Compare Bactrim vs. Cipro
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different drug classes. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is a combination of a sulfonamide and an antifolate, while ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone. Bactrim is often used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and lung infections, and it can be taken by both adults and children as young as 2 months old. In contrast, Cipro is typically reserved for more serious infections like bone and joint infections, sinus infections, and certain types of diarrhea, and it is generally prescribed for adults and children over 1 year old. Bactrim is available in both tablet and liquid forms, and it can also be given as an injection in a hospital setting. Cipro is available as a pill, oral solution, and injection. Both medications can cause nausea and diarrhea, but Cipro has more severe potential side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage. Additionally, Bactrim is not recommended for people with sulfa allergies, while Cipro should be avoided by those with a history of quinolone allergies.
- Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprimCiprofloxacin (Cipro)
- Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprimCiprofloxacin (Cipro)
Summary of Bactrim vs. Cipro
Summary for Sulfonamide antibioticPrescription onlySulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (sometimes known as SMZ/TMP) is a combination medication containing an antifolate and sulfa antibiotic. It's used to treat different types of infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and lung infections. This antibiotic has two different brand names, Bactrim and Septra, and it's also available as a lower-cost generic. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically twice daily for most types of infections. This antibiotic also comes as a suspension under the brand name Sulfatrim for people who can't swallow tablets and as an injection for people in the hospital. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and rash.
Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibioticPrescription onlyCiprofloxacin (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 Bactrim vs. Cipro
Indications forIndications forAdults only
Adults and children
Pros and Cons of Bactrim vs. Cipro
Pros and Const for Sulfonamide antibioticPros•Treats many types of bacterial infections•Can be given to children as young as 2 months old to treat certain infections•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•Can upset your stomach and make your skin more sensitive to the sun•Not the best choice for people with liver or kidney problems•Not recommended if you're pregnant•Can't take if you have a sulfa allergyPros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibioticPros•Can take with or without food•Available as tablets, oral liquid, and injection•Possible option for people with penicillin allergyCons•Taken twice daily•Has many potentially serious side effects and risks (e.g., nerve issues, irregular heartbeat)Common Side Effects of Bactrim vs. Cipro
Common Side Effects forCommon Side Effects for•Nausea•Diarrhea•Vomiting•Rash•Abnormal liver blood test resultsWarnings of Bactrim vs. Cipro
Common Side Effects for•Not for use during pregnancy•Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions•Low platelet counts and risk for bleeding•Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection•Low sodium levels and high potassium levels•Blood cell-related problems•Problems with processing phenylalanine - for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) onlyCommon 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 problemsPrices with our coupons for Bactrim vs. Cipro
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