What is Cipro?

Ciprofloxacin, sold under brand name Cipro among others, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It kills or stops the growth of certain bacteria by inhibiting DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. It does not treat colds, flu, COVID-19, or any other viral infection.

If you are looking for information on potential drug conflicts, see Interactions. For safe handling, see Storage.

What does Cipro treat?

Prescribers may use ciprofloxacin for a variety of susceptible bacterial infections, including:

  • Urinary tract and kidney infections
  • Bone and joint infections
  • Gastrointestinal and intra-abdominal infections
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Some respiratory infections when organisms are known or suspected to be susceptible

Therapy should be guided by local resistance patterns and culture results when available. Unnecessary antibiotic use speeds up resistance.

Before you take it

Tell your clinician about all medical conditions and medicines. Extra care or an alternative may be advised if you have any of the following:

  • History of seizures or epilepsy
  • Kidney problems or reduced kidney function
  • Known allergy to ciprofloxacin, other quinolones, or any medicine dyes/foods/preservatives
  • Liver disease
  • Heart rhythm problems or risk of QT prolongation
  • Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or could be pregnant
  • Are breast-feeding
  • Pediatric patients or individuals with past joint/tendon issues

How to take ciprofloxacin

Swallow tablets with a full glass of water. Doses are usually taken at evenly spaced times. Take the entire prescribed course, even if you feel better early. Do not take more often than directed.

You may take ciprofloxacin with or without food. A meal that contains dairy or calcium can be taken with the dose, but do not take the dose by itself with only milk, yogurt, or calcium-fortified juice.

Pediatric use should be directed by a pediatric clinician.

Overdose: If too much is taken, call a poison control center or seek emergency care immediately.

Do not share this prescription with others.

For spacing of minerals and antacids, see Important Warnings.

If you miss a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed one and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up.

Interactions

Do not take ciprofloxacin with:

  • Droperidol
  • Tizanidine
  • Cisapride
  • Terfenadine

Use caution and review with your pharmacist/clinician. Ciprofloxacin may interact with:

  • Warfarin and other blood thinners
  • Methotrexate
  • Theophylline
  • Sucralfate
  • Multivitamins or supplements containing iron, zinc, or calcium
  • Omeprazole and other acid reducers
  • Phenytoin
  • Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
  • Probenecid
  • Medicines for diabetes (risk of low or high blood sugar)
  • Didanosine buffered tablets or powder
  • Caffeine (ciprofloxacin can raise caffeine levels)
  • NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Cyclosporine

This list is not complete. Always provide a full list of your prescriptions, OTC products, vitamins, and herbal supplements to your clinician.

Important warnings and what to watch for

  • If symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your clinician.
  • Severe, watery, or persistent diarrhea can be a sign of C. difficile. Do not self-treat with OTC anti-diarrheals; call your clinician.
  • Ciprofloxacin can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Know how you react before driving or operating machinery. Rise slowly to prevent lightheadedness.
  • Sun sensitivity can occur. Use sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, and wear protective clothing.
  • Separate from products that contain aluminum, magnesium, iron, zinc, or calcium: take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after such products.

Possible side effects

Call a clinician right away if you notice any of the following serious effects:

  • Allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, swelling of face, lips, or tongue; trouble breathing
  • Irregular heartbeat or feeling faint, lightheaded, or having falls
  • Seizures, confusion, hallucinations, or nightmares
  • Joint, muscle, or tendon pain or swelling
  • Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
  • Numbness, tingling, unusual pain, or weakness
  • Pain or difficulty with urination

Common, usually mild effects (tell your clinician if persistent or bothersome):

  • Nausea or stomach upset
  • Diarrhea
  • White patches or sores in the mouth

This is not a full list of side effects.

Storage and handling

Keep out of the reach of children. Store tightly closed at room temperature, below 30 C (86 F). Discard any remaining tablets after the expiration date. Do not store in bathrooms or in excessive heat or humidity.

Alternatives and similar medications

Depending on the infection type and local resistance, clinicians may consider alternatives to ciprofloxacin. Never switch antibiotics without medical advice.

Other fluoroquinolones (similar class):

  • Levofloxacin
  • Moxifloxacin
  • Ofloxacin
  • Delafloxacin

Common non-quinolone alternatives (infection-specific):

  • Nitrofurantoin (often for uncomplicated urinary infections)
  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
  • Amoxicillin-clavulanate
  • Cephalexin or other cephalosporins
  • Doxycycline
  • Azithromycin or clarithromycin for certain respiratory pathogens

Choice depends on organism susceptibility, site of infection, patient allergies, kidney function, potential interactions, and safety considerations. Ask your clinician which option is best for your situation.

For an overview of likely out-of-pocket costs of these options, see Typical Prices in the USA.

Typical retail prices in the USA (rough estimates)

Actual costs vary widely by pharmacy, state, supply chain, and insurance coverage. The ranges below reflect common cash or discount-card prices as of recent years:

  • Ciprofloxacin generic 500 mg tablets: about $5 to $25 for 10 tablets; per-tablet cost roughly $0.50 to $2.50.
  • Cipro brand 500 mg tablet: often $8 to $15 per tablet when available; brand use is uncommon.
  • Levofloxacin generic 500 mg: about $1 to $5 per tablet; brand can exceed $10 to $20 per tablet.
  • Nitrofurantoin 100 mg: roughly $0.50 to $2 per capsule.
  • TMP-SMX DS (800/160 mg): roughly $0.10 to $1 per tablet.
  • Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg: about $0.50 to $3 per tablet.
  • Azithromycin 250 mg (6 count Z-Pak or equivalent): about $8 to $25 total.

Tip: Prices can drop significantly with reputable pharmacy discount programs. Always compare pharmacies and ask your pharmacist about generics.