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Compare Ciprofloxacin vs. Cephalexin

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

Key takeaways

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and cephalexin are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sinus infections. However, they belong to different medication classes. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, while cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Ciprofloxacin is typically taken twice a day and is available as a pill, oral solution, and injection, whereas cephalexin is taken 2 to 4 times a day and comes in capsules, tablets, and liquid suspensions. Ciprofloxacin is often reserved for more serious infections due to its potential for serious side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage. Cephalexin, on the other hand, is generally considered safer and is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of both medications include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both medications can interact with many medications, including metformin, probenecid and warfarin.

  • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
    Cephalexin
  • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
    Cephalexin

  • Summary of Ciprofloxacin vs. Cephalexin

    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 Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cephalexin is a common antibiotic that's used to treat many different bacterial infections including urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and sinus infections, to name a few. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria to fight the infection. It's safe to use in people over the age of 1, and it's typically taken by mouth 2 to 4 times per day. This medication is available as a lower-cost generic capsule, tablet, and suspension; the brand name Keflex is no longer available. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Ciprofloxacin vs. Cephalexin

    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
    •Respiratory tract infections
    •Ear infections
    •Skin infections
    •Bone infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Reproductive system infections

  • Pros and Cons of Ciprofloxacin vs. Cephalexin

    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 Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats several common types of bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children over the age of 1
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Usually need to take a few times per day
    •Might not be able to take if you're allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •Not recommended for the cold or flu (these are viral illnesses, not bacterial infections)

  • Common Side Effects of Ciprofloxacin vs. Cephalexin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Vomiting
    •Rash
    •Abnormal liver blood test results
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Indigestion
    •Stomach pain

  • Warnings of Ciprofloxacin vs. Cephalexin

    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
    •Allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of bleeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Ciprofloxacin vs. Cephalexin

    Learn more about Ciprofloxacin
    Learn more about Cephalexin

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