Cipro and Zithromax are antibiotics with a broad spectrum of action that are used to treat inflammatory processes, caused by pathogenic microorganisms.
If we compare Cipro vs Zithromax, we can find a lot of similarities and differences between the drugs. One of the main differences is the presence of two different active substances in the antibiotics and, consequently, different group affiliation.
- The active component of Cipro is an antibiotic from the group of first-generation fluoroquinolones, Ciprofloxacin.
- In Zithromax, the active ingredient is an antibiotic from the macrolide group, Azithromycin.
Compared with Cipro, Zithromax has the highest bacteriostatic activity, i.e. inhibits the ability of microorganisms to reproduce for a while. Zithromax inhibits the mechanism of protein synthesis of bacteria.
Cipro has a more pronounced bactericidal effect and the use of this drug causes the death of microorganisms. The mechanism of bactericidal action is due to the damaging effect of Cipro on the cellular walls of microorganisms, which leads to their death.
Although both antibiotics are effective against a number of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, when selecting and comparing Cipro vs Zithromax, it is important to take into account the individual patient’scharacteristics.
Zithromax may be more effective for some people, while others find Cipro to be more effective. It should be noted that Zithromax currently remains the drug of choice in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in adults.
Studies have shown that Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Haemophilusinfluenzae, Legionella pneumophila, Streptococcus pneumoniaeMoraxellacatarrhalis are highly sensitive to Zithromax.
Diseases, caused by these microorganisms, are well treatable and usually have a favorable prognosis. At the same time, Cipro has one clear advantage over Zithromax, which consists in a variety of pharmaceutical forms and dosages.
As of today, the available forms of Cipro release are:
- 2 mg/ml otic suspension;
- 250mg/5ml and 500mg/5ml oral suspension;
- 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg and 750 mg oral rapid release tablets;
- 500 mg and 1000 mg oral sustained-release tablets.
The availability of Cipro dosage form with sustained release of the active substance allows maintaining the required concentration of the antibiotic for a long time. It also helps reduce the frequency of administration and significantly reduces the risk of side effects.
Zithromax comes in the form of:
- 250 mg, 500 mgand 600 mg oral tablets;
- 500 mg/vial (in lyophilized form) for infusion;
- 100 mg/5ml and 200 mg/5ml oral suspension.
Normally, when selecting an antibiotic for the treatment of respiratory tract infections in pediatric patients, oral suspensions Cipro vs Zithromaxare compared, Cipro is chosen moreoften.
Cipro suspension has a pleasant strawberry flavor and contains sucrose. For accuracy of dosing, a graduated teaspoon is attached to each bottle with a suspension.
Cipro can be used to treat uncomplicated gonorrhea and complicated UTI, with Zithromax being the drug of choice for treating sexually transmitted diseases, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
To increase the efficacy of treatment and prevent complications, Zithromax is recommended to be administered intravenously.
Joint use of Cipro with Zithromax should be avoided, since the antibiotics can enhance the therapeutic effect of each other, which increases the risk of side effects.
