Septra Vs. Cipro

Septra and Cipro are brand name versions of the prescription medications trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, respectively. Although both drugs are antibiotics, there are several differences between Septra and Cipro.

Uses

Doctors prescribe septra to treat urinary tract infections, middle ear infections, chronic bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, shigellosis and to treat and prevent pneumocystis carinii pneunmonia. Cipro is used for urinary tract infections and bacterial cystitis, prostate infections, lower respiratory tract and sinus infections, skin, bone and joint infections, e. coli, infectious diarrhea, typhoid, gonorrhea and anthrax.

Special Populations

Both Cipro and Septra are used with caution in people over the age of 65 and women who are pregnant or nursing, but doctors typically avoid prescribing Cipro to children except in for the treatment of certain urinary tract infections and anthrax, reports RxList.

Time Frame

For most infections, Cipro is only needed for 7 to 14 days, while Septra may be needed for up to 21 days, according to RxList.

Drug Interactions

Septra increases your risk of side effects from the seizure medication phenytoin and the arthritis medication methotrexate. Cipro often enhances the effects of caffeine and the respiratory drug theophylline.

Risks

The largest risk associated with Cipro is that of tendon injuries or ruptures, while with Septra the chance of life-threatening skin infections like Stevens-Johnson syndrome is the greatest threat. Cipro also causes colitis, a serious inflammation of the colon, and poses a risk for nerve damage.

References

• RxList: Septra
• Mayo Clinic: Septra
• RxList: Cipro

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Cipro