Comparing Ciprofloxacin vs Metronidazole

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

Metronidazole

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

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is particularly effective at treating infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria and parasites. Alcohol and products containing propylene glycol should... View more

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 836 reviews

View all 2232 reviews

Drug Class

Quinolones

Side Effects

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

See the full ciprofloxacin side effects document.

See the full metronidazole 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	1 tablet
Dosage	500 mg
Per Unit^*	$9.72
Cost^*	$9.72

View all metronidazole prices

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Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available

Intravenous solution
Oral powder for reconstitution
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, extended release

Intravenous solution
Oral capsule
Oral tablet

Brand Names

Cipro, Cipro Cystitis Pack, Cipro I.V., Cipro XR Flagyl, Flagyl 375, Flagyl IV, Metro, Metro IV

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

20 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 C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 603 drugs are known to interact with ciprofloxacin:

145 major drug interactions (616 brand and generic names)
377 moderate drug interactions (2702 brand and generic names)
81 minor drug interactions (227 brand and generic names)

A total of 327 drugs are known to interact with metronidazole:

10 major drug interactions (29 brand and generic names)
132 moderate drug interactions (473 brand and generic names)
185 minor drug interactions (587 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

Consumption of alcoholic beverages or products containing alcohol or propylene glycol during... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

October 22, 1987

July 18, 1963

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

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