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Compare Cipro vs. Isoniazid

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

Key takeaways

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and isoniazid are both antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections and belong to different drug classes. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections like sinus infections, UTIs, and anthrax exposure. It works by blocking enzymes that bacteria need to grow. Isoniazid, on the other hand, is an antitubercular agent specifically used to treat and prevent tuberculosis (TB). It kills TB bacteria by stopping them from making their protective covering. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is taken twice daily and can cause serious side effects like tendon rupture and nerve damage, while isoniazid is usually taken once daily and can cause serious liver injury. Additionally, isoniazid interacts with many foods and medications, requiring you to avoid certain foods like cheese and red wine. Both medications are available in generic forms and require a prescription.

  • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
    Isoniazid
  • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
    Isoniazid

  • Summary of Cipro vs. Isoniazid

    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.

    Summary for Antimycobacterial agent
    Prescription only

    Isoniazid is an antimycobacterial agent for treating and preventing tuberculosis (TB) in children and adults. It's available as a generic oral tablet and solution, usually taken daily or a few times a week, depending on your dose. For treating active TB, you'll likely need to take it along with other TB medications (like rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol) to prevent antibiotic resistance. Serious side effects include severe liver injury. It's also known to interact with many foods and medications.

  • Indications of Cipro vs. Isoniazid

    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
    Indications for
    •Tuberculosis (TB) infection
    •Prevention of TB if you're at high risk for infection

  • Pros and Cons of Cipro vs. Isoniazid

    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)
    Pros and Const for Antimycobacterial agent
    Pros
    •Is one of the main medications used to treat TB
    •Can be taken by itself for prevention of TB (along with a pyridoxine supplement)
    •Available as an oral tablet and oral solution
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause serious liver damage
    •Likely will need to take it for many months
    •You might need to take each dose in front of a healthcare professional
    •Interacts with many foods and medications

  • Common Side Effects of Cipro vs. Isoniazid

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Vomiting
    •Rash
    •Abnormal liver blood test results
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
    •Rise in liver enzymes

  • Warnings of Cipro vs. Isoniazid

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver injury (hepatitis)
    •Interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Cipro vs. Isoniazid

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