Augmentin vs. Cipro
See how Augmentin and Cipro compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Augmentin and Cipro treat different types of bacterial infections through different mechanisms, so they are not interchangeable for the same infection.
Cipro carries an FDA boxed warning for tendon, nerve, and mental health risks that Augmentin does not have.
Augmentin is typically a first choice for ear, sinus, and skin infections, while Cipro is reserved for cases where other antibiotics are not an option.
Augmentin vs. Cipro Drug Summary
Augmentin
Augmentin combines amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, with clavulanate, which helps it fight bacteria resistant to plain amoxicillin. It treats common infections of the ears, sinuses, lungs, skin, and urinary tract. It comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, or liquid, taken by mouth every 8 or 12 hours depending on the dose.
Cipro
Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for urinary, respiratory, skin, and bone infections, plus anthrax exposure. It works by blocking bacterial DNA replication instead of attacking the cell wall. It is taken by mouth, usually twice a day, for anywhere from 3 to 28 days depending on the infection.
Augmentin vs. Cipro Side Effects
Augmentin
Cipro
Augmentin vs. Cipro Dosage
Augmentin
Cipro
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250 mg/125 mg every 8 hrs | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2000 mg/125 mg every 12 hrs | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250 mg every 12 hrs | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 750 mg every 12 hrs | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Augmentin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250 mg/125 mg every 8 hrs | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2000 mg/125 mg every 12 hrs | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Cipro
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250 mg every 12 hrs | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 750 mg every 12 hrs | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Augmentin vs. Cipro Indications
Augmentin
Augmentin combines amoxicillin with clavulanate, a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps it fight bacteria resistant to plain penicillins. It is FDA-approved for ear, sinus, lower respiratory, skin, and urinary tract infections. It is not effective against viral infections like colds or flu.
Acute bacterial otitis media
Acute bacterial sinusitis
Lower respiratory tract infections
Skin and skin structure infections
Urinary tract infections
Cipro
Cipro is FDA-approved for a broad range of bacterial infections, including complicated urinary tract infections, respiratory, skin, and bone infections, and anthrax exposure. Because of serious risks, guidelines generally reserve it for infections where other antibiotics are not a good option.
Complicated urinary tract infections
Lower respiratory tract infections
Skin and skin structure infections
Bone and joint infections
Anthrax exposure (post-exposure prophylaxis)
Augmentin vs. Cipro Pros and Cons
Augmentin
Augmentin has no FDA boxed warning and covers many common infections effectively, including those caused by resistant bacteria. It does require more frequent dosing in some regimens and tends to cause more GI upset than Cipro.
Pros
No FDA boxed warning, unlike Cipro's fluoroquinolone warnings
Beta-lactamase inhibitor lets it treat bacteria plain amoxicillin cannot
Available in chewable tablets and liquid form for children
Considered a safer option during pregnancy than fluoroquinolones
Cons
Needs dosing as often as every 8 hours for some regimens
Higher rate of diarrhea than Cipro
Not effective against Pseudomonas or other tough gram-negative bacteria
Roughly $80 to $150 per treatment course without insurance, more than generic Cipro
Cipro
Cipro carries an FDA boxed warning for tendon, nerve, and central nervous system risks, but it reaches gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas, that Augmentin cannot treat. Its long half-life allows simpler twice-daily dosing for most infections.
Pros
Covers Pseudomonas and other gram-negative bacteria Augmentin cannot reach
Simple twice-daily dosing for most infections
Some UTIs can be treated with just a 3-day course
Roughly $10 to $20 per treatment course without insurance, less than brand Augmentin
Cons
Carries an FDA boxed warning for tendon rupture, nerve damage, and CNS effects
Not first-choice in children or pregnant women due to joint risks
Can prolong the QT interval and interacts with many other drugs
Growing bacterial resistance limits its use for uncomplicated UTIs
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