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Bactrim vs. Cipro

Sulfamethoxazole/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.

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Lower respiratory tract infection (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia, infections related to bronchitis)
• Diarrhea caused by Shigella (shigellosis)
• Travelers' diarrhea - tablet or liquid only
• Ear infections - tablet or liquid only

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Rash
• Hives
• Skin sensitivity to sun or light

• 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) 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.

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

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Abnormal liver blood test results

• 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