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Comparing Ciprofloxacin vs Metronidazole

Ciprofloxacin

Metronidazole

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

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is particularly effective at treating infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria and parasites. Avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole and for three... more

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Bacterial Infection
Pneumonia
Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
Diverticulitis
Crohn's Disease, Acute
Bone infection (Osteomyelitis)
Surgical Prophylaxis
Peritonitis
Intraabdominal Infection
Bacteremia
Joint Infection
Gastrointestinal Perforation
Pouchitis
Show more conditions...

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
5.6
593 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
6.6
1505 Reviews

For Bacterial Vaginitis I have taken this medication once before years ago and it was fine. Taking it again now and literally feel like death. It's horrible. I called in sick to work today and most likely will again tomorrow. The first 2 days were fine but after that it's been unbearable. I have diarrhea constantly and it's straight liquid. I puked this morning and been nauseous all day/night, loss of appetite and unbearable stomach pain. I came on this website to see other people's experiences as I was about to go to the emergency cuz this is just ridiculous. Now I know my symptoms are the same as others so I'll just hold off and finish my medication. 3 Days To Go for me and I can't wait to get off of medication. I hope I never have to take this again. Although the the discharge and odor are gone so I know it's doing its work but we just have to suffer through it to get better I guess. Stay strong ladies we can do this.

7
Sara

For Bacterial Vaginitis Hi ladies! So I had BV and went to doctors to get prescription. The doctor prescribed ONE dose of 2000MG ( 4 pills of 500MG) and take it all at once!!! After day two my symptoms are GONE!!! Maybe the doctor should prescribe one dosage for BV as it's very effective!!!!!!!! Consider it

7
Brittmusta

View all 593 reviews

View all 1505 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 metronidazole side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 1 tablet
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $9.28
Cost* $9.28
View all ciprofloxacin prices
Quantity 1 tablet
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $8.44 - $8.81
Cost* $8.44 - $8.81
View all metronidazole prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

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, and Proquin XR Flagyl, Flagyl 375, Flagyl IV, Metro, Metro IV, Metryl, and Protostat

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.
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 (6)

FDA Alerts (3)

Drug Interactions

A total of 855 drugs are known to interact with ciprofloxacin:

  • 148 major drug interactions (921 brand and generic names)
  • 617 moderate drug interactions (3876 brand and generic names)
  • 90 minor drug interactions (258 brand and generic names)

A total of 396 drugs are known to interact with metronidazole:

  • 8 major drug interactions (23 brand and generic names)
  • 188 moderate drug interactions (964 brand and generic names)
  • 200 minor drug interactions (655 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
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages or products containing alcohol or propylene glycol during... more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

October 22, 1987

July 18, 1963

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.

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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