Ciprofloxacin 500 mg is an antibiotic classified as a fluoroquinolone. Physicians prescribe ciprofloxacin 500 mg tablets for many kinds of bacterial infections. They also may prescribe it in the treatment of anthrax exposure. The Mayo Clinic reports, however, that the only prescribed use for the extended-release form of the medication is for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Diarrhea
While other side effects have been documented, but are rare, the only reported serious side effect that is common is diarrhea, the Mayo Clinic reports. While diarrhea is a common side effect of many medicines, it usually is not serious and disappears on its own. This is not true with ciprofloxacin 500 mg. Loose stools and their associated cramps in the abdomen may be indicators of serious medical problems and should be reported to a physician immediately, the Mayo Clinic recommends. Drugs.com contradicts this by stating that diarrhea only is a common, non-serious side effect of ciprofloxacin 500 mg that should be temporary.
Dizziness and Headaches
Ciprofloxacin 500 mg may induce a feeling of being unbalanced or moving when the person is stationery. This dizziness can cause stumbling and falls that can cause injury, but this side effect itself is not classified as serious. This antibiotic also may cause headaches at the onset of use, but these, too, are not considered serious, and should terminate on their own within the first several days of using the drug.
Nausea
Most antibiotic medications cause some feelings of queasiness, or an upset stomach during the initial stages of use. As ciprofloxacin 500 mg begins to prevent the bacterial growth causing the infection, it can cause an imbalance in the digestive system. The patient may feel sick in her stomach and vomiting may occur. This can lead to another side effect associated with taking ciprofloxacin 500 mg, which is a decrease in, or loss of, appetite, as it may be difficult to eat normal amounts of food when feeling nauseous. Appetite loss as a side effect of ciprofloxacin 500 mg also may occur without nausea and vomiting. Either way, these are common and non-serious side effects of the drug, Drugs.com states, that do not need medical help unless they are severe, or do not end on their own in a few days.
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