Ciprofloxacin

Pronounced sip-ro-FLOX-ah-sin

Brand names: Cipro

Type: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic · All Antibiotics & Infection Medicines

What Ciprofloxacin is used for

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Prostate infections
  • Certain gut infections
  • Anthrax exposure

◆ Kidney note

Dose is lowered when kidney function is significantly reduced.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

Important cautions

  • Can cause serious side effects including tendon rupture, nerve damage, and effects on mood and blood sugar — it is reserved for infections where alternatives are limited
  • Antacids, iron, and calcium block its absorption — they are usually taken at separate times

How it comes

Tablets, extended-release tablets, liquid, injection (hospital), eye and ear drops. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Toxicity lists: Ciprofloxacin also appears on Medicines That Can Harm the Liver.

Related medicines — Antibiotics & Infection Medicines

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.