About ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic. It belongs to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing the bacteria that causes an infection.

Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which means that it's used to treat a number of bacterial infections, such as:

• uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) where other antibiotics are not suitable and complicated UTIs
• chest infections (including pneumonia)
• skin and bone infections
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• conjunctivitis
• eye infections
• ear infections
• infections that other antibiotics have been unable to treat

It is also used to help prevent people getting meningitis if they have been in close contact with someone with the infection.

Ciprofloxacin is only available on prescription.

It comes as tablets, a liquid that you drink, ear drops and eye drops. It's also given by injection, but this is usually done in hospital.

Ciprofloxacin ear drops also come mixed with other medicines, such as fluocinolone, known as Cetraxal Plus, or dexamethasone.

Ciprofloxacin tablets and liquid are only used when no other antibiotics are suitable, because there's a risk of serious and long-term side effects.