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Comparing Ciprofloxacin vs Keflex

Ciprofloxacin

Keflex

cephalexin

Ciprofloxacin is an effective antibiotic that treats a wide variety of infections; however, its use is restricted in children and it carries a risk of tendinitis or tendon rupture. Prescribed for... more

Keflex is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic that may be used in the treatment of gram-positive cocci infections. However, it should be used with caution in people with a penicillin allergy. Prescribed... more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
5.7
547 Reviews

For Urinary Tract Infection No huge side effects yet. Just took third dose. I already have anxiety so that side effect I can deal with. Hoping my UTI will start clearing up soon. This is my first time taking this drug. I will comment back with results and updates in a few days. 30 year old male.

5
Bill0987

For Urinary Tract Infection I am on Ciprofloxacin for 3 days along with Pyridium for a UTI. I have felt nauseous, heady, tired and have had increased anxiety since starting these Meds. Today I had dry heaves, nausea, drained feeling and a full blown panic attack. Will be calling my Dr. Tomorrow for a possible replacement. Going on vacaction on Thursday and don't want any of these side effects. UTI symptoms better but don't think it is cleared up fully. Scared.

5
Momdonna
7.9
56 Reviews

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection Got multiple venomous spider bites on left buttocks... Turned into a staph infection. Before taking the medicine I was in so much pain I could barely sit or lay down. Been on the medicine for two days now at 500mg twice a day (along with Epsom salt baths) and it has already GREATLY improved my infection, the sores, and my ability to sit!

8
Vegasgirl22

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection Keflex 500 mg 3 times a day is slowly but surely getting rid of my folliculitis. It took about 3 days for the infection to stop weeping, another 2 days later it has almost completely dried up. No discernible side effects for me.

8
Netsirk

View all 547 reviews

View all 56 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

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

See the full ciprofloxacin side effects document.

See the full Keflex side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 1 tablet
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $8.57
Cost* $8.57
View all ciprofloxacin prices
Quantity 20 capsule
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $3.15
Cost* $63.05
View all Keflex prices
View generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

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

Brand Names
Cipro, Cipro Cystitis Pack, Cipro I.V., Cipro XR, and Proquin XR Other cephalexin brands include: Biocef, Daxbia, Panixine, and Zartan

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

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.

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.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (5)

N/A

Drug Interactions

A total of 828 drugs are known to interact with ciprofloxacin:

  • 144 major drug interactions (913 brand and generic names)
  • 597 moderate drug interactions (3807 brand and generic names)
  • 87 minor drug interactions (249 brand and generic names)

A total of 48 drugs are known to interact with Keflex:

  • 1 major drug interactions (2 brand and generic names)
  • 45 moderate drug interactions (356 brand and generic names)
  • 2 minor drug interactions (5 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified... more

No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no warnings exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

October 22, 1987

January 04, 1971

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

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.

Disclaimer: This site is designed to offer information for general educational purposes only. The health information furnished on this site and the interactive responses are not intended to be professional advice and are not intended to replace personal consultation with a qualified physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. You must always seek the advice of a professional for questions related to a disease, disease symptoms, and appropriate therapeutic treatments.

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