Ciprofloxacin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic available as tablets, injections, and eye and ear drops in Pakistan.
How Ciprofloxacin works
Ciprofloxacin blocks enzymes that bacteria need to copy their DNA, so they cannot multiply. It is especially active against gram-negative bacteria such as those causing many urinary and gut infections.
What is Ciprofloxacin used for?
- Complicated urinary tract and kidney infections
- Prostate infections
- Some gut infections, including traveller’s diarrhoea
- Bone and joint infections
- Some chest infections
- Eye and ear drops: bacterial eye and ear infections
Resistance to ciprofloxacin is now common in typhoid in Pakistan, so it is rarely a reliable choice for typhoid without a culture report.
Side effects of Ciprofloxacin
Not everyone gets side effects. The ones reported more often are:
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Headache or dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Sensitivity to sunlight
Stop taking it and contact a doctor if you get tendon pain or swelling, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, a fast or irregular heartbeat, severe diarrhoea, confusion, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Precautions and warnings
- Do not take it with milk or yogurt alone, or with antacids, iron, zinc or calcium. Take these a few hours apart.
- Never take it with tizanidine, and tell your doctor about theophylline, warfarin and other regular medicines.
- It can increase the effects of caffeine.
- It is not usually used in children, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are over 60, or have epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, heart rhythm problems or diabetes.
Frequently asked questions about Ciprofloxacin
Is ciprofloxacin used for typhoid in Pakistan?
It used to be, but many typhoid strains in Pakistan, including XDR typhoid, are now resistant. Doctors usually rely on a blood culture to choose treatment.
Can I take ciprofloxacin with milk?
Calcium in milk and yogurt reduces absorption when taken on their own with the tablet. Small amounts as part of a meal are less of a problem, but it is best to keep dairy a couple of hours apart.
Ciprofloxacin brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 60+ products containing Ciprofloxacin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
