Effects of Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that can be used to treat a variety of bacterial infections 12. It can come as a pill or a liquid suspensions which can either be consumed orally or as eye drops. Ciprofloxacin can also be used to treat people who may have been exposed to anthrax 12.

Bacterial Overgrowth

One risk of taking antibiotics is the fact that antibiotics kill bacteria throughout the body, including in the intestinal tract. The intestines are filled with a variety of bacteria that do not cause any infections and can aid in digestion. Antibiotics can kill off these bacteria (also known as commensal bacteria), which then can allow other bacteria to overgrow the intestines (since there are no other bacteria to compete for the intestine's resources). This can lead to abdominal pain and cramping, as well as gas, bloating and diarrhea (especially watery diarrhea).

Common Side Effects

Ciprofloxacin can also also cause certain side effects 12. The most common of these are mild. These include stomach problems, which can manifest themselves as stomach pain, vomiting and nausea. They can also cause acid reflux and heartburn, which is caused by the contents of the stomach escaping into the esophagus. Cirpofloxacin can also cause a headache as well as problems with the urinary system. This can cause patients to feel like they need to urinate all the time and to experience a burning sensation upon urination. Women may also experience a discharge from the vagina combined with vaginal itching.

Serious Side Effects

Ciprofloxacin can also cause very serious complications 12. Ciprofloxacin can also cause a fever, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, as well as joint and muscle pain 12. Ciprofloxacin can also cause liver damage which can lead to abdominal pain and problems with bleeding and bruising easily, as well as jaundice (yellowing of the skin as well as the whites of the eyes) 12. It can also cause inflammation of the tendons which can lead to the tendons rupturing.