  • Swelling
    6%
  • Back pain
    6%
  • Fatigue
    5%
  • Kidney problems
    5%
See more detailed side effects
The Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Oral use only
  • Kidney problems
    • Age 65 and older
    • Kidney problems
    • Kidney disease
    • Hemodialysis
  • New infection
  • Hearing loss
    • Underlying hearing loss
    • Taking high doses of Vancocin (vancomycin) intravenously
    • Using another medicine that causes hearing loss
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Diarrhea
  • Sunburn
  • Rash
  • Harm to fetus
  • Lower kidney function
    • Elderly
    • Taking other medicines that lower kidney function
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Vancocin (vancomycin)
Learn more about Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim)