Ciprofloxacin – Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Resistance

When working with Ciprofloxacin, a broad‑spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat many bacterial infections. Also known as Cipro, it targets DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, stopping bacterial replication. The drug belongs to the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, a class noted for high oral bioavailability and tissue penetration. These antibiotics are commonly prescribed for urinary tract, respiratory, and skin bacterial infections. However, growing antibiotic resistance can limit effectiveness, making proper use essential. Ciprofloxacin remains a go‑to option when susceptibility is confirmed.

Dosage Forms, Common Side Effects, and Safe Use

Dosage forms for Ciprofloxacin include oral tablets, extended‑release tablets, injectable solutions, and ophthalmic drops. Typical adult oral dosing ranges from 250 mg to 750 mg every 12 hours, while severe infections may need 400 mg intravenously every 12 hours. The drug’s high tissue penetration makes it effective for bone and joint infections, but the same property also means side effects can affect multiple systems. Common adverse reactions are gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and mild headache; more serious concerns involve tendon rupture, especially in patients over 60 or those on steroids. Because fluoroquinolones can interfere with calcium metabolism, kidney‑impaired patients should have dose adjustments and be monitored for crystal formation in urine. Awareness of these safety issues creates a clear semantic link: Ciprofloxacin → requires careful dosing → to avoid tendon injury and renal complications.

In practice, clinicians balance the drug’s potency against the risk of resistance. Laboratory susceptibility testing guides whether Ciprofloxacin is appropriate, and stewardship programs often reserve it for infections where first‑line agents fail. Patients should complete the full course, even if symptoms improve, to prevent resistant strains from emerging. The relationship between antibiotic resistance and Ciprofloxacin highlights the need for proper prescription, patient education, and periodic review of local resistance patterns. Below, you’ll find a curated set of medication comparison guides that dive deep into efficacy, safety, and dosing for a wide range of drugs—from antidepressants to statins—helping you make informed choices across therapeutic areas.