Compare Biaxin vs. Cipro
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
●●●●●
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).
Used for
- Acute bronchitis
- Acute sinusitis
- Community acquired pneumonia
- Ear infections
- Treatment and prophylaxis of disseminated mycobacterial infections
- Ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection
- Anthrax
- Prevention of heart infection (endocarditis)
- Whooping cough
- Acute sinusitis
- Lower respiratory tract infection
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia
- Chronic bronchitis
- Kidney infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Gonorrhea
- Chronic prostatitis
- Bone and joint infection
- Skin and soft tissue infection
- Diarrheal infection
- Abdominal infection
- Postexposure prevention for anthrax inhalation
- Typhoid fever
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Liquid
- Injection
- Extended release pill
Price
Lowest price
$21.03
Find instant savings near youNo pricing information available
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.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 reviewSide effects
7possible side effects
- Nausea12%
- Vomiting8%
- Abnormal changes in taste4%
- Abdominal pain3%
- Diarrhea3%
- Rash3%
- Headache2%
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
- 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