Comparing Cephalexin vs Cipro

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
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Cephalexin

Cipro ciprofloxacin

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic that may be used in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria. Approximately 10% of people who are allergic to penicillin... View more

Cipro 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 that are... View more

Prescription only

Common side effects include: arthralgia.

See the full Cipro side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	4 capsule
Dosage	500 mg
Per Unit^*	$2.74
Cost^*	$10.97

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Quantity	100 tablet
Dosage	500 mg
Per Unit^*	$6.08
Cost^*	$608.37

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Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available

Oral capsule
Oral powder for reconstitution
Oral tablet

Oral powder for reconstitution
Oral tablet

Brand Names

Keflex Other ciprofloxacin brands include: Cipro Cystitis Pack, Cipro I.V., Cipro XR

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.

1 hour

4 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 35 drugs are known to interact with cephalexin:

3 major drug interactions (8 brand and generic names)
32 moderate drug interactions (1682 brand and generic names)

A total of 613 drugs are known to interact with Cipro:

146 major drug interactions (620 brand and generic names)
385 moderate drug interactions (2746 brand and generic names)
82 minor drug interactions (222 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

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

Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

January 04, 1971

October 22, 1987

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

Patient resources

Professional Resources

Prescribing Information

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.

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