Ciprofloxacin (Cipro): A Patient's Guide
Ciprofloxacin, often called Cipro, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. It may be used for infections involving the urinary tract, kidneys, prostate, intestines, respiratory tract, or skin, depending on the organism and the clinician's assessment.
Ciprofloxacin can treat selected bacterial infections, but it is not appropriate for viral illnesses such as colds or flu. Take it exactly as prescribed and ask a doctor or pharmacist about major side effects, serious tendon or nerve warnings, and drug interactions.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01MA02
- Generic
- Ciprofloxacin
- Class
- fluoroquinolone
- Brands
- Cipro
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 4
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 12
- Routes
- oral, iv
- Forms
- tablet, injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- tendon-rupture, cardiac-qt, central-nervous
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid ciprofloxacin use
monitor infant for adverse effects including diarrhea and candidiasis
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment required
use with caution due to increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture
monitor for tendon symptoms and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
use only for anthrax, complicated urinary tract infections, or when no alternatives exist
monitor for joint pain and tendon symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 50% for CrCl <30 mL/min
adjust dose based on renal function; monitor serum creatinine
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required in hepatic impairment
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for ciprofloxacin
Drug class
Antibiotic class classification
Common uses
Common therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy