Generic Cipro

Common use

Cipro is antimicrobial broad-spectrum antibiotic related to fluoroquinolones group. This medication inhibits DNA-gyrase, the enzyme of bacteria, which is responsible for DNA replication and synthesis of bacterial cellular proteins, this causes their death so drug performs bactericidal activity. Cipro is active against propagating bacteria and when they are in a resting state. Cipro is used to treat different conditions and illnesses caused by bacterial infection of pulmonary system, kidney and urogenital system, gastrointestinal system (mouth, dents, jaws, bladder and biliary tract), skin, mucous membranes and soft tissues and others. It is active against many different gram negative aerobic and gram positive bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Chlamydia, Streptococcus, some species of Sraphybcoccus genus.



Dosage and directions

Take Cipro exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor with a big glass of water with or without food, through even time intervals. Drink more water than usual during treatment with this medication. Do not take it together with any milk products as it diminishes activity of Cypro. Do not crush, chew or break the extended-release tablet, swallow the tablet whole. When taking the oral liquid, swallow it without chewing the medicine.



Precautions

Before taking Cipro discuss with your doctor if you suffer form any kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, joint problems, diabetes, a history of seizures, low levels of potassium in your blood, heart rhythm disorder. Avoid long exposure of your body to UV radiation.



Contraindications

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, epilepsy, infants and teenagers younger than 18 y.o., hypersensitivity to Cipro and other drugs of fluoroquinolones group.



Possible side effect

Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, headache, and restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, easy bruising or bleeding. If you have signs listed above stop taking Cipro and contact your doctor.



Drug interaction

Cipro is not recommended to take with medications decreasing acidity in your stomach and any alkaline mineral waters and also medications which contain ions of aluminum, zinc, iron or magnesium due to their ability to decrease absorption of Cipro.



Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.



Overdose

Signs of overdose may be: seizures, difficulty urination problems, weakness, or combination of blue lips and pale skin. If you suppose that you took too much of this medication contact your doctor for help.





Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not freeze Cipro if you take it as liquid and store in a refrigerator.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care advisor or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)