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Ciprofloxacin Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Ciprofloxacin Remove Ciprofloxacin from your drug comparison Nitrofurantoin Remove Nitrofurantoin from your drug comparison Macrobid Remove Macrobid from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Ciprofloxacin Remove Ciprofloxacin from your drug comparison Nitrofurantoin Remove Nitrofurantoin from your drug comparison Macrobid nitrofurantoin Remove Macrobid from your drug comparison

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

Prescribed for Urinary Tract Infection, Prevention of Bladder infection, Bladder Infection. Macrobid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 800 reviews

View all 1527 reviews

View all 676 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

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.

See the full Macrobid side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
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

Quantity 100 capsule
Dosage macrocrystals-monohydrate 100 mg
Per Unit* $6.31
Cost* $630.51

View all Macrobid prices and generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

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

Brand Names
Cipro, Cipro Cystitis Pack, Cipro I.V., Cipro XR Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin Other nitrofurantoin brands include: Furadantin, 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.

4 hours

1 hour

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
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.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (7)

N/A

N/A

Drug Interactions

A total of 593 drugs are known to interact with ciprofloxacin:

  • 140 major drug interactions (604 brand and generic names)
  • 376 moderate drug interactions (2680 brand and generic names)
  • 77 minor drug interactions (222 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)

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

  • 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
  • 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.

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

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

October 22, 1987

February 06, 1953

December 24, 1991

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

N/A

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