Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is a antibiotic (fluoroquinolone) found in 14 medicines sold in India, such as Ciplox 500, Cifran 500, Ciprobid 500. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Treats urine, gut and some other bacterial infections.
How it works
A fluoroquinolone antibiotic that stops bacteria copying their DNA. Used for urinary, gut and some bone and joint infections.
How to take it
Usually 250 to 750 mg twice a day with water; drink plenty of fluids. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Sensitivity to sunlight
Get medical help straight away if
- Tendon pain or swelling, especially the heel (stop and rest)
- Tingling, numbness or burning in the hands or feet
- Mood changes or confusion
- Severe diarrhoea
- Palpitations
Be careful
Can rarely damage tendons and nerves; avoid antacids and milk at the same time.
Other medicines and interactions
Antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and milk taken at the same time block absorption; separate by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after. Raises tendon risk with steroids. Can affect warfarin, diabetes medicines (blood sugar swings) and heart rhythm medicines. It also strongly raises theophylline and caffeine levels.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless no other antibiotic will work.
Brands of Ciprofloxacin (13)
Combination medicines that contain Ciprofloxacin (1)
Common questions
What is Ciprofloxacin used for?
Treats urine, gut and some other bacterial infections.
How does Ciprofloxacin work?
A fluoroquinolone antibiotic that stops bacteria copying their DNA. Used for urinary, gut and some bone and joint infections.
How should I take Ciprofloxacin?
Usually 250 to 750 mg twice a day with water; drink plenty of fluids. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.
What are the side effects of Ciprofloxacin?
Common: Nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, sensitivity to sunlight. Get help straight away for: Tendon pain or swelling, especially the heel (stop and rest), tingling, numbness or burning in the hands or feet, mood changes or confusion, severe diarrhoea, palpitations.
Does Ciprofloxacin interact with other medicines?
Antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and milk taken at the same time block absorption; separate by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after. Raises tendon risk with steroids. Can affect warfarin, diabetes medicines (blood sugar swings) and heart rhythm medicines. It also strongly raises theophylline and caffeine levels.
Is Ciprofloxacin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless no other antibiotic will work.
Does Ciprofloxacin need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Ciprofloxacin?
Alcipro 500, BIOCIP 500, Ceflox 500, Cifran 500, Ciplox 500, Ciplox-D, Ciprobid 500, Ciprodac 500, Ciprolet DS 500, Ciprova 500, Floxip 500, Microflox 500, Quintor 500, Zoxan 500.
Sources and further reading
- Ciprofloxacin: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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