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Compare Azithromycin vs. Cipro

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

Key takeaways

Azithromycin (Zithromax) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including sinus infections and pneumonia. However, they belong to different medication classes. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, while ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Azithromycin is typically taken once daily for 3 to 5 days, whereas ciprofloxacin is usually taken twice daily. Both medications are available as a generic and both are availible as tablet, oral liquid, and injection forms. Common side effects of both medications include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Ciprofloxacin has more serious potential side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, and interacts with many medications, including metformin and warfarin. Azithromycin can cause QT prolongation, especially when taken with certain medications, and may not be suitable for people with severe liver problems.

  • Azithromycin (Zithromax)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • Azithromycin (Zithromax)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

  • Summary of Azithromycin vs. Cipro

    Summary for Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a macrolide antibiotic. It's used to treat many types of infections in children and adults, including strep throat, sinus infection, and pneumonia. Azithromycin (Zithromax) is taken by mouth once daily. Typically, the length of treatment ranges from 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of infection you have. For convenience, azithromycin (Zithromax) also comes pre-packaged as Z-Pak. Some of the more common side effects of azithromycin (Zithromax) include diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.

    Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It can treat many types of bacterial infections, including sinus infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). But because ciprofloxacin (Cipro) can cause serious side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, it's usually only prescribed for more serious infections or when there aren't any safer options. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. It's available as a pill and oral solution. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Azithromycin vs. Cipro

    Indications for

    Adults

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a bacterial infection
    •Bronchitis
    •Sinus infections
    •Pneumonia
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Urethra or cervix infections
    •Genital ulcer disease (chancroid)

    Children

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Ear infections (ages 6 months and older)
    •Pneumonia (ages 6 months and older)
    •Strep throat (ages 2 years and older)
    •Tonsil infections (ages 2 years and older)
    Indications for

    Adults only

    •Skin infections
    •Bone and joint infections
    •Sinus infections
    •Lower respiratory tract infections
    •Stomach infections
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Typhoid fever
    •Gonorrhea in the genitals
    •Long-term prostate infections

    Adults and children

    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Anthrax exposure through inhalation
    •Plague

  • Pros and Cons of Azithromycin vs. Cipro

    Pros and Const for Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Treatment typically lasts only 3 to 5 days
    •Comes as a liquid; good option for people who've trouble swallowing tablets
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might not be the best choice for people with severe liver problems or certain heart problems
    •Can cause stomach-related side effects, like diarrhea and stomach pain
    •Some bugs might be resistant to azithromycin (Zithromax)
    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available as tablets, oral liquid, and injection
    •Possible option for people with penicillin allergy
    Cons
    •Taken twice daily
    •Has many potentially serious side effects and risks (e.g., nerve issues, irregular heartbeat)
    •Interacts with many medications, including metformin and warfarin (Coumadin)

  • Common Side Effects of Azithromycin vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Diarrhea (4-5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Stomach pain (2-3%)

    Children

    •Diarrhea (2-6%)
    •Vomiting (1-6%)
    •Stomach pain (1-3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Vomiting
    •Rash
    •Abnormal liver blood test results

  • Warnings of Azithromycin vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Liver damage
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Possible higher risk of death from heart problems
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Worsening of certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis)
    •Doesn't treat syphilis
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tendon inflammation and rupture
    •Effects on the brain, nerves, and mental health
    •Worsening of myasthenia gravis
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Liver damage
    •Severe damage to a major blood vessel
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Muscle, bone, or joint problems in children
    •Sun and light sensitivity
    •Kidney problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Azithromycin vs. Cipro

    Learn more about Azithromycin
    Learn more about Ciprofloxacin

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