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Compare Spectracef vs. Cipro

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

Key takeaways

Cefditoren (Spectracef) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different medication classes. Cefditoren is a cephalosporin antibiotic, while ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Cefditoren was used to treat infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, and tonsillitis, but it is no longer available in the U.S. Ciprofloxacin, on the other hand, is still available and treats a wider range of infections, including sinus infections, UTIs, and more serious conditions like anthrax and plague. Ciprofloxacin is taken orally, typically twice a day, and is available in both pill and liquid forms. It can cause serious side effects like tendon rupture and nerve damage, so it's usually reserved for more severe infections. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Unlike cefditoren, ciprofloxacin interacts with many medications and requires careful management to avoid complications.

  • Cefditoren (Spectracef)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • Cefditoren (Spectracef)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

  • Summary of Spectracef vs. Cipro

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic

    Cefditoren (Spectracef) is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats bacterial infections of the lungs (bronchitis and pneumonia) and throat (strep throat and tonsillitis). It is no longer available in the U.S.

    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 Spectracef vs. Cipro

    Indications for
    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 Spectracef vs. Cipro

    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    Cons
    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 Spectracef vs. Cipro

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

  • Warnings of Spectracef vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for
    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 Spectracef vs. Cipro

    Learn more about Cefditoren
    Learn more about Ciprofloxacin

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