Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic.

Uses

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.

Warnings

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.

You should not use ciprofloxacin if:

you are allergic to it.

you also take tizanidine.

you are allergic to other fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin).

Side Effects

Allergic reaction

Hives

Difficult breathing

Swelling in your face or throat.

Fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Tendon problems

Damage to your nerves (which may be permanent)

Serious mood or behavior changes (after just one dose).

Low blood sugar (which can lead to coma).

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.

Usage

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.

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

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