Skip to content
ppharmaranks
Menu

Best Cephalosporin Antibacterial for escherichia coli infections

Top-rated pick: Cefixime — pharmaranks score 72/100, the highest of the 7 Cephalosporin Antibacterial drugs used for escherichia coli infections, ranked by our independent FDA recall-safety score. Compare them with all treatments for escherichia coli infections or the full Cephalosporin Antibacterial class. Not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Quick answer: Of the 7 cephalosporin antibacterial drugs we rate for escherichia coli infections, 4 are available as lower-cost generics, and most are injectable. Our ranking reflects each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for escherichia coli infections; the right choice depends on your situation, so confirm it with your prescriber.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 22, 2026·How we rate

How cephalosporin antibacterial work

Cephalosporins kill bacteria by blocking the proteins they use to build their cell walls. Without an intact wall, the bacterium cannot hold its shape and dies, which clears the infection.

Source: Cephalosporins - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

Other drug classes for escherichia coli infections

Top cephalosporin antibacterial for escherichia coli infections: 1. Cefixime · 2. Cefotan · 3. Cefazolin and Dextrose

Best-rated Cephalosporin Antibacterial for escherichia coli infections, ranked by pharmaranks score
#DrugRatingPharmacy pays
172/100$10View →
270/100View →
3Not yet rated$30View →
4Not yet rated$30View →
5Not yet rated$112View →
6Not yet ratedView →
7Not yet ratedView →

Full ranking · 7 drugs

#1 of 19 in Cephalosporin Antibacterial

cefixime

PrescriptionFDA-sourced

72/100

Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibacterial used to treat Bronchitis, Escherichia Coli Infections, Gonorrhea, Haemophilus Infections.

(6 data points)
cephalosporin antibacterialbronchitisescherichia coli infections

Pharmacy pays

From ~$2.28· 3 forms Save up to 99% in class
View details →
PAI HOLDINGS PHARM logo
#3 of 19 in Cephalosporin Antibacterial

cefotan

PrescriptionFDA-sourced

70/100

Cefotan (Cefotetan Disodium) is a cephalosporin antibacterial used to treat Abscess, Bacteroides Infections, Human Bites, Infectious Bone Diseases.

(2 data points)
cephalosporin antibacterialabscessbacteroides infections

Price varies

View details →

cefazolin and dextrose

PrescriptionFDA-sourced

New

Cefazolin and Dextrose (Cefazolin Sodium) is a cephalosporin antibacterial used to treat Human Bites, Bacterial Endocarditis, Escherichia Coli Infections, Klebsiella Infections.

cephalosporin antibacterialbites, humanendocarditis, bacterial

Pharmacy pays

~$29.65 /30

Save up to 70% in class
View details →

cefazolin sodium

PrescriptionFDA-sourced

New

Cefazolin Sodium is a cephalosporin antibacterial used to treat Human Bites, Bacterial Endocarditis, Escherichia Coli Infections, Klebsiella Infections.

cephalosporin antibacterialbites, humanendocarditis, bacterial

Pharmacy pays

~$29.65 /30

Save up to 70% in class
View details →

cefepime hydrochloride

PrescriptionFDA-sourced

New

Cefepime Hydrochloride is a cephalosporin antibacterial used to treat Acinetobacter Infections, Bacteroides Infections, Infectious Bone Diseases, Escherichia Coli Infections.

cephalosporin antibacterialacinetobacter infectionsbacteroides infections

Pharmacy pays

~$111.92 /30

Save up to 92% in class
View details →

cefoxitin

PrescriptionFDA-sourced

New

Cefoxitin (Cefoxitin Sodium) is a cephalosporin antibacterial used to treat Abscess, Bacteroides Infections, Infectious Bone Diseases, Clostridium Infections.

cephalosporin antibacterialabscessbacteroides infections

Price varies

View details →

cefoxitin in plastic container

Boxed warning

PrescriptionFDA-sourced

New

Cefoxitin in Plastic Container (Cefoxitin Sodium) is a cephalosporin antibacterial used to treat Abscess, Bacteroides Infections, Infectious Bone Diseases, Clostridium Infections.

cephalosporin antibacterialabscessbacteroides infections

Price varies

View details →

Frequently asked

What is the best cephalosporin antibacterial for escherichia coli infections?
By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — cefixime ranks highest among Cephalosporin Antibacterial drugs used for escherichia coli infections. Always consult a professional.
Which cephalosporin antibacterial drugs treat escherichia coli infections?
pharmaranks lists 7 Cephalosporin Antibacterial products used for escherichia coli infections, per NIH RxClass drug-classification data — each independently rated and ranked above.
How are these ranked?
By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.