Skip to main content

Ciprofloxacin

Generic name: ciprofloxacin (oral) [ SIP-roe-FLOX-a-sin ]
Brand names: Cipro, Proquin XR
Drug class: Quinolones and fluoroquinolones

Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Sep 20, 2024.

What is ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic, it is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. It is also used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague. Ciprofloxacin extended-release is only approved for use in adults.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects that may not be reversible.

Ciprofloxacin should be used only for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.

Warnings

Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, nerve damage, serious mood or behavior changes, or low blood sugar.

Stop using ciprofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have: headache, hunger, irritability, numbness, tingling, burning pain, confusion, agitation, paranoia, problems with memory or concentration, thoughts of suicide, or sudden pain or movement problems in any of your joints.

In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, which could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

You may not be able to use this medicine if you have a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to it, or if:

Ciprofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. This can happen during treatment or several months after you stop taking ciprofloxacin. Tendon problems may be more likely in children and older adults, or people who use steroid medicine or have had an organ transplant.

To make sure ciprofloxacin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while taking ciprofloxacin and for 2 days after your last dose. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding if you take this medicine for anthrax exposure.

How should I take ciprofloxacin?

Take ciprofloxacin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Take ciprofloxacin at the same time each day, with or without food.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) for 15 seconds before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Do not give ciprofloxacin oral suspension through a feeding tube.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine.

Use ciprofloxacin for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Ciprofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share this medicine with another person.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you take regular tablets or oral suspension: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 6 hours.

If you take extended-release tablets: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 8 hours.

Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juice. You may eat or drink these products with your meals, but do not use them alone when taking this medicine.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Ciprofloxacin could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Tell your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how ciprofloxacin will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ciprofloxacin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, damage to your nerves (which may be permanent), serious mood or behavior changes (after just one dose), or low blood sugar (which can lead to coma).

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, the main blood artery of the body. This could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

Also, stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common ciprofloxacin side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin?

Some medicines can make ciprofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your ciprofloxacin dose 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take the other medicine.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ciprofloxacin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Does ciprofloxacin interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Popular FAQ

How long does Cipro take to work?

Although ciprofloxacin starts working within hours of taking it, you may not notice an improvement in your symptoms for 2 to 3 days. For some infections, such as osteomyelitis (a bone infection), it may take up to a week before you show any improvement. Continue reading

More FAQ

View more FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use ciprofloxacin only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.