Cefprozil: Antibiotic Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

When you’re dealing with a stubborn bacterial infection, cefprozil, a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like sinusitis, ear infections, and skin conditions. Also known as Cefzil, it works by stopping bacteria from building cell walls, which kills them or stops them from multiplying. It’s not for every infection—only bacterial ones. Viral colds or flu won’t respond to it, and using it when it’s not needed can make future infections harder to treat.

Cefprozil is often prescribed when penicillin isn’t an option, or when a broader spectrum is needed. It’s commonly used for skin infections, including impetigo and cellulitis, which are often caused by staph or strep bacteria, and for ear infections, especially in kids, where other antibiotics might not penetrate well. Dosage varies by age and weight, but most adults take 250–500 mg every 12 hours. Side effects are usually mild—stomach upset, diarrhea, or a rash—but serious reactions like allergic responses or Clostridium difficile colitis can happen. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to penicillin or other cephalosporins, talk to your doctor before taking it.

People often wonder how cefprozil compares to other antibiotics. It’s similar to cefadroxil, another oral cephalosporin, but cefprozil has slightly better coverage against certain bacteria and is often preferred for respiratory infections. Unlike ampicillin, which is used more for urinary or GI infections, cefprozil targets the upper respiratory tract more effectively. It’s also less likely to cause severe gut disruption than broad-spectrum drugs like Bactrim. But it’s not always the first choice—doctors might pick amoxicillin for simple infections because it’s cheaper and just as effective for many cases.

If cefprozil doesn’t work, or you can’t take it, there are other options. For skin infections, Bactrim, a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, is often used for resistant cases. For ear infections, amoxicillin, a penicillin-class drug, remains the go-to for most children. For more serious cases, doctors might switch to something like cefdinir or even an injectable antibiotic. The key is matching the drug to the bug and your medical history.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve used cefprozil and other antibiotics—what worked, what didn’t, and what side effects they actually experienced. No fluff. No marketing. Just honest comparisons, dosage tips, and alternatives that might save you time, money, or discomfort.