Key takeaways
Azithromycin (Zithromax) and Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and treat infections differently. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that stops bacteria from making proteins, while Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that blocks enzymes bacteria need to grow and repair DNA. Azithromycin is typically taken once daily for 3 to 5 days, whereas Ciprofloxacin is usually taken twice daily. Azithromycin is often used for respiratory infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections, while Ciprofloxacin is used for more serious infections like bone and joint infections, and urinary tract infections. Ciprofloxacin has more serious side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, and is usually prescribed when other options are not available. Both medications can cause diarrhea and nausea. Both are available as a lower-cost generic, making it a more affordable option for many people.
