Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is a type of medicine called a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The active ingredient, ciprofloxacin, works by killing the bacteria that cause gastrointestinal infections (travellers' diarrhoea), urinary infections and other bacterial infections, thereby reducing symptoms such as diarrhoea, pain and fever. Ciprofloxacin is a prescription-only medicine.

Ciprofloxacin is a strong antibiotic. It is often used when other antibiotics are not effective. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including:

Infections of the gastrointestinal system (characterised by symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach pain and/or vomiting);

Infections of the urinary tract (e.g. bladder infection and pyelonephritis);

Respiratory infections such as pneumonia, middle ear infection and sinus infection;

Infections of the skin and soft tissue;

Infections of the joints and bones.

Ciprofloxacin may cause side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include:

Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite);

Increased sensitivity of the skin to UV light (avoid exposure to direct sunlight and sunbeds);

Joint pain;

Headache;

Dizziness;

Sleep disturbances.

Consult a doctor if these or other side effects are severe. For more information on possible side effects, see the package leaflet.