If you have an infection, your doctor might suggest Cipro as a treatment option for you.

Cipro is a prescription drug used to treat certain bacterial infections in adults and children. These include urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, bone and joint infections, and many others.

Doctors usually prescribe Cipro for short-term use. It’s available in two forms, both of which you take by mouth:

  • tablets
  • powder that a pharmacist will mix into a liquid suspension

The active ingredient in Cipro is ciprofloxacin. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. It belongs to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones.

For more information about Cipro, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Like other drugs, Cipro can cause mild to serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

Cipro toxicity refers to the damage that Cipro may cause to the body. Some people describe the damage as being “floxed.” Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Cipro are known to cause certain serious side effects, as listed below. These are rare, but are more likely to occur in people with certain risk factors.

In fact, Cipro has a boxed warning about the risk of such side effects. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. (For more information, see the “Side effects explained” section below.)

Due to the risk of serious side effects, doctors usually will not prescribe Cipro for certain infections unless no other treatment options are available.

Symptoms vary depending on the side effect. For example, if you develop nerve damage, you may feel pain, tingling, or numbness. Symptoms may last months, and sometimes, they may be permanent, though this is rare.

Recovery is usually possible, but will depend on the side effect. Knowing what symptoms to watch for and contacting your doctor about them right away can help you to get treatment sooner. Your doctor may also have you stop taking Cipro immediately.

To learn more about the serious side effects Cipro toxicity may cause, possible symptoms, and what can help recovery, see the “Side effects explained” section below. Your doctor or pharmacist can also tell you more about Cipro’s serious side effects.

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Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Cipro treatment. Examples of Cipro’s commonly reported side effects include:

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • skin rash
  • temporary increase in liver enzymes

Other side effects are also possible with Cipro. Read on to find out more.

Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Cipro include:

* An allergic reaction is possible after taking Cipro. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Cipro unless your doctor recommends it.

Cipro may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Cipro, visit MedWatch.

Serious side effects, many of which are rare, have been reported with Cipro. These include:

* Cipro has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible after taking Cipro. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Cipro, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Cipro is used to treat certain infections in children, including complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). But this medication can increase a child’s risk of joint damage. Because of this risk, doctors usually do not prescribe Cipro as the first-choice treatment for children.

Symptoms of joint damage include:

If your child takes Cipro and has any of these symptoms, contact their doctor immediately.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Cipro’s side effects.

Do older people have a higher risk of side effects with Cipro?

Yes, people ages 65 years and older have a higher risk of some of Cipro’s side effects than younger people.

When taking Cipro, older people have a higher risk of certain side effects involving the aorta,* as listed here:

These side effects are serious and can be life threatening. Symptoms include:

If you have these symptoms while taking Cipro, seek immediate medical attention.

Older people who take Cipro also have a higher risk of long QT syndrome. And people ages 60 and older have a higher risk of tendonitis and ruptured tendon.†

To learn more about side effects of Cipro in older people, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* The aorta is a large blood vessel that moves blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
† Cipro has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Is the risk of side effects higher for Cipro or ciprofloxacin 500-mg tablets compared with lower doses?

It depends. While the highest strength available for these drugs in tablet form is 500 mg, doctors may prescribe higher doses depending on the infection being treated. The side effects for Cipro and its generic, ciprofloxacin, are usually the same at all recommended dosages.

But if you have kidney problems, your body may not be able to get rid of these drugs as well as it should. In this case, a higher dosage of Cipro or ciprofloxacin may increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have. They’ll likely prescribe a lower dosage of Cipro or ciprofloxacin.

If you have questions about the risk of side effects from higher dosages of Cipro or its generic, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Cipro or ciprofloxacin cause side effects after stopping treatment?

It’s possible. Most common side effects of Cipro and its generic, ciprofloxacin, go away when you stop taking either medication. (The side effects of Cipro and ciprofloxacin are generally the same.)

But certain side effects can occur after treatment. Others can continue after you stop taking Cipro or ciprofloxacin. (For more information, see the “How long do Cipro side effects last?” section just below.)

For example, ruptured tendon, a serious side effect of Cipro, can occur during treatment and up to several months after stopping the medication.

If you have concerns about side effects occurring after you stop taking Cipro or ciprofloxacin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Many common Cipro side effects, such as diarrhea and nausea, go away soon after you stop taking the medication. But some serious side effects can last a long time, even after you stop Cipro treatment.

Examples of Cipro side effects that can be long term include:

* Cipro has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In rare cases, Cipro may cause permanent side effects.

Knowing what side effects Cipro can cause and what symptoms to notify your doctor about may help you to get treatment sooner. This could affect how long any side effects you develop may last. For more information about some of Cipro’s serious side effects and their symptoms, see the “Side effects explained” section below. Your doctor or pharmacist can also discuss symptoms to watch for during Cipro treatment.

To help avoid long-term side effects, your doctor likely will not prescribe Cipro to you if other safer options are available for your infection.

If you have concerns about Cipro’s long-term side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Learn more about some of the side effects Cipro may cause.

Risk of certain serious side effects

Cipro has a boxed warning for the risk of certain serious side effects. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

These serious side effects, which are discussed below, include:

  • tendinitis and ruptured tendon
  • nerve damage
  • central nervous system effects

Tendinitis and ruptured tendon

Tendinitis and ruptured tendon can happen within hours of starting Cipro and up to several months after stopping treatment. Tendons are strong, flexible tissues that connect muscles to bones. Tendinitis is the term for inflammation of the tendons, and ruptured tendon refers to tears that can occur in this tissue.

Certain factors may increase the risk of these tendon-related side effects. These include:

Symptoms of tendinitis and ruptured tendon include:

  • pain or swelling in a tendon
  • popping or snapping sound when moving the affected joint
  • weakness in the joint or inability to put weight on the joint

Nerve damage

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Cipro can cause damage to certain nerves. This is an uncommon but serious side effect of Cipro. In rare cases, nerve damage can be permanent.

Areas usually affected include the arms, hands, legs, or feet. Symptoms of nerve damage include the following sensations in any of these areas:

Central nervous system effects

Cipro and other fluoroquinolones can increase your risk of certain central nervous system (CNS) side effects. Some of these can be mental health issues. Examples include:

What might help

Due to the risk of the serious side effects discussed above, doctors usually will not prescribe Cipro to treat the following infections unless no other options are available:

If you have any of the symptoms listed above for tendon-related side effects, nerve damage, or CNS side effects, contact your doctor right away. They’ll determine what is causing your symptoms.

If you’ve developed a serious side effect from Cipro treatment, your doctor will have you stop taking the drug immediately. And they probably will not prescribe Cipro or other fluoroquinolones to you in the future.

For more information about the serious side effects Cipro can cause, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of worsening muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis

Cipro has a boxed warning for the risk of worsening muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Cipro may worsen muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. While this side effect was not reported in studies of Cipro, it has occurred in people taking the drug after it became available for use. This side effect can lead to severe reactions and may even be fatal.

What might help

Due to the risk of worsening muscle weakness, doctors likely will not prescribe Cipro or other fluoroquinolones to people with myasthenia gravis.

It’s important to discuss your health history with your doctor before starting any treatment. If you have myasthenia gravis, they’ll likely recommend a different antibiotic for your condition.

For more information about this serious side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Skin sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light

Cipro can increase your skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light. This may result in a severe sunburn on skin exposed to sunlight or UV light. Symptoms may include:

  • redness or deepening of skin tone
  • swelling
  • blisters
  • nausea or vomiting
  • fever

What might help

While taking Cipro, it’s recommended that you avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light. Be sure to use sunscreen or sunblock when spending time outdoors.

Let your doctor know if you develop a severe sunburn while taking Cipro. They’ll likely have you switch to a different antibiotic.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Cipro can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

  • an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Cipro, they’ll decide if you should continue taking it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Cipro, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Cipro treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how it affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Cipro affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Cipro comes with several warnings, which may affect whether the drug is a good treatment for your condition.

Boxed warnings

Cipro has boxed warnings, which are listed below. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

  • Risk of certain serious side effects. Cipro and other fluoroquinolones can cause certain serious side effects that may be permanent, though this is rare. These include tendinitis and ruptured tendon, nerve damage, and central nervous system (CNS) side effects. Due to this risk, doctors usually will not prescribe Cipro to treat the following infections unless no other options are available: sinus infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and bronchitis.
  • Risk of worsening muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. Cipro can worsen muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. Due to this risk, doctors may not prescribe Cipro to people with this condition.

To learn more about these boxed warnings, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

Cipro may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These are known as drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether Cipro is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Cipro. The list below includes factors to consider.

Heart problems. Cipro can cause an abnormal heart rhythm called long QT syndrome. Having heart problems, such as heart failure, increases the risk of this Cipro side effect. Low levels of potassium or magnesium can also increase the risk of this side effect. Before you start taking Cipro, tell your doctor about any heart problems you have. Also, let them know if you have low potassium or magnesium levels. This will help them determine whether Cipro is a good treatment option for you.

Kidney problems. Kidney problems may affect how well a person’s body rids itself of Cipro. If you have kidney problems, tell your doctor before starting Cipro treatment. They may prescribe a lower dose of the drug.

Liver problems. Cipro can cause liver damage. If you already have liver problems, taking Cipro may worsen them. Before you start taking Cipro, tell your doctor about any liver problems you have. They’ll discuss with you whether Cipro is safe for you to take.

Seizures. Cipro can cause seizures. In people who have a seizure disorder, taking Cipro may worsen their condition. If you have a seizure disorder, tell your doctor. They may recommend an antibiotic other than Cipro for your condition

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Cipro or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Cipro. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Diabetes. Cipro may cause very low or very high blood sugar levels. Having diabetes increases the risk of changes in blood sugar levels with Cipro, especially if you take medications to manage blood sugar. If you have diabetes, tell your doctor before you start Cipro treatment. They can discuss with you whether Cipro is safe for you to take.

Alcohol and Cipro

There are no known interactions between Cipro and alcohol. But alcohol can cause similar side effects to some of Cipro’s, such as nausea and diarrhea. Consuming alcohol while taking Cipro may worsen or increase your risk of having these side effects.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much alcohol may be safe to consume during Cipro treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Cipro

There are no studies on taking Cipro during pregnancy. But information gathered over many years suggests that Cipro does not increase the risk of harm in someone who is pregnant or their fetus.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before starting Cipro. They’ll discuss whether Cipro is a suitable treatment option for you during pregnancy.

Cipro passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. For this reason, it is not recommended that you breastfeed while taking Cipro or for 2 days after stopping treatment.

Talk with your doctor if you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. They’ll discuss safe ways to feed your child during this time.

Like many antibiotics, Cipro can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of Cipro are usually mild. But some side effects are more serious and may continue even after you’ve stopped taking Cipro.

If you have questions about Cipro’s side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you decide if this medication is a good option for you. Here are a few you might want to ask:

  • Will the medications I take increase my risk of side effects with Cipro?
  • How do the side effects of Cipro compare with other drugs used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
  • Can Cipro cause weight gain?
  • Is my risk of diarrhea higher when I first start taking Cipro?

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.