Cipro is a brand-name prescription antibiotic produced by the drug company, Bayer Pharmaceutical. The active ingredient in Cipro is ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone-type antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia and anthrax, according to Drugs.com. RxList.com notes that ciprofloxacin works by stopping the production of essential proteins needed by bacteria to survive. Cipro is formulated as tablets, eye drops, ointments and intravenous solutions -- all of which cause side effects.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common type experienced with Cipro use, especially in tablet form. Drugs.com cites clinical trials of oral Cipro use in which 5.2 percent of those studied experienced nausea; 2.3 percent experienced diarrhea; 2 percent experienced vomiting; and 1.7 percent experienced abdominal pain and cramping. In a study of 3428 individuals taking oral ciprofloxacin for the prevention of anthrax, 19 percent reported severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain; 7 percent reported heartburn or acid reflux.
Dermatological Side Effects
As with most pharmaceuticals, severe allergic reaction is possible with Cipro use, but it is considered rare. More common dermatological side effects that have been reported include rash in about 1 percent of those studied; pruritus, urticaria, topical candidiasis, increased perspiration and hyperpigmentation have been reported in a little less than 1 percent of cases. However, 6 percent of those studied who were taking ciprofloxacin for anthrax prevention reported experiencing rashes, hives or itchy skin.
Central Nervous System Effects
Nervous system side effects are also considered relatively common for those on Cipro. According to the "Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties," headache was noted in 1.2 percent of those studied in clinical trials, and feelings of severe restlessness were noted in 1.1 percent of cases. Other nervous system side effects considered less common include abnormal gait, drowsiness, insomnia and lethargy. However, 14 percent of those studied who were taking ciprofloxacin for anthrax prevention reported fainting, lightheadedness or dizziness.
Tendon Inflammation and Rupture
Side effects related to tendon inflammation and rupture in people taking ciprofloxacin products began to be commonly reported during post-marketing stages. Starting in 2005, Cipro packaging carried a warning of potential tendon damage, including rupture, of the Achilles tendon and tendons in the shoulder and hand, according to the "PDR Guide to Drug Interactions, Side Effects, and Indications." Tendon damage may occur shortly after beginning Cipro therapy and require surgery to repair. Other risk factors associated with tendon damage include age and corticosteroid use.
References
- Drugs.com: Cipro
- RxList: Cipro
- Drugs.com: Cipro Side Effects
- "Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties"; Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010
- "PDR Guide to Drug Interactions, Side Effects, and Indications"; PDR Staff; 2009
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