If you have an illness, your doctor may suggest antibiotics.

Cipro is a prescription drug used to treat certain bacterial infections in adults and children. These include Uutis are infections of the urinary tract., pneumonia, bone and joint infections, and many others.

Doctors usually prescribe Cipro for short-term use. It is available in two forms, both of which you can take.

  • There are tablets.
  • A liquid suspension is made from powder that a pharmacist mixes.

The active ingredient in Cipro is ciprofloxacin. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. It belongs to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones.

For more information about Cipro, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Cipro can cause mild to serious side effects. Continue reading to learn more.

Cipro toxicity refers to the damage that Cipro may cause to the body. Some people describe the damage as being “floxed.” Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Cipro are known to cause certain serious side effects, as listed below. These are rare, but are more likely to occur in people with certain risk factors.

In fact, Cipro has a boxed warning about the risk of such side effects. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. (For more information, see the “Side effects explained” section below.)

Doctors will not prescribe Cipro for certain infections unless there are other options available.

Symptoms vary depending on the side effect. For example, if you develop Nerve damage., you may feel It is a pain., tingling, or numbness. Symptoms may last months, and sometimes, they may be permanent, though this is rare.

Recovery is possible, but will depend on the side effect. Knowing what symptoms to look for and contacting your doctor about them can help you get treatment sooner. Your doctor may want you to stop taking Cipro.

The side effects explained section will give you more information about the serious side effects of Cipro toxicity. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the serious side effects of Cipro.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, please seek help.

Stay with them until help arrives. If you can do it safely, you can remove weapons that can cause harm.

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

Some people may experience side effects during their treatment. Some of the reported side effects of Cipro are listed.

There are other side effects with Cipro. Read on to find out more.

Mild side effects have been reported with Cipro.

* An allergic reaction is possible after taking Cipro. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

These side effects should be temporary. Some may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Unless your doctor recommends it, you should not stop taking it.

Cipro may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Cipro, visit MedWatch.

Many of the side effects reported with Cipro are rare. These include:

* Cipro has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible after taking Cipro. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Cipro, call your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call the emergency number.

Cipro is used to treat certain infections in children, including complicated Uutis are infections of the urinary tract.. But this medication can increase a child’s risk of joint damage. Because of this risk, doctors usually do not prescribe Cipro as the first-choice treatment for children.

Joint damage can be seen in a number of symptoms.

If your child has any of the symptoms, contact their doctor.

Get answers to questions about the side effects of Cipro.

Do older people have a higher risk of side effects with Cipro?

Older people have a higher risk of side effects than younger people.

Older people are more likely to have side effects with the aorta when taking Cipro.

These side effects can be life threatening. Symptoms include:

  • The breath was very thin.
  • There was a sudden severe chest, stomach, or back It is a pain..
  • There are problems walking or talking.

If you have any of the symptoms, seek medical attention.

Older people who take Cipro also have a higher risk of Long QT syndrome can be a problem.. And people ages 60 and older have a higher risk of tendonitis and ruptured tendon.†

Discuss the side effects of Cipro with your doctor or pharmacist.

* The aorta is a large blood vessel that moves blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
† Cipro has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Is the risk of side effects higher for Cipro or ciprofloxacin 500-mg There are tablets. compared with lower doses?

It depends. While the highest strength available for these drugs in tablet form is 500 mg, doctors may prescribe higher doses depending on the infection being treated. The side effects for Cipro and its generic, ciprofloxacin, are usually the same at all recommended dosages.

If you have a problem with your kidneys, your body may not be able to rid itself of these drugs. The risk of side effects may increase if the dosage is higher. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with the kidneys. They will likely prescribe a lower dose of ciprofloxacin.

If you have questions about the risk of side effects from higher dosages of Cipro, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Cipro or ciprofloxacin cause side effects after stopping treatment?

It is possible. When you stop taking either medication, most of the side effects of Cipro and its generic counterpart will go away. The side effects of ciprofloxacin and cipro are the same.

There are certain side effects that can occur after treatment. You can stop taking ciprofloxacin after that. The “How long do Cipro side effects last?” section is just below.

Inflammation of the tendon can occur after stopping the medication and can last up to several months.

If you have concerns about side effects after stopping taking ciprofloxacin or dyneo, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Many common Cipro side effects, such as There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.. and nausea, go away soon after you stop taking the medication. But some serious side effects can last a long time, even after you stop Cipro treatment.

There are some long term examples of Cipro side effects.

* Cipro has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In rare cases, Cipro can cause permanent side effects.

Knowing what side effects Cipro can cause and what symptoms to report to your doctor may help you get treatment sooner. This could affect how long the side effects last. The side effects explained section gives more information about some of the serious side effects of Cipro. Your doctor or pharmacist can discuss the symptoms to watch for.

If other safer options are available for your infection, your doctor will probably not prescribe Cipro to you.

If you have concerns about the long-term effects of Cipro, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Learn about the side effects of Cipro.

Risk of certain serious side effects

Cipro has a boxed warning for the risk of certain serious side effects. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

These serious side effects are discussed below.

  • tendinitis and ruptured tendon
  • Nerve damage.
  • The central nervous system has effects.

Tendinitis and ruptured tendon

After stopping treatment, torn and rupturing tendon can happen within hours. Tendons are strong and flexible. Inflammation of the tendons and tears in the rupturing of the tendon are both called inflammation and rupturing.

There are certain factors that may increase the risk of these side effects. These include:

There are symptoms of tendinitis and rupturing tendon.

  • There is It is a pain. or swelling in a tendon.
  • When moving a joint, there are popping or snapping sounds.
  • Weakness in the joint can be a sign of weakness.

Nerve damage

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Cipro can cause damage to certain nerves. This is an uncommon but serious side effect of Cipro. In rare cases, Nerve damage. can be permanent.

Areas usually affected include the arms, hands, legs, or feet. Symptoms of Nerve damage. include the following sensations in any of these areas:

Central nervous system effects

Cipro and other fluoroquinolones can increase your risk of certain The central nervous system has side effects.. Some of these can be mental health issues. Examples include:

What might help

Doctors will not prescribe Cipro to treat infections unless there are other options available, due to the risk of serious side effects.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above for tendon-related side effects, Nerve damage., or CNS side effects, contact your doctor right away. They’ll determine what is causing your symptoms.

If you develop a serious side effect from treatment, your doctor will tell you to stop taking the drug. They will probably not prescribe you any fluoroquinolones in the future.

Discuss the serious side effects of Cipro with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of worsening muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis

Cipro has a boxed warning for the risk of worsening muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Cipro may worsen muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. While this side effect was not reported in studies of Cipro, it has occurred in people taking the drug after it became available for use. This side effect can lead to severe reactions and may even be fatal.

What might help

Doctors will not prescribe fluoroquinolones to people with myasthenia gravis due to the risk of worsening muscle weakness.

Discuss your health history with your doctor before treatment begins. If you have myasthenia gravis, they will likely recommend a different antibiotic.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effect.

Skin sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light

Cipro can increase your skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light. This may result in a severe sunburn on skin exposed to sunlight or UV light. Symptoms may include:

  • The skin tone is redness or deepens.
  • swelling
  • blisters
  • nausea or vomiting
  • There is a high degree of fever.

What might help

While taking Cipro, it’s recommended that you avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light. Be sure to use sunscreen or sunblock when spending time outdoors.

If you develop a sunburn while taking Cipro, please let your doctor know. They will likely have you switch to a different antibiotic.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Cipro can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Mild to serious symptoms can be present.

What might help

If you have a mild rash, call your doctor. They may suggest a treatment to help you. Examples include:

  • an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • You apply a product to your skin.

If your doctor confirms you have an allergic reaction to Cipro, they will decide if you should continue taking it.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should call the emergency number. These symptoms could be life threatening and need immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you have had a serious allergic reaction to Cipro, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

Take notes on any side effects you are having during your treatment. You can share this information with your doctor. This is helpful when you are using a combination of treatments.

Side effect notes can include things.

  • When you had the side effect, what dose of the drug was taking?
  • How soon did you experience the side effect?
  • What are your symptoms?
  • How did it affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing your notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Cipro affects you. If needed, they can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

The drug can affect whether it is a good treatment for your condition.

Boxed warnings

Cipro has boxed warnings, which are listed below. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

  • Risk of certain serious side effects. Cipro and other fluoroquinolones can cause certain serious side effects that may be permanent, though this is rare. These include tendinitis and ruptured tendon, Nerve damage., and The central nervous system has side effects.. Due to this risk, doctors usually will not prescribe Cipro to treat the following infections unless no other options are available: There are infections in the nose., Uutis are infections of the urinary tract., and bronchitis.
  • Risk of worsening muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. Cipro can worsen muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. Due to this risk, doctors may not prescribe Cipro to people with this condition.

To learn more about these boxed warnings, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

If you have certain medical conditions, you may not be able to use ciprofloxacin. These are drug-condition interactions. Other factors may affect whether or not you should use Cipro.

Before starting Cipro, you should talk to your doctor about your health history. The list has factors to consider.

Heart problems. Cipro can cause an abnormal heart rhythm called Long QT syndrome can be a problem.. Having heart problems, such as heart failure, increases the risk of this Cipro side effect. Low levels of potassium or magnesium can also increase the risk of this side effect. Before you start taking Cipro, tell your doctor about any heart problems you have. Also, let them know if you have low potassium or magnesium levels. This will help them determine whether Cipro is a good treatment option for you.

Kidney problems. Kidney problems may affect how well a person’s body rids itself of Cipro. If you have kidney problems, tell your doctor before starting Cipro treatment. They may prescribe a lower dose of the drug.

Liver problems. Cipro can cause There is damage to the liver.. If you already have liver problems, taking Cipro may worsen them. Before you start taking Cipro, tell your doctor about any liver problems you have. They’ll discuss with you whether Cipro is safe for you to take.

Seizures. Cipro can cause Seizures.. In people who have a seizure disorder, taking Cipro may worsen their condition. If you have a seizure disorder, tell your doctor. They may recommend an antibiotic other than Cipro for your condition

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Cipro or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Cipro. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Diabetes. Cipro may cause very low or very high blood sugar levels. Having diabetes increases the risk of changes in blood sugar levels with Cipro, especially if you take medications to manage blood sugar. If you have diabetes, tell your doctor before you start Cipro treatment. They can discuss with you whether Cipro is safe for you to take.

Alcohol and Cipro

There are no known interactions between Cipro and alcohol. But alcohol can cause similar side effects to some of Cipro’s, such as nausea and There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea… Consuming alcohol while taking Cipro may worsen or increase your risk of having these side effects.

If you drink alcohol, you should talk to your doctor about how much you should drink.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Cipro

There are no studies on taking Cipro during pregnancy. But information gathered over many years suggests that Cipro does not increase the risk of harm in someone who is pregnant or their fetus.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor. They will discuss whether or not Cipro is a good option for you during your pregnancies.

There are side effects of breastfeeding that can be caused by the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. It is not recommended to breastfeeding while taking Cipro or for 2 days after stopping treatment.

If you are planning to breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. They will discuss safe ways to feed your child.

Like many antibiotics, Cipro can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of Cipro are usually mild. But some side effects are more serious and may continue even after you’ve stopped taking Cipro.

If you have questions about the drug, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you decide if this medication is a good choice for you. You might want to ask a few.

  • Will the medications I take increase my risk of side effects?
  • How do the side effects of Cipro compare with other drugs used to treat Uutis are infections of the urinary tract.?
  • Can Cipro cause weight gain?
  • Is my risk of There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.. higher when I first start taking Cipro?

Disclaimer: Healthline 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.