Benefits & Side Effects of Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin, which is sold under the brand name Cipro, is a popular antimicrobial medication that is administered orally and comes in the form of 250 mg, 500 mg and 750 mg tablets. The yellow-tinted tablets have been approved for use on several types of bacterial infection ranging from urinary tract infections to different types of sexually transmitted diseases. Ciprofloxacin serves to eliminate bacteria by stopping function on enzymes related to protein synthesis within bacterial infections.

Benefits: Treating Infections

• Ciprofloxacin has been approved for a variety of bacterial infections. It can be used for infections, such as skin, bone, ear, lungs, abdomen, and bladder. It is also used for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and some types of diarrhea, as well as typhoid fever.

Common Side Effects

• The side effects of taking ciprofloxacin include headaches, nausea and mild diarrhea. These side effects have been found in at least 1 percent of the patients using this antibiotic. Most of the side effects are considered manageable and many may disappear after regular use.

Rare Side Effects

• Rare side effects of ciprofloxacin include diarrhea which is watery and severe, and which may also contain blood. Jaundice, muscle pain, swelling, or rupturing of the tendon are other potential rare side effects that might occur. Severe pain in the abdomen or crutches may also be present. Patients should consult a doctor immediately if they see any of these symptoms.

  Even though the majority of these and other rare side effects don't occur very frequently, they can be the cause of other serious health problems if the patient does not seek medical attention.