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Bactrim Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Bactrim Remove Bactrim from your drug comparison Ciprofloxacin Remove Ciprofloxacin from your drug comparison Nitrofurantoin Remove Nitrofurantoin from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Bactrim sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim Remove Bactrim from your drug comparison Ciprofloxacin Remove Ciprofloxacin from your drug comparison Nitrofurantoin Remove Nitrofurantoin from your drug comparison

Bactrim is an effective combination antibiotic; however, it may not be suitable for those with kidney or liver disease or folate deficiency. The risk of side effects may be higher in the elderly.... View more

Ciprofloxacin is an effective antibiotic that treats a wide variety of infections; however, it should not be given to children aged less than 18 and in adults it should be reserved for infections... View more

Nitrofurantoin is an effective antibiotic with a low risk of inducing bacterial resistance that is used specifically to treat urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Long-term use... View more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 503 reviews

View all 805 reviews

View all 1546 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

See the full Bactrim side effects document.

Commonly reported side effects include: pyelonephritis, arthralgia, musculoskeletal signs and symptoms.

See the full ciprofloxacin side effects document.

See the full nitrofurantoin side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 100 tablet
Dosage 400 mg-80 mg
Per Unit* $1.59 - $1.60
Cost* $158.89 - $159.89

View all Bactrim prices and generic prices

Quantity 1 tablet
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $11.09
Cost* $11.09

View all ciprofloxacin prices

Quantity 2 capsule
Dosage macrocrystals 100 mg
Per Unit* $5.61 - $6.53
Cost* $11.21 - $13.05

View all nitrofurantoin prices

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Generic Availability

Yes

Yes (this medicine)

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral powder for reconstitution
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral suspension

Brand Names
Other sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim brands include: Bactrim DS, Bactrim IV, Bactrim Pediatric, Bethaprim, Bethaprim Pediatric, Co-trimoxazole, Septra, Septra DS, SMZ-TMP DS, Sulfatrim Pediatric View more Cipro, Cipro Cystitis Pack, Cipro I.V., Cipro XR Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

14 hours

4 hours

1 hour

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
D
Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

N/A

FDA Alerts (7)

N/A

Drug Interactions

A total of 370 drugs are known to interact with Bactrim:

  • 54 major drug interactions (214 brand and generic names)
  • 122 moderate drug interactions (474 brand and generic names)
  • 194 minor drug interactions (615 brand and generic names)

A total of 594 drugs are known to interact with ciprofloxacin:

  • 140 major drug interactions (604 brand and generic names)
  • 376 moderate drug interactions (2682 brand and generic names)
  • 78 minor drug interactions (223 brand and generic names)

A total of 163 drugs are known to interact with nitrofurantoin:

  • 10 major drug interactions (22 brand and generic names)
  • 129 moderate drug interactions (586 brand and generic names)
  • 24 minor drug interactions (127 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Ask your doctor before using trimethoprim together with alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while you... View more
  • Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified... View more

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

July 30, 1973

October 22, 1987

February 06, 1953

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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