Antibiotics & You
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Fluoroquinolones

Ciprofloxacin

Complicated urine or kidney infectionsSome gut and prostate infections
Start a diary for this antibiotic

Information follows NICE antimicrobial prescribing guidance and the BNF.

Common side effects

  • Feeling sick
  • Diarrhoea
  • Headache
  • Trouble sleeping

How often each one happens varies by medicine and product, so check your leaflet. Many are mild, but ask your pharmacist or doctor if they are troublesome or do not settle.

Less common side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Taste changes
  • Sensitivity to sunlight

Get medical help straight away if you notice

  • Tendon pain or swelling (especially the Achilles), or muscle weakness: stop the medicine and contact your doctor straight away
  • Numbness, tingling or burning in the limbs: stop the medicine and contact your doctor straight away
  • New low mood, confusion, anxiety, sleep or memory problems, or hallucinations: stop the medicine and contact your doctor straight away
  • Irregular heartbeat

Read the MHRA safety advice on fluoroquinolones.

Taking it safely

  • Only used when other antibiotics are unsuitable, because of rare long lasting side effects.
  • The MHRA (UK medicines regulator) has issued safety alerts about rare, disabling and possibly long lasting side effects of fluoroquinolones. See the MHRA safety advice in References & Resources.
  • Avoid heavy exercise during the course.
  • Do not take with dairy, antacids or iron at the same time.

Report a side effect

You can report any suspected side effect to the UK Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.