Were you just prescribed Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and wondering what could go wrong? Good question. This antibiotic works well for many bacterial infections, but it has side effects you should know about — some are mild, others need fast action.
Most people get only minor reactions. Expect stomach upset, nausea, mild diarrhea, headache, and sometimes a bit of dizziness. You might also notice yeast infections after taking antibiotics. These are annoying but usually treatable.
Some risks are rare but important. Tendon pain or swelling — especially in the Achilles — can be a sign of tendonitis or tendon rupture. If you feel sudden sharp tendon pain, stop the drug and call your doctor right away. Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness, burning in hands or feet) can occur and may be long-lasting. If you notice new numbness or weakness, report it promptly.
Cipro can affect your brain in rare cases: mood changes, confusion, hallucinations, severe anxiety, or seizures. If you feel unusually agitated, confused, or faint, treat this as urgent. There’s also a small risk of irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation) that can cause fainting or worse — seek help for fast heart rate, fainting, or severe lightheadedness.
Take Cipro exactly as your clinician tells you. Don’t skip doses and finish the course unless advised otherwise. Avoid taking it with antacids, calcium, iron, or multivitamins that contain minerals — these can block absorption. Aim to separate them by at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after Cipro.
Avoid heavy exercise or activities that strain tendons while on Cipro and for a few weeks after, especially if you’re over 60 or on steroid meds. Protect your skin from sun — Cipro can cause strong sun sensitivity. Stay hydrated and don’t drive or operate machines if you feel dizzy or confused.
If you take blood thinners like warfarin, or certain drugs like tizanidine, tell your prescriber — Cipro can interact and change drug levels. Always review your full medication list with the prescriber or pharmacist.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children: talk to your doctor before taking fluoroquinolones. They’re generally avoided in pregnancy and often not first-choice in kids unless necessary.
When in doubt, ask. Call your healthcare provider for concerning symptoms, visit urgent care for severe reactions, and go to the ER for signs of allergic shock (trouble breathing, swelling of face or throat). You can also report side effects to local health authorities to help track safety.
Want a quick checklist? Watch for tendon pain, new numbness, sudden mood or thinking changes, severe diarrhea, fast or irregular heartbeat, and allergic signs. If any of these happen, act fast — early action often prevents worse problems.
