Augmentin vs. Cipro

[annak87]

I had surgery on Friday to drain a perianal abscess and to place a seton. I've been on Cipro and Flagyl numerous times before, during, and after abscesses. When I was being discharged from the hospital this time though the prescriptions I received were for Flagyl and Augmentin. I emailed my surgeon about this but haven't heard back yet. I just didn't know if Cipro and Augmentin are the same thing or if it would even be doing anything for me.

So, are Cipro and Augmentin the same antibiotics? Are they used for the same reasons? Should I be contacting my GI to ask about this (he usually gets back to me sooner than the surgeon is able to)?

Thanks!

 

[DustyKat]

They are not the same antibiotic.

Flagyl and Cipro are interchangeable antibiotics for treating abscesses, fistula's, harmful bacteria and they are also believed to help suppress the immune system. Where Flagyl was the most commonly used of the two Cipro is starting to take over that role.

Augmentin is used specifically to treat bacterial infections, so I would imagine it was prescribed to treat the infection associated with the abscess and also to assist in preventing its return.

Matt had an internal abscess that he had drained and the drain remained in place for 3 months. Throughout that time he was on Flagyl and Augmentin Duo Forte.

If you are concerned I don't think it ever hurts to contact the doc.

Dusty. xxx