Ciprofloxacin

Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP
Updated on June 28, 2023

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ciprofloxacin to treat certain bacterial infections of the:

• skin
• bones and joints
• abdomen
• reproductive system
• respiratory system
• urinary tract
• eyes

It can also help prevent infection from inhaled anthrax.

For these uses, doctors may prescribe ciprofloxacin to adults. Depending on the use, doctors may also prescribe this drug to some children.

These approved uses differ based on the form of ciprofloxacin your doctor prescribes.

This article describes ciprofloxacin’s uses, side effects, and more. You’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of ciprofloxacin.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of ciprofloxacin. To find coupons for ciprofloxacin injection given by intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection given into a vein over time), see this article.

Boxed warnings

Ciprofloxacin oral tablet and injection given by IV infusion have the following boxed warnings:

• risk of serious side effects, including muscle and nerve problems
• risk of worsening myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes muscle weakness).

Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for ciprofloxacin” section.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as ciprofloxacin for certain conditions. Approved uses for ciprofloxacin are described below. These uses differ based on the form of ciprofloxacin prescribed.

Use for certain bacterial infections

Doctors may prescribe ciprofloxacin oral tablet and injection given by intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection given into a vein over time) for treating certain bacterial infections. These forms of the drug can also be prescribed to help prevent infection from inhaled anthrax. They’re used for these purposes in adults.

Doctors may also prescribe these forms of ciprofloxacin to children for certain bacterial infections. Specifically, the oral tablet and IV infusion may be used to treat the following infections in children:

• complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) or pyelonephritis (a severe kidney infection)*
• prevention of infection from inhaled anthrax
• plague

* For these conditions, ciprofloxacin may only be used in children ages 12 months and older.

Ciprofloxacin eye drops are used for treating certain bacterial eye infections. For these purposes, they may be used in adults and children.

For all uses, ciprofloxacin is prescribed as a short-term treatment.

With bacterial infections, bacteria enter an area of the body and start growing and reproducing. This causes symptoms of an infection, which can vary depending on where the infection occurs. Ciprofloxacin can help clear bacterial infections.

Ciprofloxacin may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of ciprofloxacin and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about ciprofloxacin’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for ciprofloxacin listed in the “Article resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of ciprofloxacin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of ciprofloxacin you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about ciprofloxacin’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for ciprofloxacin listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Mild side effects of ciprofloxacin eye drops include:

• bad taste in your mouth after a dose
• eye burning or discomfort
• crusting, crystals, or scales forming around your eye
• feeling like something is in your eye
• mild allergic reaction*

Mild side effects of ciprofloxacin oral tablet include:

• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for ciprofloxacin” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of ciprofloxacin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of ciprofloxacin you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about ciprofloxacin’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for ciprofloxacin listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, ciprofloxacin’s serious side effects include:

• diarrhea due to Clostridioides difficile infection (formerly known as Clostridium difficile infection)
• heart problems, such as long QT syndrome or aortic dissection (a tear in the aorta of the heart)
• high or low blood sugar level
• increased risk of joint problems in children*
• inflammation (swelling) of the blood vessels
• kidney problems, such as kidney failure
• liver damage
• low blood cell counts
• sensitivity to the sun, which can cause severe sunburn
• boxed warnings: risks of serious side effects, including muscle and nerve problems and worsening of myasthenia gravis†
• severe allergic reaction†

For ciprofloxacin eye drops, the following serious side effects may occur:

• decreased vision
• inflammation of the cornea (the clear layer at the front of your eye)
• sensitivity to light
• staining (discoloration) of the cornea

* In studies, this side effect occurred in children ages 1–17 years.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for ciprofloxacin” section.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about ciprofloxacin.

Is ciprofloxacin similar to other antibiotics, such as Novaflox?

Yes, ciprofloxacin is similar to certain other antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a group of drugs called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It’s similar to other antibiotics in this group, which includes levofloxacin and moxifloxacin.

Ciprofloxacin is the generic version of Novaflox. Novaflox is a brand-name drug that’s available outside the United States. Cipro is the brand-name version of ciprofloxacin that’s available in the United States.

To learn more about antibiotics that are similar to ciprofloxacin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does ciprofloxacin work? And how long does it take to start working?

Ciprofloxacin works by killing bacteria that are causing an infection. This helps your body clear the infection.

Ciprofloxacin starts working right after you use it. But it can take a few days for you to begin feeling better.

It’s important to finish all the ciprofloxacin your doctor prescribes as directed, even when you feel better. This helps keep the infection from coming back. It’s often harder to treat infections that have come back.

If you’d like to know more about how ciprofloxacin works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Below, you’ll find information about ciprofloxacin’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of ciprofloxacin

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you use ciprofloxacin, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for ciprofloxacin” section just below.

Warnings for ciprofloxacin

Some people should not use ciprofloxacin, and others should use it cautiously.

Boxed warnings

Ciprofloxacin oral tablet and injection given by IV infusion have the following boxed warnings:

• risk of serious side effects, including muscle and nerve problems
• risk of worsening myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes muscle weakness).

Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of serious side effects. Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, which may be permanent, including:

• tendinitis (tendon irritation and swelling) and tendon rupture
• peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves in your arms or legs)
• central nervous system problems, such as depression or status epilepticus (a severe, continuous seizure)

Symptoms may include:

• severe pain or swelling of a tendon or joint
• numbness, burning, or tingling in your feet, legs, hands, or arms
• seizures
• suicidal thoughts or actions
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
• trouble sleeping or nightmares
• memory problems
• changes in mood or behavior

If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping ciprofloxacin treatment. Also, tell your doctor if you have a history of tendon problems, seizures, or nerve problems, or have had an organ transplant. They’ll likely recommend a different antibiotic for your condition.

Risk of worsening of myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis is a nervous system disorder that causes muscle weakness. Ciprofloxacin can worsen this muscle weakness. Due to this risk, doctors usually don’t prescribe ciprofloxacin to people with myasthenia gravis.

If you have myasthenia gravis, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a different antibiotic for your condition.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Other warnings

Ciprofloxacin could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether ciprofloxacin is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of ciprofloxacin you use.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for ciprofloxacin, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Ciprofloxacin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe ciprofloxacin. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• severe skin rashes that may blister and peel
• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of ciprofloxacin

If you take ciprofloxacin by mouth, you should not take more ciprofloxacin than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much ciprofloxacin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and ciprofloxacin

Information about ciprofloxacin and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Ciprofloxacin and pregnancy

It’s not known whether ciprofloxacin should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Ciprofloxacin and breastfeeding

Ciprofloxacin should not be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with ciprofloxacin.

This article describes ciprofloxacin’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about ciprofloxacin or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin?
• Do I have a high risk of side effects with ciprofloxacin?
• Are there other antibiotics that could treat my condition?

• Ciprofloxacin injection, for intravenous infusion. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/cbbbf939-3219-4515-a48e-ca264daa4d07/spl-doc
• Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3%. (2018). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/2c0d0f9f-2df5-41f6-891f-454c8012ef26/spl-doc
• Ciprofloxacin tablet, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/23dbc8a8-556c-40a5-a3fe-cd1f32300402/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.