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Compare Penicillin vs. Cipro

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

Key takeaways

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK) are both antibiotics but belong to different classes and treat infections differently. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by blocking enzymes bacteria need to grow, while penicillin VK is a penicillin antibiotic that kills bacteria by preventing them from making a protective covering. Ciprofloxacin is typically taken twice a day and is used for a wide range of infections, including UTIs and anthrax, but it has many serious side effects and risks, such as tendon damage and heart problems. In contrast, penicillin VK is often prescribed for strep infections and is taken every 6 to 8 hours. It's effective for certain infections but isn't used as widely because many bacteria are now resistant to it. Penicillin VK generally has fewer side effects, but it can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Ciprofloxacin can be used by those allergic to penicillin, making it a suitable alternative in such cases. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable.

  • Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

  • Summary of Penicillin vs. Cipro

    Summary for Penicillin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is an antibiotic used to treat several types of infections throughout the body in adults and children. It's available as tablets and suspension that are taken by mouth. The dosage depends on the type of infection you have and how severe it is, but the medication is typically taken every 6 to 12 hours. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

    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 Penicillin vs. Cipro

    Indications for
    •Certain types of streptococcal infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, strep throat, scarlet fever, erysipelas (a type of skin infection)
    •Pneumococcal respiratory tract infections
    •Staphylococcal skin infections
    •Vincent's gingivitis
    •Prevention of rheumatic fever or chorea (long-term problems from strep infection)
    •Prevention of heart valve infections in certain people with heart problems
    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 Penicillin vs. Cipro

    Pros and Const for Penicillin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many different bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a tablet and suspension
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillin
    •Not recommended for treating a cold or the flu because these are viral infections
    •Needs to be taken every 6 to 8 hours
    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 Penicillin vs. Cipro

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

  • Warnings of Penicillin vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    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 Penicillin vs. Cipro

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