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.
