Compare Biaxin vs. Cipro

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

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Biaxin (clarithromycin)

Prescription only

Cipro (ciprofloxacin)

Prescription only
Treats bacterial infections.

Biaxin (clarithromycin) is a good first-choice medicine to treat most common respiratory infections. Side-effects are common, but mild.

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
  • Good first-choice treatment for respiratory infections.
  • Compared to similar medicines, Biaxin (clarithromycin) is better tolerated.
  • Available as an extended-release pill for convenient once daily dosing and as a liquid for trouble swallowing pills.
  • Children as young as 6 months can use Biaxin (clarithromycin) safely and effectively.
  • Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is available in generic.
  • Cipro (ciprofloxacin) comes in different forms, including intravenous (IV) injection.
Downsides
  • Can cause changes in taste.
  • Can cause abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Biaxin (clarithromycin), can interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are taking medicines for heart problems or gout.
  • If you have kidney or liver problems, Biaxin (clarithromycin) might not be a good option.
  • 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
  • Extended release pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Injection
  • Extended release pill
Price
Lowest price
$30.95
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Lowest price
$14.39
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Reviews
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755 reviews so far
63%
saidit'sworth it
53%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
7possible side effects
  • Nausea
    12%
  • Vomiting
    8%
  • Abnormal changes in taste
    4%
  • Abdominal pain
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Rash
    3%
  • Headache
    2%
See more detailed side effects
2possible side effects
  • Nausea
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
    • History of heart arrhythmias
    • Drugs that cause prolonged QT interval
    • Abnormal electrolytes
    • Elderly
  • Liver toxicity
  • Serious drug interactions
  • Severe diarrhea caused by bacteria
    • Antibiotic use
  • Birth defects
    • Pregnancy
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 Biaxin (clarithromycin)
Learn more about Cipro (ciprofloxacin)