Compare azithromycin vs. Cipro

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

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Zithromax (azithromycin)

Prescription only

Cipro (ciprofloxacin)

Prescription only
Treats bacterial infections.

Zithromax (azithromycin) is good for treating many bacterial infections and is available in generic form. However, it may cause headache, dizziness, or rash.

●●●●●
4.0/ 5 average rating with 909 reviewsforazithromycin
Treats bacterial infections.

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is a good, cheap antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections, but it interacts with some food and drugs.

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3.8/ 5 average rating with 755 reviewsforCipro
Upsides
  • Available as a generic in the tablet and suspension form.
  • The suspension can be used if you have problems swallowing.
  • Used to treat many types of bacterial infections.
  • Bacteria is less resistant to this antibiotic, meaning that Zithromax (azithromycin) will fight off the bacteria better. Your doctor may run tests to see which antibiotics will kill the bacteria causing your infection.
  • Immediate release form can be taken with or without food.
  • Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is available in generic.
  • Cipro (ciprofloxacin) comes in different forms, including intravenous (IV) injection.
Downsides
  • Must space out antacids by at least 2 hours.
  • Use with caution if you have liver disease.
  • Must be used with caution if you are on medications to thin the blood (anticoagulants) because of increased risk of bleeding.
  • Cipro (ciprofloxacin) should be used with caution if you have kidney problems.
  • If you drink caffeine while on Cipro (ciprofloxacin), you may notice increased effects of the caffeine.
  • Some bacteria have developed resistance to Cipro (ciprofloxacin).
  • Cipro (ciprofloxacin) can interact with many other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what medications, over-the-counter products, and supplements you are taking before starting Cipro (ciprofloxacin).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Extended-release liquid
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Injection
  • Extended release pill
Price
Lowest price
$141.12
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Lowest price
$16.11
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Reviews
909 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Zithromax (azithromycin)?

Leave a review
755 reviews so far
63%
saidit'sworth it
53%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Cipro (ciprofloxacin)?

Leave a review
Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    4%
  • Abdominal pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
2possible side effects
  • Nausea
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Diarrhea caused by bacteria (Clostridium difficile)
  • Liver damage
    • History of liver disease
  • Myasthenia gravis
    • Myasthenia gravis
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Abnormal heartbeat
    • QT prolongation
    • Arrhythmia
    • Drugs that cause prolonged QT interval
    • Abnormal electrolytes
    • Elderly
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Tendon rupture
    • People over age 60
    • Taking steroid medicine
    • Those with kidney, heart, or lung transplants
  • Myasthenia gravis
    • Myasthenia gravis
  • Diarrhea
  • Nerve damage
  • Central nervous system effects
    • Central nervous system disorders
    • Seizures
  • Heart rhythm problems
    • Use with other QT prolonging drugs
    • History of heart disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Zithromax (azithromycin)
Learn more about Cipro (ciprofloxacin)