ciprofloxacin at a glance
Class
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Place in therapy
Used when commonly recommended antibiotics are unsuitable, ineffective or affected by resistance
Food
The suspension may be taken with food, but dairy or mineral-fortified drinks taken alone can reduce absorption
Measuring the suspension
Shake thoroughly, use the supplied graduated spoon and swallow the granules without chewing
What is ciprofloxacin used for?
The oral suspension is licensed for susceptible bacterial infections when other commonly recommended antibiotics are inappropriate. Choice should reflect microbiology and resistance information.
Selected respiratory, ear and sinus infections
Urinary tract and kidney infections, and bacterial prostatitis
Selected genital, gastrointestinal and intra-abdominal infections
Gram-negative skin and soft-tissue infections, and bone or joint infections
Prevention of invasive meningococcal infection after relevant exposure
Prevention or treatment of inhalation anthrax
Suspected bacterial infection in neutropenic adults
Selected severe infections in children and adolescents under experienced specialist care
How does ciprofloxacin work?
Ciprofloxacin blocks bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes needed to copy, repair and organise bacterial DNA. This kills susceptible bacteria.
ciprofloxacin preparations and strengths
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 250 mg/5 mL
How to take ciprofloxacin
For the oral suspension, shake vigorously, measure with the supplied graduated spoon, swallow the granules without chewing and drink water afterwards if wanted.
It may be taken with or without food.
Dairy products or mineral-fortified drinks are acceptable as part of a meal but not alone at the same time as the suspension.
Do not add anything to the prepared suspension.
Keep well hydrated unless a clinician has advised fluid restriction.
ciprofloxacin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhoea
Get urgent medical advice
- Tendon pain, swelling or rupture; muscle or joint pain or weakness
- Persistent burning, tingling, numbness, pain or limb weakness
- Severe mood, behaviour or sleep changes, confusion, hallucinations or suicidal thoughts
- Seizures, fainting, severe palpitations or new visual disturbance
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea, including after treatment
- Signs of liver injury, such as yellow skin or eyes or dark urine
- Severe allergic reaction, blistering rash or widespread skin peeling
- Sudden severe chest, abdominal or back pain
ciprofloxacin in pregnancy
Ciprofloxacin is not usually the first antibiotic considered during pregnancy, although available human evidence does not show that quinolones cause birth defects. The oral suspension is not recommended because it contains benzyl alcohol. Discuss the antibiotic and formulation with the prescriber.
ciprofloxacin while breastfeeding
Ciprofloxacin enters breast milk in small amounts and may sometimes be used when the infant is healthy. The oral suspension is not recommended during breastfeeding because it contains benzyl alcohol. A prescriber or pharmacist should review the formulation.
ciprofloxacin interactions
Check prescription, non-prescription and supplement use before systemic ciprofloxacin. Important interactions include:
Tizanidine
Contraindicated because ciprofloxacin can greatly increase tizanidine exposure, causing excessive sedation and low blood pressure.
Antacids, sucralfate, phosphate binders and calcium, magnesium, aluminium, iron or zinc products
These can reduce ciprofloxacin absorption. Ask a prescriber or pharmacist about separation.
Theophylline
Ciprofloxacin can increase concentrations and cause serious toxicity.
Common questions about ciprofloxacin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is ciprofloxacin reserved for certain infections?
It can rarely cause disabling, prolonged or irreversible reactions, so systemic use is reserved for when commonly recommended antibiotics are inappropriate.
Does ciprofloxacin treat viral infections?
No. It acts against susceptible bacteria, not viral illnesses such as colds or influenza.
Can the suspension be taken with milk?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.