Skip to Content
Print Share

Comparing Ciprofloxacin vs Xifaxan

Ciprofloxacin

Xifaxan

rifaximin

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... more

Prescribed for Hepatic Encephalopathy, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Traveler's Diarrhea. Xifaxan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
5.6
604 Reviews

For Urinary Tract Infection I was placed on this antibiotic because Bactrim gives me nasty side effects and I told my doctor that so she gave me this. Never been on this for a UTI before and I’ve had a UTI every 4 months almost ON THE DOT for the past 2 years. Literally have been to urgent care 4/3, was just back there on 9/3. so about every 4-5 months I’m back there. Anyway, she put me on this one and so far the only major side effect is that I’ve had trouble sleeping and my feet get really dry. ALSO THE WORST ONE is that urgency to pee is just hanging around, like I still have a UTI or something, and I’m on day 4 out of 5 of treatment. Just hoping this awfulness ends soon. I bought AZO urgency pain relief pills and those always help.

5
allltheproblems

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
6.7
44 Reviews

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome The only thing that gave me relief was this medicine. After having endoamoeba hystolitica (sp?), 3 years ago, and long after killing the amoeba, I had different symptoms related to intestines. Chronic loose bowels and bloating. I read about this medicine and convinced Doctor to get me a prescription for this (it wasn't as yet FDA approved for irritable bowel syndrome). Within 3 days I began to normalize, after 1 week was symptom free for 6 months. Slowly I am beginning to have problems again. I started my first dose again today and hope to normalize again. Wish it didn't seem to return.

6
luckysinnimon

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome This my third time taking xifaxan. First two times was 2 200mg 3xday. 6 tablets per day for 10 days for SIBO. Just started 550 MGS 3XDAY for 14 days. The cost is prohibitive $331 Co pay. So far not feeling much relief from abdominal pain. I was not retested for SIBO but prescribed this for IBS. I am also on gluten free and FODMAP diet. I have low IgA and IgG immunoglobulins. Everything seems to be just trial and error. I will continue to take it. Not very hopeful. Everything gets blamed on low immunoglobulins.

6
SIBO/IBS

View all 604 reviews

View all 44 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

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

See the full ciprofloxacin side effects document.

Common side effects include: flatulence.

See the full Xifaxan 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 2 tablet
Dosage 550 mg
Per Unit* $29.60
Cost* $59.20
View all Xifaxan prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

No

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

Brand Names
Cipro, Cipro Cystitis Pack, Cipro I.V., Cipro XR, Proquin XR

N/A

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

10.19 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.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (6)

N/A

Drug Interactions

A total of 859 drugs are known to interact with ciprofloxacin:

  • 149 major drug interactions (922 brand and generic names)
  • 620 moderate drug interactions (3888 brand and generic names)
  • 90 minor drug interactions (258 brand and generic names)

A total of 23 drugs are known to interact with Xifaxan:

  • 1 major drug interactions (2 brand and generic names)
  • 22 moderate drug interactions (47 brand and generic names)
  • 0 minor drug interactions (0 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

May 25, 2004

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

Drugs.com Mobile Apps

The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Available for Android and iOS devices.

Explore Apps