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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)

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Ciprofloxacin

(Cipro)

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Summary for Ethambutol

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.

Indications for Ethambutol

Pros and Cons for Ethambutol

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

Common Side Effects for Ethambutol

  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Upset stomach
  • Stomach pain
  • Fever
  • Feeling unwell
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

Warnings for Ethambutol

  • Vision problems
  • Liver injury

Summary for Cipro

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 for Cipro

Adults only

Adults and children

Pros and Cons for Cipro

Pros

  • Can take with or without food
  • Available as tablets, oral liquid, and injection
  • Possible option for people with penicillin allergy

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cipro

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

Warnings for Cipro

  • 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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Ethambutol60 tablets / 400mg
$26.61$88.43
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Ciprofloxacin14 tablets / 500mg
$10.88$13.26
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