What ciprofloxacin is for
Ciprofloxacin is used to treat infections, or infections that have developed complications, such as:
- urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as bladder or kidney infections
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- ear or eye infections
- bone and joint infections
- infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis)
Ciprofloxacin can cause rare but serious side effects, some of which can be long-term or permanent. Because of this, ciprofloxacin is often only used if other antibiotics have been used first and have not worked, or you are unable to take them due to an allergy, or similar.
How to take ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin comes as tablets or a liquid that you swallow.
There are also ciprofloxacin eyedrops and eardrops used to treat some types of ear and eye infections.
Most people take ciprofloxacin for at least 5 days. You may need to take it for several weeks for some types of infection.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Important
It's important to keep taking your medicine until you've finished it all, even if you start to feel better.
If you miss a dose of ciprofloxacin
If you forget to take a dose of ciprofloxacin take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.
If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.
If you take too much ciprofloxacin
If you use more ciprofloxacin eyedrops than prescribed, you should wash your eyes with clean, lukewarm water.
Taking an extra dose of ciprofloxacin tablets, liquid or eardrops is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much as it can sometimes be dangerous.
Accidently swallowing ciprofloxacin eyedrops or eardrops is also unlikely to cause problems, but you should still seek medical advice if this happens.
Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:
- you've taken more than your prescribed dose of ciprofloxacin tablets, liquid or eardrops and you get any unexpected side effects
- you've swallowed ciprofloxacin eyedrops or eardrops
- your child has taken more than their prescribed dose of ciprofloxacin
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 if you're asking about a child under the age of 5 years.
If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the ciprofloxacin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Side effects of ciprofloxacin
Like all medicines, ciprofloxacin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of ciprofloxacin tablets and liquid include:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- being sick (vomiting)
- headache
- diarrhoea
- eye discomfort or pain
Common side effects of ciprofloxacin eyedrops include eye pain and redness.
It is also common for eardrops to cause ear pain or itchiness and a strange taste in your mouth.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:
- you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away
They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce any side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you're advised to stop.
Find a pharmacySerious side effects
Ciprofloxacin can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.
Possible serious side effects of ciprofloxacin include:
- an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
- the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart splits open (acute aortic dissection) which can cause a severe spreading chest pain, difficulty speaking, weakness on 1 side of your body and difficulty breathing
- seizures (fits)
- numbness and tingling in your feet and hands (peripheral neuropathy)
- damage to your tendons, which can cause difficulties with walking, sudden joint pain, swelling and bruising - this side effect can develop in the first 48 hours of treatment
- changes to mood, which can lead to psychosis, depression and suicidal thoughts
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:
- you're taking ciprofloxacin and think you might be having anaphylaxis, a seizure or an acute aortic dissection
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, or you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of ciprofloxacin.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take ciprofloxacin
Most adults and children can take ciprofloxacin.
But ciprofloxacin is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if you have:
- had an allergic reaction to, or serious side effect from ciprofloxacin or another antibiotic of the same type (fluoroquinolones), especially if you had any side effects involving your tendons or joints
- diabetes
- a condition that affects your nervous system, such as epilepsy
- a heart problem, such as heart failure, or you've had a heart attack in the past
- a kidney condition, such as chronic kidney disease
- an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or a close relative has had one
Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and ciprofloxacin
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Ciprofloxacin is not usually used while breastfeeding because small amounts pass into breast milk.
But a doctor may recommend it if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby, or notice side effects in your baby such as:
- diarrhoea
- oral thrush (mouth thrush)
- a skin rash
- not feeding as well as usual or unusually irritable
- being sleepy or unusually tired
Pregnancy and ciprofloxacin
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant. Ciprofloxacin is not usually used during pregnancy.
There are other antibiotics recommended for use in pregnancy.
But a doctor may recommend ciprofloxacin if these other antibiotics are not suitable for you, or have not worked.
Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it.
Taking ciprofloxacin with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with ciprofloxacin.
This includes:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- some types of anticoagulants (such as warfarin)
- medicines that help with an irregular heart rhythm such as sotalol
- some types of antidepressants
- medicines used to treat psychosis, such as quetiapine
- steroid medicines, such as prednisone
- tizanidine, a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle cramps, stiffness and spasms in conditions like multiple sclerosis
- phenytoin, used to prevent seizures in people living with epilepsy
Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with ciprofloxacin
Leave a gap of at least 2 hours between taking ciprofloxacin tablets or liquid and eating or drinking dairy products or drinks with added calcium, such as plant milk. The calcium in these products can stop your body from taking in all the medicine.
Try to avoid drinking a lot of alcohol because it can increase the risk of side effects.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice