Common questions about ciprofloxacin

How does ciprofloxacin work?

Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones (or quinolones).

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause an infection.

When will I feel better?
Most infections should make you feel better within a few days, though this depends on the type of infection.

Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after 2 to 3 days of taking or using ciprofloxacin, or if you feel worse at any time.

Some infections, such as bone infections like osteomyelitis, will take longer to clear. In this case, you should begin to feel better after a week or so.

Are there any long-term side effects?
Ciprofloxacin is typically used for a short period of time to treat an infection.

Ciprofloxacin is widely used and has few side effects.

However, some people experience severe side effects. These can occur during treatment or months after it has ended. These can be long-lasting or never go away in a few people.

Ciprofloxacin is not prescribed for more than three months at a time because the side effects can be severe.

It is critical that you continue to take ciprofloxacin until your course is completed. If you are concerned, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How does ciprofloxacin compare to other antibiotics?
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that belongs to the fluoroquinolone (or quinolone) class.

Antibiotics kill different kinds of bacteria. Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic based on the types of bacteria that they believe are causing your infection.

Some antibiotics are more specific (broad-spectrum), while others kill a broader range of bacteria (broad-spectrum).

Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that was previously used to treat a variety of infections, particularly respiratory and urinary tract infections.

Because of the risk of serious side effects, ciprofloxacin is not as widely used as some other antibiotics.

Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and ofloxacin are examples of quinolone antibiotics.

Quinolones can all be used to treat certain chest, eye, and genital infections.

Levofloxacin and ofloxacin are typically taken once or twice daily. Moxifloxacin is only administered once per day.

Levofloxacin is also available as a liquid that you can breathe in to treat certain lung infections.

Will it affect my contraception?
Ciprofloxacin has no effect on contraception methods, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.

However, if you are sick (vomit) or have severe diarrhea for more than 24 hours after taking ciprofloxacin, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.

Check the pill package to see what to do.

Can I drive or ride a bike?
Ciprofloxacin may cause fatigue or drowsiness.

Before driving or riding a bike, make sure you understand how you will react to ciprofloxacin.

Do not drive or ride a bike if you experience stinging or burning in your eyes immediately after using ciprofloxacin eye drops. Wait until your eyes are no longer sore and your vision is clear.

Ear infections can cause you to lose your equilibrium. It's best not to drive or ride a bike if you're affected until you feel better.

It is illegal to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is impaired. It is your responsibility to determine whether or not it is safe to drive. If you have any doubts, don't drive.

If you are unsure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking ciprofloxacin, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
Take the liquid or tablets separately from dairy products (such as milk, cheese, and yogurt) or calcium-fortified beverages (such as some dairy-free kinds of milk). They prevent ciprofloxacin from entering the body through the stomach.

Allow at least 2 hours between taking ciprofloxacin and eating or drinking this type of food or drink. It is then acceptable to consume dairy or calcium as part of a balanced diet.

You do not need to refrain from eating or drinking while using the eye or ear drops.