Ciprofloxacin---called Cipro for short---is a prescription fluoroquinolone medication used to prevent or treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections or anthrax. This medication is administered orally (tablet, extended-release tablet or liquid) and should be taken only as prescribed by your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns regarding ciprofloxacin side effects, discuss them with your doctor prior to beginning treatment.
Upset Stomach
After taking a dose of ciprofloxacin, you can experience an upset stomach as a side effect. You may experience nausea or vomiting during treatment. Certain patients can also develop bowel movement changes, such as diarrhea or constipation, which can contribute to symptoms of abdominal discomfort or bloating. Contact your doctor immediately if bowel symptoms become severe or if you notice blood or mucus in your stools.
Dizziness
Ciprofloxacin can cause dizziness in certain patients as a side effect. Dizziness or lightheadedness can cause you to experience difficulty when standing or walking and can contribute to additional side effects, such as headache or nausea. You should sit down if you experience episodes of dizziness until such sensations pass in order to avoid injury from falling or tripping.
Pain
Health professionals at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that patients taking ciprofloxacin can experience pain in the arms or legs as a side effect of treatment. Painful sensations in your limbs can be accompanied by numbness or tingling and should be immediately reported to your primary care physician.
Sleeping Difficulties
Certain people can develop sleeping difficulties while taking ciprofloxacin. You may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night (insomnia). You can have unusual dreams or nightmares while using this medication, which can cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night. If this occurs, you can experience increased drowsiness or fatigue throughout the day that may impact your ability to stay focused or concentrate while at work or school.
Tinnitus
You can develop abnormal auditory sensations in one or both ears during ciprofloxacin treatment. Ringing, buzzing or whistling noises in your ears---a condition called tinnitus---can be distracting and may interfere with your ability to complete work- or school-related activities.
Mood Alterations
During treatment with ciprofloxacin, you can experience unusual mood alterations due to this medication. You can begin to feel abnormally anxious, agitated or nervous, which may affect your interactions with coworkers or family members. If you experience additional side effects, such as confusion, depression or hallucinations, speak with your medical care provider immediately.
Vaginal Discharge
Women who take ciprofloxacin can develop vaginal side effects during treatment. This medication can cause an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacteria in a woman's vagina. If this occurs, women can develop a vaginal yeast infection. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal itching or irritation; or thick, white vaginal discharge.
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