Ofloxacin vs ciprofloxacin: a comparison

Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin are fluoroquinolones with similar characteristics. However, important differences can be observed in their antimicrobial activity, clinical utility, and pharmacokinetic and interaction profiles. Ofloxacin is more active in urethral chlamydia infections; it also may more effectively eradicate staphylococcal infections and Streptococcus pneumoniae pulmonary infections. Furthermore, ofloxacin does not significantly alter theophylline concentrations. Ciprofloxacin has better activity against gram-negative bacilli, an advantage which may be negated by ofloxacin's longer half-life and higher serum levels. Therefore, while both drugs are effective as treatment of infections due to gram-negative organisms, ofloxacin is also appropriate in the treatment of: 1) infections where both aerobic gram-negative rods and staphylococci or S. pneumoniae are documented or suspected, 2) urethritis, particularly when C. trachomatis is documented or suspected, 3) infections in patients concomitantly receiving theophylline.