Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
500 mg
Stop: Call 911 or get emergency help
Trouble breathing or face/tongue swelling; seizure or thoughts of self-harm; fainting/fast uneven heartbeat; sudden severe chest, belly, or back pain; or severe confusion.
Seek medical help first
Use this information only if you are unable to contact your provider. Then, contact your provider as soon as possible.
What it may treat & how much to take
- 1
Severe traveler's diarrhea
Many watery stools/cramps/weakness that stop normal activity. No blood/fever; if either, azithromycin is preferred.
Ciprofloxacin backup: Take 1 tablet twice a day for 3 days.
- 2
Bladder infection (UTI) — backup
Burning when you pee; frequent or urgent urination; cloudy or smelly urine; pain above pubic bone. No fever or back pain.
If you cannot use nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, take ½ tablet twice a day for 3 days.
- 3
Kidney infection
Bladder infection signs plus fever or chills, pain in one side or lower back, nausea, or vomiting.
Take 1 tablet twice a day for 7 days. Get medical care.
- 4
Diverticulitis
Only if diagnosed before: steady lower-left belly pain with fever/chills, nausea, bowel changes and tender belly.
Take 1 tablet twice a day PLUS metronidazole 1 tablet 3 times a day for 7–10 days. Contact your provider immediately.
- 5
Serious belly infection after a gut injury
Bad belly pain with fever/chills; belly tender to touch.
Take 1 tablet twice a day PLUS metronidazole 1 tablet 3 times a day for 7–10 days. Get medical care right away.
How to take it
Take with food and plenty of water, about 12 hours apart. Take 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids or vitamins with calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium. Limit caffeine and avoid strong sun.
Important information
Do not do heavy exercise. Stop and get care for tendon pain, numbness/tingling, confusion, severe anxiety/depression, bad headache, seizure, sudden severe chest/belly/back pain, severe rash, yellow skin/eyes, worsening diarrhea, fainting, or blood-sugar symptoms.
Common side effects
Nausea, loose stools, vomiting, headache, trouble sleeping.
Do not take if
Allergy to ciprofloxacin or another -floxacin antibiotic; you take tizanidine; or you have myasthenia gravis.
Ask your provider or pharmacist first if
You have tendon problems; use prednisone; are over 60; have kidney, seizure/nerve, heart rhythm problems, diabetes, aneurysm, or high blood pressure. Ask before combining with ondansetron, azithromycin, fluconazole, or loperamide.
If pregnant or breastfeeding
Avoid ciprofloxacin; call a provider first. Do not breastfeed during treatment or for 2 days after the last dose.