Cipro Patient Tips

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 29, 2023.

1. How it works

• Cipro is a brand (trade) name for ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of different bacteria.
• Ciprofloxacin works by converting two bacterial enzymes, topoisomerase IV, and DNA gyrase, into toxic enzymes that inhibit the manufacture and repair of DNA and other DNA processes.
• Cipro belongs to a group of medicines known as fluoroquinolones (also called quinolones).

2. Upsides

• Cipro may be used to treat a wide range of infections such as those occurring in the urinary tract, prostate, respiratory tract, sinuses, bones and joints, abdomen, and genital area. However, it is usually only used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, chronic bronchitis, and sinusitis when other alternative treatment options have failed or cannot be used.
• May be used for the treatment of plague or uncomplicated gonorrhea, in addition to other infections.
• May be given as a preventive measure when people have been exposed to anthrax.
• Effective against susceptible strains of several different gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, for example: Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only), S. epidermidis (methicillin-susceptible isolates), S. pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Also effective against Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia stuartii, Morganella morganii, and Citrobacter freundii.
• Cipro is available as a generic under the name ciprofloxacin.

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Diarrhea, nausea, abnormal liver function tests, vomiting, joint pain, or a rash.
• Serious side effects such as tendonitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain in fingers and toes), and central nervous system effects (side effects that affect the brain including psychosis, convulsions, and hallucinations) have been associated with Cipro and other fluoroquinolones. These side effects may be irreversible and can all occur together in some patients. May occur at any time after starting levofloxacin and in any patient. If any of these very severe side effects happen, Cipro should be discontinued immediately and all fluoroquinolones avoided in the future. The risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture is increased in people over the age of 60, in those taking corticosteroids, or with a history of organ transplant. Previous tendon disorders or strenuous activity may also increase risk.
• May also cause anxiety, insomnia, psychotic reactions, nerve pain, or a loss of feeling, ECG abnormalities, increased sensitivity to light, and other effects.
• The use of fluoroquinolones such as Cipro is associated with an increased incidence of musculoskeletal disorders such as joint pain, abnormal gait, back pain, leg pain, or decreased range of motion. Events occurring within the first 6 weeks of treatment usually resolve within 30 days of discontinuing treatment.
• Should not be given to children under the age of 18 years unless they have certain serious infections that cannot be treated with other antibiotics. Children are more susceptible to the adverse effects of Cipro.
• May exacerbate muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis.
• Serious, sometimes life-threatening, adverse reactions such as liver damage and allergic reactions have been occasionally reported.
• May trigger seizures or increase the risk of having a seizure.
• Potential for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis to develop. This may occur as late as 2 months after anti-infective treatment has been discontinued. Monitor.
• May disturb blood glucose levels in people with diabetes; careful monitoring of blood glucose is required.
• May cause photosensitivity reactions and severe sunburn on exposed areas of skin.
• Not suitable for people with myasthenia gravis, certain heart rhythm disturbances, or pediatric patients (unless being given to prevent inhalation anthrax or plague). Dosage may need reducing in people with poor kidney function. May cause liver damage or heart rhythm disturbances.
• May interact with some medications including antacids or preparations containing iron or zinc. Administer at least two hours before or two hours after these preparations.
• Use during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks to the mother or fetus. There are no adequate and controlled studies in pregnant women and animal studies have not revealed evidence of harm to the fetus. However, Cipro has been shown to cause arthropathy and histologic changes in the weight-bearing joints of juvenile animals and other effects, which are a cause for concern. Cipro is distributed into milk and either breastfeeding or the drug should be discontinued if women are breastfeeding.

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

4. Bottom Line

Cipro is an effective antibiotic that treats a wide variety of infections; however, it should not be given to children aged less than 18, and in adults, it should be reserved for infections that are not treated by other antibiotics. Side effects include tendinitis and tendon rupture.

5. Tips

• May be taken with or without food. Take exactly as directed and for the period indicated to reduce the risk of resistant bacteria developing, unless side effects force early discontinuation.
• Only use when prescribed by a doctor to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria as improper use increases the chance of resistant bacteria developing, and increases the risk of you developing side effects.
• Do not take Cipro within two hours of magnesium/aluminum-containing antacids or other products containing calcium, iron or zinc. Other products may also affect absorption (check product information).
• Avoid administration o,f Cipro with dairy products (eg, milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone. However, Cipro may be taken with meals that contain calcium.
• Protect yourself from sunlight and avoid excessive exposure to the sun when taking Cipro. Wear sunblock when outdoors.
• Keep well hydrated when taking Cipro to avoid crystals developing in your urine.
• Discontinue Cipro immediately if you experience tendon pain, swelling, inflammation, or rupture, and contact your healthcare provider.
• Discontinue Cipro immediately and contact your healthcare provider if you experience pain, tingling, or numbness in your fingers and toes; or any central nervous system effects (such as paranoia, depression, or hallucinations); a severe rash; jaundice (skin yellowing); a change in your heartbeat; or any sign of an allergic reaction.
• Seek medical advice if chronic diarrhea develops while taking Cipro or in the months after you discontinue it.
• Do not drive or operate machinery if Cipro makes you feel dizzy or tired. Avoid alcohol.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Cipro may not be suitable during pregnancy or in women who are breastfeeding.

6. Response and effectiveness

• Peak concentrations of Cipro are reached one to two hours after dosing; however, it may take up to 48 hours before infection-related symptoms start to abate.

7. Interactions

Medicines that interact with Cipro may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Cipro. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Common medications that may interact with Cipro include:

• aminoglycosides, such as gentamycin or tobramycin
• antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum
• anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin
• beta-lactam antibiotics
• bismuth subsalicylate
• blood-glucose-lowering agents, such as glimepiride or glyburide (severe hypoglycemia reported)
• bowel cleansing agents such as sodium picosulfate
• caffeine
• clozapine
• corticosteroids, such as prednisone. May enhance the risk of tendonitis or tendon rupture
• cyclosporine
• didanosine
• diuretics
• duloxetine
• lactobacillus
• lidocaine
• methotrexate
• metoclopramide
• metronidazole
• multivitamins
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen
• olanzapine
• omeprazole
• photosensitizing agents, such as aminolevulinic acid
• pirenzepine
• probenecid
• QTc-prolonging agents, such as amiodarone, domperidone, methadone, ondansetron, procainamide, quinidine, or haloperidol
• rifampin
• ropinirole
• scopolamine
• sildenafil
• sucralfate
• supplements containing calcium, iron, or zinc
• theophylline
• tizanidine
• tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline
• warfarin
• vaccinations, such as BCG, cholera, or typhoid
• vitamin K
• zolpidem
• any medication that inhibits or induces CYP3A4 or CYP1A2.

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Cipro. Refer to the prescribing information for Cipro for a complete list of interactions.

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Frequently asked questions

• How long does Cipro take to work?
• What types of infections does Cipro treat?
• How long does ciprofloxacin stay in your system when finished?
• Can I use Cipro to treat a bacterial vaginitis infection?
• Ciprofloxacin - can you crush Cipro 500 tablets and mix with food?
• What is the best antibiotic to treat a sinus infection?
• What medications can affect your taste or smell?

Further information

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

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

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