Ciprofloxacin, which is commonly called cipro, is a prescription quinolone medication used to treat certain types of bacterial infections, such as urinary tract, sinus or skin infections. This medication is typically taken daily for one to two weeks, depending upon the location and extent of infection. Speak with your doctor for more information regarding ciprofloxacin side effects before you begin treatment.
Stomach Upset
An upset stomach is the most common side effect associated with ciprofloxacin treatment. You can develop abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea while taking this medication. To limit the occurrence of these side effects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that ciprofloxacin be taken with food and a large glass of water. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice blood within your stools, as this side effect may be indicative of intestinal damage.
Headache
While taking ciprofloxacin, you can experience a headache as a side effect of treatment. Headache symptoms are typically mild and subside with recurrent use of this medication. Certain patients also experience dizziness or lightheadedness in conjunction with headache symptoms, which may cause patients to experience instability while walking.
Fatigue
Excessive fatigue or tiredness can occur as a side effect of ciprofloxacin treatment. You can experience abnormal drowsiness or sleepiness throughout the day, which can make it difficult for you to remain alert while performing your usual daily activities.
Tinnitus
While receiving treatment with ciprofloxacin, you can experience abnormal sensations within one or both of your ears, warn health professionals at the CDC. Such side effects can include buzzing, whistling or ringing of the ears--a medical condition referred to as tinnitus. Tinnitus can contribute to additional side effects, including headache, and can interfere with your ability to concentrate while at work or school.
Mood Alterations
Excessive anxiety or nervousness can develop in some patients during treatment with ciprofloxacin, warn health professionals at PDR Health, a website established by the publishers of the Physicians' Desk Reference. These side effects can cause you to feel restless and may affect your interactions with colleagues, friends or family members. Speak with your doctor if these mood alterations persist or become worse while you are taking ciprofloxacin.
Tendinitis
Patients taking ciprofloxacin are at an increased risk of experiencing a ruptured or swollen tendon--a condition called tendinitis, which affects the fibrous pieces of tissue that connect your muscles to your bones. If this occurs, you can develop pain or tenderness within any of your tendons, including those within your ankle, hand or shoulder. Contact your primary care physician immediately if you develop any symptoms of tendinitis while taking ciprofloxacin.
Yeast Infection
Ciprofloxacin can kill healthy, naturally-occurring bacteria within the body, which can lead to the overgrowth of yeast within certain body regions, such as the mouth or vagina. Symptoms of a yeast infection include excessive itching, inflammation and irritation at the site of infection. Women who develop a vaginal yeast infection can develop abnormal vaginal discharge that appears thick, lumpy or white. An oral yeast infection can lead to the development of white patches along the tongue, gums or cheek. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your doctor for further evaluation, as you may require addition medication to resolve the symptoms of a yeast infection.
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