What is the Difference Between Ciprofloxacin and Ofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin are both fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they have some differences in their antimicrobial activity, clinical utility, and pharmacokinetic and interaction profiles.

Key differences between ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin include:

1. Antimicrobial activity: Ciprofloxacin has better activity against gram-negative bacilli, while ofloxacin is more active against urethral chlamydia infections and may more effectively eradicate staphylococcal infections and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
2. Half-life and serum levels: Ofloxacin has a longer half-life and higher serum levels compared to ciprofloxacin.
3. Theophylline interaction: Ofloxacin does not significantly alter theophylline concentrations, while ciprofloxacin may have an effect on theophylline levels.
4. Ocular penetration: Ofloxacin penetrates better than ciprofloxacin into the aqueous humor of eyes with filtering blebs, particularly after combined topical and oral administration.

Both drugs are effective in treating infections due to gram-negative organisms. However, ofloxacin may be more appropriate in treating infections where both aerobic gram-negative rods and staphylococci or Streptococcus pneumoniae are documented or suspected, urethritis (especially when C. trachomatis is documented or suspected), and infections in patients concomitantly receiving theophylline.

Comparative Table: Ciprofloxacin vs Ofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin and Ofloxacin are both fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. However, there are some differences between the two drugs. Here is a table comparing their characteristics:

While both drugs are effective against infections due to gram-negative organisms, Ofloxacin is also appropriate for treating infections where both aerobic gram-negative rods and staphylococci or S. pneumoniae are documented or suspected, urethritis (particularly when C. trachomatis is documented or suspected), and infections in patients concomitantly receiving theophylline.