Ciprofloxacin

Medically Reviewed by Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 20, 2022

Side Effects


What are ciprofloxacin (Cipro) side effects?

Some of the common adverse effects of ciprofloxacin are listed below. Tell your doctor if these symptoms are severe or do not go away with time.

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
  • Heartburn
  • Sleepiness
  • Tiredness
  • Vaginal discharge and/or itching 
  • Pale skin

Ciprofloxacin can also cause some serious adverse effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience side effects such as:

  • Severe diarrhea, watery or bloody stools, fever, stomach cramps (these adverse effects can occur up to 2 months after stopping treatment with ciprofloxacin)
  • Rash, itching, hives, peeling or blistering skin
  • Swelling of the face, eyes, throat, lips, hands, lower legs, ankle, or feet
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Hoarseness, tightness in the throat
  • Worsening or ongoing cough
  • Pale skin, yellowing of the skin or eyes, light-colored stool, dark urine
  • Fast heartbeat, shakiness, trembling, pale skin, extreme thirst or hunger, sweating, blurred vision, frequent urination, anxiety
  • Decreased urination
  • Loss of consciousness or fainting
  • Sudden pain in the chest, back, or stomach

 The above list may not include all the potential adverse effects of ciprofloxacin. Seek medical attention right away if you have severe or worsening side effects. You can also report unusual adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ciprofloxacin overdose: In case of an overdose, call your doctor immediately or call the poison control number 1-800-222-1222. If a person cannot be awakened, has trouble breathing, has had a seizure, or has collapsed, call 911 immediately. 

 NOTE: Prescription drugs like ciprofloxacin are the property of the respective owners and are intended for their use only. Do not share your prescription medicine with others or use other people’s ciprofloxacin.

Source: FDA