Ciprofloxacin: What to Know Before You Take It
Also known as Cipro
A patient-focused safety profile with information from public regulatory sources.
In plain language
What Ciprofloxacin is used for
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below: Corneal Ulcers: Pseudomonas aeruginosa Serratia marcescens * Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis Streptococcus pneumoniae Streptococcus (Viridans Group) * Conjunctivitis: Haemophilus influenzae Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis Streptococcus pneumoniae *Efficacy for this organism was studied in fewer than 10 infections.
Read before you decide
Risks and precautions
Risks and warnings
WARNINGS NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions, some following the first dose, have been reported in patients receiving systemic quinolone therapy. Some reactions were accompanied by cardiovascular collapse, loss of consciousness, tingling, pharyngeal or facial edema, dyspnea, urticaria, and itching. Only a few patients had a history of hypersensitivity reactions. Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine and other resuscitation measures, including oxygen, intravenous fluids, intravenous antihistamines, corticosteroids, pressor amines and airway management, as clinically indicated. Remove contact lenses before using.
Who should not take it
CONTRAINDICATIONS A history of hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or any other component of the medication is a contraindication to its use. A history of hypersensitivity to other quinolones may also contraindicate the use of ciprofloxacin.
Medication review
Ciprofloxacin drug interactions
FDA safety data
Most-reported side effects
Based on 95,822 FAERS reports. Reports do not prove the drug caused the effect.
Regulatory record
FDA recalls (10)
Temperature Abuse
Recalling firm: Sandoz Inc
Defective container: Unable to get the solution out of the bottle as the spike of the cap was lodged in the nozzle of the product bottle
Recalling firm: FDC Limited
Defective container: Unable to get the solution out of the bottle as the spike of the cap was lodged in the nozzle of the product bottle
Recalling firm: FDC Limited
Defective container: unable to get the solution out of the bottle as the spike of the cap was lodged in the nozzle of the product bottle.
Recalling firm: FDC Limited
cGMP deviations: Temperature abuse
Recalling firm: Mckesson Medical-Surgical Inc. Corporate Office
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Recalling firm: Altaire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Recalling firm: Altaire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Recalling firm: Altaire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Presence of Foreign Substance(s): A complaint was received for a rubber-like material in a 500 mg Ciprofloxacin tablet.
Recalling firm: West-ward Pharmaceutical Corp.
Labeling Illegible: Missing Label; The voluntary recall of the aforementioned batch of product is being initiated due to two bottles missing container labels.
Recalling firm: Pack Pharmaceuticals
Everyday context
Food and drink interactions
Common questions
Patient questions
What is Ciprofloxacin prescribed for?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below: Corneal Ulcers: Pseudomonas aeruginosa Serratia marcescens * Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis Streptococcus pneumoniae Streptococcus (Viridans Group) * Conjunctivitis: Haemophilus influenzae Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis Streptococcus pneumoniae *Efficacy for this organism was studied in fewer than 10 infections.
What are the key warnings and safety precautions for Ciprofloxacin?
WARNINGS NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions, some following the first dose, have been reported in patients receiving systemic quinolone therapy. Some reactions were accompanied by cardiovascular collapse, loss of consciousness, tingling, pharyngeal or facial edema, dyspnea, urticaria, and itching. Only a few patients had a history of hypersensitivity reactions. Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine and other resuscitation measures, including oxygen, intravenous fluids, intravenous antihistamines, corticosteroids, pressor amines and airway management, as clinically indicated. Remove contact lenses before using.
Does Ciprofloxacin interact with other medications or foods?
Ciprofloxacin has 7 documented drug interaction(s) and 1 food interaction(s) in clinical databases. Always provide your complete medication list to your clinician.
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.