ciprofloxacin (oral) (Cipro, Cipro Cystitis Pack, Cipro XR)

Brand Names: Cipro, Cipro Cystitis Pack, Cipro XR, Proquin XR

Generic Name: ciprofloxacin (oral)

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.


What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin?


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).


  • low blood sugar--headache, hunger, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, or feeling shaky;
  • nerve damage symptoms--numbness, tingling, burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet:


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

  • severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • any skin rash, no matter how mild;
  • muscle weakness, breathing problems;
  • little or no urination;
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

Common side effects may include:


What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin?


Stop using this medicine 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.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ciprofloxacin?

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.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

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


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

How should I take ciprofloxacin?


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.


Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking ciprofloxacin.

Use this medicine 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 ciprofloxacin with another person.



Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. See Answer

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?


What should I avoid while taking ciprofloxacin?

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 ciprofloxacin.




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 affect ciprofloxacin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ciprofloxacin.


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Reviewed on 3/17/2022

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