Ciprofloxacin Side Effects
What should I watch for?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.
This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Common and Rare Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Rare
Bloody or black, tarry stools
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
changes in skin color
changes in urination
chest pain or discomfort
chest tightness or heaviness
chills or fever
clumsiness or unsteadiness
confusion
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
coughing or spitting up blood
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
headache, severe and throbbing
hearing loss
hives or welts or skin rash
joint stiffness
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
light-colored stools
muscle pain or stiffness
nightmares
numbness of the hands
pain in the joints
pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
painful, red lumps under the skin, mostly on the legs
pounding in the ears
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
seizures
severe abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
swelling of the face, feet, or lower legs
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
white patches in the mouth and/or on the tongue
yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not known
Acid or sour stomach
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
bone pain
diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody
difficulty with breathing, chewing, or talking
double vision
excessive muscle tone
feeling of discomfort
feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there
increased sensitivity to pain
increased sensitivity to touch
irregular or slow heart rate
mood changes
nosebleeds
rapid heart rate
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
vaginal yeast infection
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
