Additional Information

Why is this medication prescribed

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. Ciprofloxacin tablets and suspension (liquid) are used to treat pneumonia (lung infection); bronchitis (infection of the tubes that lead to the lungs); some types of gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted disease); diarrhea caused by bacteria; typhoid fever (a contagious illness common in developing countries); and bone, joint, skin, prostate (a male reproductive gland), sinus, and urinary tract (bladder) infections. Ciprofloxacin is also used to prevent and/or treat anthrax in people exposed to anthrax germs in the air. Ciprofloxacin is also used with another medication to treat certain infections of the internal organs. Ciprofloxacin extended release (long-acting) tablets are used to treat urinary tract and kidney infections. Ciprofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Other uses for this medicine

Ciprofloxacin is also sometimes used to treat patients with cystic fibrosis who have lung infections. Ciprofloxacin is sometimes used to treat various sexually transmitted diseases and various infections such as Legionnaire disease (a type of lung infection), cat scratch disease (an infection that may develop after a patient is bitten or scratched by a cat), and brucellosis (a type of infection that causes a rising and falling fever and other symptoms). In the event of biological warfare, ciprofloxacin may be used to treat and prevent dangerous illness that are deliberately spread such as plague, tularemia, and anthrax of the skin or mouth. Ciprofloxacin may also be used to reduce the amount of certain types of bacteria in the nose to prevent serious illness. Ciprofloxacin may be used with another medication to treat disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) (a type of lung disease that often affects people with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] ), and tuberculosis (TB) (a type of lung infection). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ciprofloxacin.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the ciprofloxacin, call your doctor.

In case of emergency overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.