Comparing Cephalexin vs Nitrofurantoin

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Cephalexin

Nitrofurantoin

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic that may be used in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria. Approximately 10% of people who are allergic to penicillin... View more

Nitrofurantoin is an effective antibiotic with a low risk of inducing bacterial resistance that is used specifically to treat urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Long-term use... View more

Prescription only

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	4 capsule
Dosage	500 mg
Per Unit^*	$2.74
Cost^*	$10.97

View all cephalexin prices

Quantity	2 capsule
Dosage	macrocrystals 100 mg
Per Unit^*	$6.19
Cost^*	$12.38

View all nitrofurantoin prices

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Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available

Oral capsule
Oral powder for reconstitution
Oral tablet

Oral capsule
Oral suspension

Brand Names

Keflex Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

1 hour

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 35 drugs are known to interact with cephalexin:

3 major drug interactions (8 brand and generic names)
32 moderate drug interactions (1683 brand and generic names)

A total of 177 drugs are known to interact with nitrofurantoin:

21 major drug interactions (75 brand and generic names)
132 moderate drug interactions (600 brand and generic names)
24 minor drug interactions (128 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

January 04, 1971

February 06, 1953

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

Patient resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer