Ciprofloxacin, while effective, can cause various side effects. Some are mild and temporary, while others require immediate medical attention. Understanding these potential issues is key to responsible use.
Common side effects often include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset. These typically resolve without intervention. However, persistent or severe diarrhea might indicate a more serious problem, like *Clostridium difficile* infection – seek medical advice immediately if this occurs.
Less common, but still possible, are allergic reactions. These range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms like hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness demand immediate emergency care.
Ciprofloxacin can also affect your nervous system. Some individuals experience dizziness, headache, or difficulty sleeping. In rarer cases, more serious neurological effects like seizures or peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) have been reported. Report any unusual neurological symptoms to your doctor.
Your tendons may also be affected. Ciprofloxacin can increase the risk of tendonitis (inflammation) and tendon rupture, especially in older adults and those taking corticosteroids. Pay attention to any pain or swelling in your tendons, and avoid strenuous activities if you experience such symptoms.
Additionally, Ciprofloxacin can impact your liver or kidneys. While rare, monitor your health closely. Symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes or changes in urination require immediate medical evaluation.
| Gastrointestinal | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting | Mild cases usually resolve; persistent or severe diarrhea requires medical attention. |
| Allergic Reactions | Rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing | Seek immediate emergency care. |
| Neurological | Dizziness, headache, insomnia, seizures | Report any unusual neurological symptoms to your doctor. |
| Musculoskeletal | Tendinitis, tendon rupture | Avoid strenuous activity; report pain or swelling. |
| Hepatic/Renal | Yellowing of skin/eyes, changes in urination | Seek immediate medical evaluation. |
This information is not exhaustive; consult your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of potential side effects and personalized advice. Always follow prescribed dosage and duration of treatment.
