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Compare Sirturo vs. Cipro

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

Key takeaways

Sirturo (bedaquiline) and Cipro (ciprofloxacin) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different medication classes and have important differences. Sirturo is an antitubercular agent specifically used for tuberculosis that doesn't respond to other drugs, while Cipro is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for a wide range of infections, including urinary tract infections, sinus infections, and skin infections. Sirturo requires a specific dosing schedule over 24 weeks, whereas Cipro is typically taken twice daily and is available. Both medications come as oral tablets, but Cipro also comes as an oral liquid. Sirturo is only available as a branded medication, while Cipro is available as a lower-cost generic. Both medications can cause liver damage, but Sirturo also has a higher risk of heart rhythm problems and death, while Cipro can cause tendon rupture and nerve damage. Additionally, Sirturo must be taken with at least three other tuberculosis medications. Both medications have a number of important drug interactions, so be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

  • Sirturo (bedaquiline)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • Sirturo (bedaquiline)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

  • Summary of Sirturo vs. Cipro

    Summary for Antitubercular agent
    Prescription only

    Sirturo (bedaquiline) is reserved for treating tuberculosis (TB) that's resistant to other antibiotics. It's an antitubercular agent that helps kill the bacteria causing TB. Sirturo (bedaquiline) is FDA approved for adults and children over the age of 2 who weigh at least 18 lbs. It's a tablet that you take by mouth. You first take the dose once daily for 2 weeks, and then you take half that dose three times a week for the next 22 weeks. Common side effects include nausea, joint pain, and headache. You must take Sirturo (bedaquiline) with other TB medications.

    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 Sirturo vs. Cipro

    Indications for
    •Lung infection from tuberculosis (TB) that's resistant to or doesn't respond to other TB medications, including rifampin and isoniazid
    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 Sirturo vs. Cipro

    Pros and Const for Antitubercular agent
    Pros
    •Treats multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which is a serious health problem with few antibiotic options
    •Okay for children as young as 2 years old to take
    •Taken once daily for 2 weeks, then 3 times a week for the rest of treatment
    •Have many options if you have trouble swallowing tablets whole
    •Can be given through a feeding tube, if needed
    Cons
    •Must have a healthcare professional watch you take the medication each time to make sure you follow your treatment plan
    •Must take multiple tablets for each dose and treatment lasts many months
    •Must take with at least 3 other TB medications
    •Only used if absolutely needed because of serious risks
    •Not for latent TB (inactive TB) or TB that's spread outside the lungs
    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 Sirturo vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (38%)
    •Joint pain (33%)
    •Headache (28%)
    •Coughing up blood (18%)
    •Chest pain (11%)
    •Low appetite (9%)
    •Higher liver enzyme levels (9%)
    •Rash (8%)

    Note: Side effects were reported in adults taking Sirturo (bedaquiline) with other TB medications. Side effects might differ in children.

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

  • Warnings of Sirturo vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Possible higher risk of death based on adult studies
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    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 Sirturo vs. Cipro

    Learn more about Sirturo
    Learn more about Ciprofloxacin

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