Compare Cipro vs. amoxicillin

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

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Cipro (ciprofloxacin)

Prescription only

Amoxil (amoxicillin)

Prescription only
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
Treats bacterial infections.

Amoxil (amoxicillin) is a good and cheap antibiotic that comes in different forms to treat many types of bacterial infections.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 786 reviewsforamoxicillin
Upsides
  • Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is available in generic.
  • Cipro (ciprofloxacin) comes in different forms, including intravenous (IV) injection.
  • First choice medicine to treat many bacterial infections.
  • Available in generic.
  • Available in different forms: tablet, capsule, and liquid. The liquid comes in many different flavors to make it taste better for people who don't like pills.
  • Side effects are generally not too bad compared to other antibiotics.
Downsides
  • 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).
  • While Amoxil (amoxicillin) can be used to treat different bacterial infections, many don't respond to it.
  • Can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Except for the extended-release form, you have to take Amoxil (amoxicillin) 2 to 3 times a day, which can be hard to remember.
  • The extended-release form can be more expensive because it's a brand name.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Injection
  • Extended release pill
  • Pill
  • Chewable tablet
  • Extended-release tablet
  • Liquid
Price
No pricing information available
Lowest price
$5.19
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Reviews
755 reviews so far
63%
saidit'sworth it
53%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Cipro (ciprofloxacin)?

Leave a review
786 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
45%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Amoxil (amoxicillin)?

Leave a review
Side effects
2possible side effects
  • Nausea
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Amoxil (amoxicillin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • 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
  • Interaction with birth control
    • Using oral birth control pills
  • Severe diarrhea
    • Taking Amoxil (amoxicillin) for a long time
  • Severe allergic reaction
    • History of penicillin allergies
  • New infections while taking Amoxil (amoxicillin)
    • Weakened immune system
    • Not taking Amoxil (amoxicillin) correctly
  • Rash
    • Mononucleosis
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
Learn more about Amoxil (amoxicillin)