Ciprofloxacin vs Azithromycin: side-by-side comparison
Ciprofloxacin (Fluoroquinolone antibiotic) and Azithromycin (Macrolide antibiotic) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely substitutes for each other. The comparison is useful when a single patient is weighing both options for adjacent or overlapping needs.
| Property | Ciprofloxacin | Azithromycin |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Fluoroquinolone antibiotic | Macrolide antibiotic |
| CAS | 85721-33-1 | 83905-01-5 |
| ATC | J01MA02 | J01FA10 |
| Molecular weight | 331.34 g/mol | 748.98 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 1 |
What they share
Ciprofloxacin and Azithromycin share the common regulatory framework for prescription active ingredients, bioequivalence standards for generics, and pharmacist oversight. Beyond that, points in common are limited.
Key differences
Ciprofloxacin acts by a different mechanism than Azithromycin, with indications that barely overlap. Comparing the two is useful when a clinician has mentioned both in the same context or the patient wants to understand why one was prescribed instead of the other.
Mechanisms compared
Ciprofloxacin: La ciprofloxacine inhibe l'ADN gyrase bactérienne (topo-isomérase II) et la topo-isomérase IV, enzymes indispensables à la réplication, à la transcription et à la réparation de l'ADN. Azithromycin: L'azithromycine se lie de façon réversible à la sous-unité ribosomique 50S des bactéries sensibles, inhibant la synthèse protéique.
Indications compared
Ciprofloxacin: La ciprofloxacine est autorisée chez l'adulte dans le traitement des infections urinaires compliquées, de la pyélonéphrite aiguë, de la prostatite, des infections digestives dont la diarrhée du voyageur, de certaines inf… Azithromycin: L'azithromycine est autorisée chez l'adulte et l'enfant dans le traitement des infections des voies respiratoires, de l'otite moyenne, des infections de la peau et des tissus mous, ainsi que des infections sexuellement t…
Safety profile
Ciprofloxacin: Les effets indésirables fréquents comprennent troubles digestifs, céphalées, vertiges et éruptions cutanées. Azithromycin: Les effets indésirables fréquents sont digestifs : nausées, diarrhée et gêne abdominale.
Questions fréquentes
Is Ciprofloxacin better than Azithromycin? ▾
Ciprofloxacin and Azithromycin are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Ciprofloxacin and Azithromycin be combined? ▾
Whether they can be combined depends on the indications and the interaction profile of each. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it; in self-medication they should never be combined.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each has its own prescribing information.
Products with Ciprofloxacin
Products with Azithromycin
Les informations publiées sur ce site sont fournies à titre documentaire et pédagogique. Elles ne remplacent pas l'avis d'un professionnel de santé qualifié.