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.
