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Compare Macrobid vs. Cipro

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

Key takeaways

Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) and Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are both antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibiotic that specifically targets bacteria in the urinary tract, making it effective for treating and preventing UTIs. It is typically taken with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach-related side effects. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and gas. Ciprofloxacin, on the other hand, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that can treat a broader range of infections, including skin, bone, and respiratory infections, in addition to UTIs. It can be taken with or without food but should be avoided with dairy products and certain supplements. Ciprofloxacin has more serious potential side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, and is usually reserved for more severe infections. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options. While Nitrofurantoin is generally safer with fewer interactions, Ciprofloxacin requires careful monitoring due to its extensive list of possible severe side effects and interactions with other medications.

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  • Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

  • Summary of Macrobid vs. Cipro

    Summary for Nitrofuran antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI). Some side effects include nausea, headache, and gas. It can also make your urine turn dark yellow or brown. Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) doesn't have many interactions with other medications. There's a lower-cost generic version of nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) available.

    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 Macrobid vs. Cipro

    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of urinary tract infections
    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 Macrobid vs. Cipro

    Pros and Const for Nitrofuran antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat and prevent UTIs
    •Available as both a capsule and a flavored oral suspension
    •Safe to take if you're allergic to other antibiotics like penicillin or sulfa medications (e.g., Bactrim, Septra (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim))
    Cons
    •Might need to take up to four times a day (depending on the formulation)
    •Can interact with certain types of antacids, travel vaccines, and lab tests
    •Can harm your lungs, liver, and nerves if taken for a long period of time
    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 Macrobid vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (8%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Gas (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Vomiting
    •Rash
    •Abnormal liver blood test results

  • Warnings of Macrobid vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lung damage
    •Liver damage
    •Nerve damage (neuropathy)
    •Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
    •Severe diarrhea
    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 Macrobid vs. Cipro

    Learn more about Nitrofurantoin
    Learn more about Ciprofloxacin

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