Other Brands/Names

How It Works

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic known as a quinolone. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, effectively stopping bacterial infections.

Indications

Ciprofloxacin is commonly used to treat or prevent a variety of bacterial infections, such as:

• Pneumonia (lung infection)

• Gonorrhea (sexually transmitted disease)

• Typhoid fever (typhus)

• Bacterial diarrhea

• Infections of the skin, bones, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and prostate (male reproductive gland)

Contraindications

• A history of allergy to ciprofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics

• A history of myasthenia gravis (a condition causing muscle weakness due to nerve and muscle disorders)

• Concurrent use with tizanidine (a muscle relaxant used to treat stiff and tense muscles)

Side Effects

• Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, or difficulty sleeping. If any of these effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Unusual bruising or bleeding

  • Symptoms of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat)

  • Kidney problems, such as changes in urine volume or red/pink urine

  • Liver problems, such as unusual tiredness, stomach pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing of the skin/eyes, or dark urine

• If you experience any of the following severe side effects, seek medical help immediately:

  • Severe dizziness

  • Syncope

  • Fast/irregular heartbeat

  • Symptoms of an aortic rupture, including sudden/severe pain in the stomach, chest, or back, cough, or shortness of breath

• Ciprofloxacin can cause a serious intestinal infection due to a bacterium called Clostridium difficile, which may happen during treatment or even weeks or months afterward. Tell your doctor immediately if you have persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramps, or blood/mucus in your stool.
• Long-term use may cause yeast infections in areas such as the mouth or vagina. Consult your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth or unusual vaginal discharge.

Types

Ciprofloxacin is available in several forms, including tablets, caplets, infusions, and eye drops.

Dosage

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections, Skin Infections, and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

• Adults: 500-750 mg twice daily for 7-14 days.

Typhoid Fever

• Adults: 500 mg twice daily for 7 days.

Prostatitis (Prostate Infection)

• Adults: 500-750 mg twice daily.
• Treatment duration:

  • Acute: 2-4 weeks

  • Chronic: 4-6 weeks

Uncomplicated Cystitis (Bladder Infection)

• Adults: 250-500 mg twice daily for 3 days.

Bone and Joint Infections

• Adults: 500-750 mg twice daily. Maximum treatment duration: 3 months.

Diarrhea

• Adults: 500 mg twice daily for 1-5 days, depending on the severity.

Safety

• Ciprofloxacin may cause heart rhythm problems, such as QT prolongation, which can lead to fast/irregular heartbeats and symptoms like severe dizziness or fainting. Seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms.

• This medication can also cause dizziness or drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you can do so safely.

• Ciprofloxacin increases your sensitivity to sunlight, so avoid direct sun exposure. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you are outdoors.

• This medication may interfere with the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine). Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking ciprofloxacin before any vaccinations.

• During pregnancy, ciprofloxacin should be used only when necessary.

• It is excreted in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Potentially fatal: Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects if combined with tizanidine (a muscle relaxant). It can increase the risk of severe hypotension (low blood pressure) and decreased consciousness. 
• Concurrent use of theophylline (used for respiratory conditions like asthma) with ciprofloxacin can increase the risk of seizures, cardiac arrest, and respiratory failure.

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