Cefixime vs Amoxicillin: Which Antibiotic Is Right for Your Infection?

When your doctor says you need an antibiotic, two names often come up: cefixime, a third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic used for respiratory, ear, and urinary tract infections and amoxicillin, a broad-spectrum penicillin-class antibiotic commonly prescribed for sinus infections, strep throat, and pneumonia. Both fight bacteria, but they work differently, target different bugs, and come with different risks. Choosing between them isn’t about which is "stronger"—it’s about which matches your infection type, your medical history, and your body’s response.

Amoxicillin has been around for decades and is one of the most prescribed antibiotics worldwide. It’s great for common infections like ear infections in kids, strep throat, and some types of pneumonia. But if you’ve had a penicillin allergy—or if your infection is caused by bacteria that have built up resistance to penicillin—amoxicillin won’t cut it. That’s where cefixime, a cephalosporin antibiotic designed to handle resistant strains steps in. Cefixime is often used when amoxicillin fails, especially for stubborn urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, or bronchitis caused by bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It’s also less likely to trigger a reaction if you’re allergic to penicillin, though cross-reactivity can still happen in about 5-10% of cases.

Side effects are another big factor. Amoxicillin can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and yeast infections more often than cefixime. Cefixime, while generally well-tolerated, has been linked to rare but serious issues like Clostridioides difficile infection, especially with longer courses. Neither drug is safe to take without a confirmed bacterial infection—using them for viruses like colds or flu just breeds stronger superbugs. And if you’ve taken either before and it didn’t help, your doctor might switch you to something else entirely, like azithromycin or nitrofurantoin, depending on where the infection is.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real-world comparisons from people who’ve used these drugs, side-by-side breakdowns of dosing, cost, and effectiveness, and clear guidance on when one is clearly better than the other. You’ll see how cefixime stacks up against other antibiotics like amoxicillin in treating UTIs, ear infections, and more. No marketing fluff. Just facts based on clinical use, patient reports, and current guidelines. Whether you’re trying to understand why your doctor picked one over the other—or just want to know what to expect—this collection gives you the straight talk you need.