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Compare Suprax vs. Cipro

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

Key takeaways

Cefixime (Suprax) and Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works by preventing bacteria from forming their protective covering, making it effective for infections like urinary tract infections, ear infections, and gonorrhea. Ciprofloxacin, on the other hand, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that kills bacteria by blocking enzymes they need to grow and repair their DNA. It is used for more serious infections such as skin, bone, and joint infections, as well as anthrax and plague. While both medications can cause nausea and diarrhea, Ciprofloxacin has more severe potential side effects, including tendon rupture and nerve damage, and is usually reserved for more serious infections or when other options are not available. Cefixime is generally taken once a day, whereas Ciprofloxacin is typically taken twice daily. Additionally, Ciprofloxacin interacts with many medications and can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, requiring extra precautions.

  • Cefixime (Suprax)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • Cefixime (Suprax)
    Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

  • Summary of Suprax vs. Cipro

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cefixime (Suprax) is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections, but it tends to cause diarrhea and stomach upset, and is more expensive than other similar antibiotics.

    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 Suprax vs. Cipro

    Indications for
    •Urinary tract infections
    •Ear infections (otitis media)
    •Throat and tonsil infections (strep throat, tonsillitis)
    •Bronchitis with bacterial infection
    •Gonorrhea
    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 Suprax vs. Cipro

    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections
    •May be a good choice for people who have gonorrhea and don't like getting shots
    •Available as a suspension and chewable tablet for people who cannot swallow pills
    •Can be taken once a day, which is convenient
    •Available as a generic
    Cons
    •About 30% of people who take cefixime (Suprax) experience a stomach or intestinal side effect, such as nausea and diarrhea.
    •Not recommended to be used for the cold or flu, or for bronchitis that is not bacterial
    •If you're allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics, you might not be able to take this medicine.
    •Though it is available as a generic, cefixime (Suprax) costs more than other antibiotics that are used for the same types of infections.
    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 Suprax vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (16%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Loose or frequent stools (6%)
    •Passing gas (4%)
    •Abdominal pain (3%)
    •Indigestion (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Vomiting
    •Rash
    •Abnormal liver blood test results

  • Warnings of Suprax vs. Cipro

    Common Side Effects for
    •ALLERGIC REACTION
    •C. DIFFICILE DIARRHEA
    •KIDNEY PROBLEMS
    •HIGHER RISK OF BLEEDING
    •DRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIA
    •PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU) PROBLEMS
    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 Suprax vs. Cipro

    Learn more about Cefixime
    Learn more about Ciprofloxacin

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