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.