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Comparing Ciprofloxacin vs Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim

Ciprofloxacin

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim

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

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is an effective combination antibiotic; however, it may not be suitable for those with kidney or liver disease or folate deficiency. Risk of side effects may be higher... more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
5.7
545 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
5.7
825 Reviews

For Urinary Tract Infection I've been taking it for two days now, I have one more day left to take this medicine. On the first day I got a pretty strong headache and took some advil which it did react to. Second day, this morning, I woke up with a migraine, took 3 advil. after a few hours migraine then degraded to a bad headache. UTI symptoms have gotten better, headache is getting worse. I've never had a migraine before today. The last time I had a UTI I was prescribed something different, I'm not sure what but I did not suffer any side effects.

4
itHurts

For Urinary Tract Infection On this drug now and I feel awful! Was seriously considering going to ER. I have extreme nausea, tingling in my hands, dizziness, stomach pain, sore throat and my eyes are red and dry. I will never take this again for a UTI.

4
Hate this medicine

View all 545 reviews

View all 825 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 sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 1 tablet
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $8.50
Cost* $8.50
View all ciprofloxacin prices
Quantity 2 tablet
Dosage 800 mg-160 mg
Per Unit* $4.19
Cost* $8.37
View all sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim 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 suspension
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Cipro, Cipro Cystitis Pack, Cipro I.V., Cipro XR, and Proquin XR Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Bactrim IV, Bactrim Pediatric, Bethaprim, Bethaprim Pediatric, Co-trimoxazole,... more

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

14 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.
D
Category D Positive evidence of risk

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 (3806 brand and generic names)
  • 87 minor drug interactions (249 brand and generic names)

A total of 454 drugs are known to interact with sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim:

  • 112 major drug interactions (425 brand and generic names)
  • 140 moderate drug interactions (649 brand and generic names)
  • 202 minor drug interactions (637 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
  • Ask your doctor before using trimethoprim together with alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while you... more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

October 22, 1987

July 30, 1973

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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