Pros
Especially effective for certain UTIs
Can be used after inhaling anthrax
Can treat certain infections resistant to other antibiotics
Can sometimes be used as post-exposure prophylactic treatment
- Online Prescriptions
- Antibiotics
Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin prescription available online
If you are suffering from bacterial infections, Ciprofloxacin can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Ciprofloxacin today from a board-certified doctor online.*
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Powerful antibiotic for bacterial infections
Targets UTIs, Sinusitis, and Respiratory Infections
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About Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that belongs to the fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Like any quinolone antibiotic, this medication can only treat bacterial diseases. It is ineffective against other virus infections because it will not work on viruses.
Ciprofloxacin treats conditions including urinary tract infections, bone and joint infections, and lower respiratory tract infections.
Ciprofloxacin is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including Cipro, Cipro I.V., Cipro XR, and Ciproxin.
Ciprofloxacin may be prescribed as a chewable tablet/extended-release tablet/oral suspension. It's always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage forms you are prescribed. Serious side effects can include tendon rupture.
If you are prescribed Ciprofloxacin, be sure to complete the entire course of the antibiotic unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don't complete your prescription, the fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment may not fully treat your bacterial infections.
Ciprofloxacin uses
There are many FDA-approved uses for Ciprofloxacin, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons. It's also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for different reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Ciprofloxacin is generally used to treat many bacterial infections and even acute bacterial exacerbation of some chronic illnesses (e.g., bronchitis) in adult and pediatric patients.
Urinary tract infections
Like other antibiotics, Ciprofloxacin can treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). A urinary tract infection or UTI happens when bacteria enter and travel up the urethra, infecting parts of the urinary tract. UTI can be caused by susceptible organisms such as Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which Ciprofloxacin can be effective against.
Ciprofloxacin has also been FDA-approved for both uncomplicated urinary tract infections and complicated urinary tract infections.
Ciprofloxacin extended-release tablets can also be used to treat acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis.
Aside from Ciprofloxacin, several UTI antibiotics are available here at PlushCare and will depend on your primary care physician's diagnosis. If you suspect a UTI, you can explore the option of obtaining a UTI prescription online through consultations with healthcare professionals.Chronic bacterial prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis is a prostate gland infection caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli or Proteus mirabilis. It can cause pain in the pelvic and urinary tract issues.
Lower respiratory tract infections
When your lungs become infected with harmful bacteria, the lower respiratory tract can become inflamed, and your body produces more mucus. The mucus buildup can lead to productive coughs, the main symptom of lung congestion.
Aside from Ciprofloxacin, several respiratory tract infection antibiotics are available here at PlushCare and will depend on your primary care physician's diagnosis.Infectious diarrhea
Infectious diarrhea in adults can be caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli. Ciprofloxacin can be used to treat diarrhea caused by bacterial infection.
This is a partial list of FDA-approved uses for Ciprofloxacin. Please review the FDA fact sheet for a complete list, or call your doctor to learn more.
What are the pros and cons?
Ciprofloxacin
Cons
May cause nervousness, agitation, and insomnia
Risk of prolonged heart rhythm
Can cause tendon ruptures
Not recommended for younger patients
Ciprofloxacin side effects
The side effects associated with taking Ciprofloxacin are typically mild. Nausea and diarrhea are two of the most common side effects of ciprofloxacin pills and suspension. Ciprofloxacin has some common side effects.
Side effects of Ciprofloxacin have appeared in patients with and without any pre-existing risk factors. Of the many patients treated with Ciprofloxacin, some experienced common side effects such as:Nausea
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Insomnia
Constipation
According to the FDA, other adverse reactions, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Exacerbate muscle weakness, pain, or swelling in the joints or tendons
Tendon rupture
Allergic reaction
Severe skin reactions
Severe diarrhea
Increased risk of tendon rupture
Myasthenia Gravis
Peripheral Neuropathy
Low blood sugar
Central nervous system effects (e.g., severe headaches)
You should stop taking Ciprofloxacin immediately and call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop any other new or concerning symptoms, which may indicate severe and fatal reactions.
Ciprofloxacin should be used with caution in pediatric patients (under 12).
How to take Ciprofloxacin
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Ciprofloxacin prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions regarding drug information. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Ciprofloxacin can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed twice a day, and the extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day. Ciprofloxacin extended-release is only approved for use in adults. The treatment duration depends on the type and severity of bacterial infection.
According to the FDA, here are some adult dosing considerations based on infection type:
Bone and Joint Infections: 500-750 mg every 12 hours for 4 to 8 weeks
Infectious Diarrhea Infections: 500 mg every 12 hours for 5 to 7 days
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: 500-750 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days
Urinary Tract Infections: 250-500 mg every 12 hours for 3 to 14 days
For patients with renal impairment, doctors may have to adjust dosage accordingly.
What to avoid while taking Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin has some drug interactions. Do not change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Avoid the use of Ciprofloxacin if you have any risk factors (e.g., history of myasthenia gravis) and use any of the other drugs:
Blood thinners
Anti-seizure medication
Medications, supplements, or vitamins that contain magnesium, calcium, iron, or zinc
Antipyretics
Theophylline
Medications, supplements, or vitamins that contain caffeine
Methotrexate
Metoclopramide
Glyburide
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Ciprofloxacin.
Avoid combining the supplement with milk, cheese, yogurt, other dairy products, or drinks containing calcium (e.g., some dairy-free milk). They affect ciprofloxacin absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Medication alternatives to Ciprofloxacin
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another fluoroquinolone antibiotic or an antibiotic in another drug class in another drug class.
Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Urinary tract infections
Lower respiratory tract infections
Ciprofloxacin prescription FAQs
How much does Ciprofloxacin cost?
The average cost of Ciprofloxacin is $21 for a supply of fourteen 500 mg tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit.
Who should not take Ciprofloxacin?
Tell your doctor to have the following conditions:
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Acid reflux
Tendon injury
Seizure disorders
Heart problems or cardiovascular disease
Liver disease
Kidney disease
History of myasthenia gravis
What happens if you take Ciprofloxacin on an empty stomach?
Ciprofloxacin's effectiveness is generally not affected by food intake.
Some patients find taking ciprofloxacin with food help alleviate stomach discomfort or diarrhea while taking ciprofloxacin.
Stay hydrated when taking ciprofloxacin to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.What should be monitored when taking Ciprofloxacin?
When patients are on Ciprofloxacin for an extended period, their healthcare providers need to monitor tendinitis, symptoms in mental state, blood count, anemia, and kidney disease or impaired hepatic functions.
Is it ok to take Ciprofloxacin an hour early?
According to the FDA, here are some adult dosing considerations based on infection type:
Bone and Joint Infections: 500-750 mg every 12 hours for 4 to 8 weeks
Diarrhea Infections: 500 mg every 12 hours for 5 to 7 days
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: 500-750 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days
Urinary Tract Infections: 250-500 mg every 12 hours for 3 to 14 days
What happens if I miss a dose of Ciprofloxacin?
When using ciprofloxacin standard or extended-release tablets or ciprofloxacin oral suspension, if you missed a dose of ciprofloxacin, take it as soon as you realize that you have missed it. However, if your missed dose is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Avoid double doses.
What happens if I take too much Ciprofloxacin?
Taking multiple doses of ciprofloxacin standard or extended-release tablets or oral suspension over the recommended dose might cause unpleasant adverse reactions such as muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or irregular heartbeat.
Other adverse reactions, which are less common but might be more severe, can also result in the following:Exacerbate muscle weakness, pain, or swelling in the joints or tendons.
Allergic reaction
Severe skin reactions
Severe diarrhea
Increased risk of tendon rupture
Myasthenia Gravis
Peripheral Neuropathy
Low blood sugar
Central Nervous System Effects (e.g., severe headaches)
Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
3 simple steps to request your Ciprofloxacin prescription today
Step 1
Book a Ciprofloxacin prescription request appointment.
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Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Ciprofloxacin prescription.
You can visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Ciprofloxacin prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Ciprofloxacin prescription pricing details
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Ciprofloxacin prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
MedlinePlus. "Ciprofloxacin." U.S. National Library of Medicine, Accessed October 10, 2023, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688016.html
Children's Minnesota. "Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)." Children's Minnesota, Accessed October 10, 2023, https://www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials/childrensmn/article/15655/ciprofloxacin-cipro/
The National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Ciprofloxacin: A Comprehensive Review." NCBI, Accessed October 10, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5370139/
The National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Ciprofloxacin." NCBI Bookshelf, Accessed October 10, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535454/
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.