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Compare Ethambutol vs. Cipro

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

Key takeaways

Ethambutol (Myambutol) and Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are both antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections and belong to different drug classes. Ethambutol (Myambutol) is an antitubercular agent used primarily to treat tuberculosis (TB) and must be taken with other anti-TB antibiotics. It can cause vision problems, so regular eye check-ups are necessary. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), on the other hand, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that treats a wide range of bacterial infections, including sinus infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It has serious side effects like tendon rupture and nerve damage, so it's usually prescribed for more severe infections. Ethambutol (Myambutol) is taken once daily, while Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is typically taken twice daily. Both medications are available in generic forms and require a prescription.

  • Ethambutol (Myambutol)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • Ethambutol (Myambutol)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

  • Summary of Ethambutol vs. Cipro

    Summary for Antitubercular agent
    Prescription only

    Ethambutol, also known by its brand name Myambutol, is an antibiotic that's used to treat tuberculosis (TB) for people over 13 years old. It's taken with other TB antibiotics as part of a first-choice treatment plan. Ethambutol (Myambutol) works by stopping TB bacteria from growing and surviving. Your dose is based on your body weight. In general, this antibiotic is taken by mouth once a day. Ethambutol (Myambutol) can cause vision problems as a side effect. You'll need to get your eyes checked periodically while you're taking this medication.

    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.

  • Indications of Ethambutol vs. Cipro

    Indications for
    •Tuberculosis (TB) infection
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Ethambutol vs. Cipro

    Pros and Const for Antitubercular agent
    Pros
    •One of the main medications used to treat TB
    •Can take with or without food
    •Taken once a day
    Cons
    •Must take with other TB antibiotics
    •Risk of vision problems
    •Not approved for children younger than 13 years old
    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)

  • Common Side Effects of Ethambutol vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Upset stomach
    •Stomach pain
    •Fever
    •Feeling unwell
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Vomiting
    •Rash
    •Abnormal liver blood test results

  • Warnings of Ethambutol vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vision problems
    •Liver injury
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Ethambutol vs. Cipro

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    Learn more about Ciprofloxacin

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