Ciprofloxacin, sold under the brand name Cipro, is a prescription fluroquinolone medication that is used to treat certain types of bacterial processes such as urinary tract infections, infectious diarrhea, sinus or skin infections. Cipro is not effective for viral processes such as colds or the flu, yet it does work to treat specific bacterial infections; for example, E.coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa urinary tract infections. Additionally, it may be prescribed to treat anthrax, gonorrhea, campylobacter jejuni, shigella and typhoid fever. As with all medications, side effects are possible.
Stomach Upset
Gastrointestinal symptoms tend to be the most common side effects of taking this medication. For example, RxList.com states that during clinical trials, 2.5 percent of participants taking ciprofloxacin reported experiencing nausea while 1 percent complained of vomiting; and, 1.6 percent of individuals taking this drug reported diarrhea. These side effects are considered mild and not life-threatening, and usually dissipate as the body adjusts to the medication. Ingesting food when one takes a dose of this drug may reduce some of these adverse digestive effects.
Headaches and Dizziness
While taking ciprofloxacin, one may experience headaches as a side effect of this drug as well as dizziness or lightheadedness. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that ringing sensations in the ears or tinnitus may occur that contributes to headaches or dizziness. It is advised that one sit down or lie down periodically to help reduce these symptoms as well as avoid unsteadiness when walking. Again, such common side effects typically are viewed as mild and temporary symptoms that will subside as the body get used to the medication. Notify your doctor promptly if these effects persist or become worrisome.
Drowsiness
This medication may make you feel more tired or lethargic than usual. Specifically, another frequent side effect associated with this drug is excessive drowsiness with weakness. RxList.com suggests that it is best to be on this medication for a few days to see how it affects you before doing any complex or serious tasks that require alertness and coordination such as driving, etc. If this side effect ends up affecting your functions at work, speak to the prescribing physician to see what can be done.
Yeast Infection
According to the CDC, another adverse reaction to this drug is the development of a vaginal yeast infection. Many antibiotics destroy helpful, naturally-occurring bacteria within the body that results in an overgrowth of yeast, and Cipro is no exception. Thus, women who develop a vaginal yeast infection likely will experience an abnormally thick or white vaginal discharge with excessive itching and irritation at the infection site. You should contact your physician if any of these symptoms present; it is likely that you will require addition medication to resolve a yeast infection secondary to taking Cipro.
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