What Is Ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic prescribed to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the antibiotic class of fluoroquinolones alongside levofloxacin, gemifloxacin, and moxifloxacin. 

Ciprofloxacin is available under the brand names Cipro and Proquin XR and is available as a tablet, extended-release tablet, and liquid suspension. 

Since fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause disabling or otherwise serious side effects that may not be reversible, ciprofloxacin should only be taken for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic. 

How Does Ciprofloxacin Work?

Ciprofloxacin stops bacterial infections by interfering with the bacteria’s DNA. It does this through its inhibition of DNA topoisomerase and DNA-gyrase, two enzymes the bacterial cell uses to replicate DNA. By inhibiting these enzymes, the bacteria cannot replicate, and the infection is stopped. 

What Is Ciprofloxacin Used For?

Ciprofloxacin is prescribed to treat severe infections, such as:

• abdominal infections 
• bone infections
• joint infections
• sinus infections
• sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., gonorrhea)
• urinary tract infections 
• skin infections

Ciprofloxacin may also be prescribed if someone has inhaled anthrax or as a treatment for typhoid fever or the plague. 

Side Effects of Ciprofloxacin

The common side effects of ciprofloxacin include:

• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• abnormal liver function tests

Furthermore, if you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking ciprofloxacin and contact your doctor immediately:

• fast or pounding heartbeats
• shortness of breath
• sudden dizziness
• severe stomach pain
• watery or bloody diarrhea
• a skin rash, no matter how mild
• increased pressure inside the skull (ringing in your ears, severe headaches, vision problems, nausea, dizziness, pain behind your eyes)
• little or no urination
• muscle weakness
• breathing problems

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If you are ever concerned about your symptoms, contact your doctor for their advice. 

Some people may be allergic to ciprofloxacin, with symptoms that may include swelling in the face or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Ciprofloxacin may also cause a severe skin reaction with a red or purple skin rash that spreads, blistering and peeling skin, burning in the eyes, and a fever. If you have an allergic or severe skin reaction, seek emergency medical help. 

Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including nerve damage, tendon problems, low blood sugar, and serious mood or behavior changes. In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may damage the aorta, which could lead to bleeding or death. If you’re taking ciprofloxacin and experience severe and constant pain in your stomach, chest, or back, seek immediate medical attention. 

How to Take Ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin must be taken precisely as your doctor prescribes, including the dose and dosing schedule. Your prescribed dose will depend on various factors, including your age, the type and severity of your infection, and how well your body reacts to the first dose. 

Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food, but it should be taken at the same time each day. If you experience an upset stomach while taking ciprofloxacin, try taking it with food. 

For those taking the liquid suspension of ciprofloxacin, be sure to shake it for 15 seconds before measuring out a dose. The medication should be given using the provided dosing syringe or a medicine dose-measuring device. The liquid suspension of ciprofloxacin should not be delivered through a feeding tube. 

Those taking the extended-release tablet must swallow it whole––do not chew, crush, or break it. 

Continue taking ciprofloxacin for the entire length of your prescription, even if you begin feeling better before the prescription is done. By discontinuing your medication early, you risk a recurrent or even worse infection developing. 

If you miss a dose of ciprofloxacin, try taking the medicine as soon as possible. However, if you are taking a regular tablet or liquid suspension, skip the dose if your next dose falls within 6 hours, and for those taking extended-release tablets, skip the missed dose if your next dose falls within 8 hours. Do not take two doses at once to try and make up for the missed dose. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Ciprofloxacin

What Should You Avoid While Taking Ciprofloxacin?

While taking ciprofloxacin, avoid taking it alongside dairy products, such as yogurt or milk, and calcium-fortified juice. You can eat or drink these products with your meals but do not use only them when taking ciprofloxacin. 

Some medicines can make ciprofloxacin less effective, such as didanosine powder or chewable tablets, the ulcer medicine sucralfate, antacids containing magnesium, calcium, or aluminum, and vitamin, or mineral supplements containing iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium. If you take any of these medications, take ciprofloxacin 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking them. 

Other drugs that may interact with ciprofloxacin include:

• blood thinners
• cyclosporine
• clozapine
• probenecid
• methotrexate
• sildenafil
• phenytoin
• theophylline
• ropinirole
• oral diabetes medicines
• diuretics
• medicines to treat depression or mental illness
• NSAIDs
• steroid medicine
• products containing caffeine

Let your doctor know if you take any of these medicines. 

Ciprofloxacin can also make you more sensitive to the sun. So, while taking this medication, avoid tanning beds and when you go outside, wear protective clothes and use sunscreen. 

What Is the Most Common Side Effect of Ciprofloxacin?

The most common side effect reported with ciprofloxacin is nausea. Other common side effects include:

• headache
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain

Do You Need a Prescription for Ciprofloxacin?

Yes. Ciprofloxacin is a prescription medication, so it has to be prescribed by a doctor and is not available over the counter. 

Can You Get Ciprofloxacin Online?

Yes, you can get a prescription for Ciprofloxacin online with DrHouse. DrHouse offers a safe and fast telehealth service where you can get an online consultation with a licensed doctor who can prescribe ciprofloxacin or any other medication if it is medically appropriate.

For more detailed information about Ciprofloxacin, you can refer to the following sources:

• Cipro prescription label, Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Ciprofloxacin, Drugs.com.
• Ciprofloxacin, MedlinePlus.

The content on this page has been medically reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC