Ciprofloxacin
In stock
250mg · 500mg
from 27,73 £
In brief
- In our pharmacy, you can buy ciprofloxacin without a prescription, with delivery in 9–21 days throughout the United Kingdom. Discreet and anonymous packaging.
- Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, prostatitis, and some eye or ear infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which blocks bacterial DNA replication and kills susceptible bacteria.
- The usual adult dose of ciprofloxacin is 250–750 mg twice daily, depending on the type and severity of infection. For example, uncomplicated urinary tract infections are often treated with 250–500 mg twice daily, while more serious infections may require 500–750 mg twice daily.
- Ciprofloxacin is available as film-coated tablets, oral suspension, intravenous infusion, ophthalmic solution, and otic drops.
- Ciprofloxacin usually starts working within a few hours after the first dose, although symptom improvement may take 1–3 days depending on the infection and the individual.
- The duration of action is generally around 12 hours, which is why it is commonly taken twice daily. Treatment duration may range from 3–7 days for uncomplicated infections to 2–4 weeks or longer for some conditions.
- Alcohol should ideally be avoided or limited during treatment, as it may worsen side effects such as dizziness, stomach upset, and impaired concentration.
- The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbance, and skin rash.
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Basic ciprofloxacin information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Ciprofloxacin
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Ciproxin
- ATC code: J01MA02
- Forms and dosages: Film-coated tablets 100mg, 250mg, 500mg, 750mg; oral suspension 250mg/5ml, 500mg/5ml; IV infusion 200mg/100ml and 400mg/200ml; ophthalmic solution 0.3% (3mg/ml); otic drops 0.2%–0.3%
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Bayer AG; Aurobindo; Teva; Fresenius Kabi; Hexal; Hikma; Mylan
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
What ciprofloxacin is and how it is classified
Ciprofloxacin is a prescription only fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for certain bacterial infections.
It belongs to the antibacterial medicines used systemically, rather than being a simple pain reliever or a general infection tablet.
In ATC terms, it is classified as J01MA02, which places it under anti-infectives for systemic use, antibacterials, quinolones, and then fluoroquinolones.
That classification matters because it helps pharmacists and prescribers keep the medicine in the correct clinical category.
Definition list
Plain-English definition: a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for selected bacterial infections when a prescriber decides it is appropriate.
ATC classification: J01MA02.
Brand names and manufacturers
In the UK, ciprofloxacin is available as Ciproxin (Bayer) and as generic ciprofloxacin from manufacturers such as Aurobindo, Teva, Fresenius Kabi, Hikma and Mylan.
The pack may be generic ciprofloxacin or a brand-labelled product depending on the formulation.
Available forms and strengths
The form depends on the infection site, the clinical setting, and whether the medicine is needed at home or in hospital.
Oral tablets are the most familiar option in community pharmacy, but suspension, IV infusion, eye drops, and ear drops are also part of the full product range.
If someone has seen ciprofloxacin 500mg tablets, that is only one of several strengths available.
For a child or someone who cannot swallow tablets, an oral suspension may be the practical choice, while hospital teams may use infusion.
Eye and ear products are separate formulations and should not be treated as interchangeable with tablets.
Forms and strengths table
| Form | Common strengths | Typical trade names |
|---|---|---|
| Film-coated tablets | 100mg, 250mg, 500mg, 750mg | Ciproxin |
| Oral suspension | 250mg/5ml, 500mg/5ml | Ciproxin |
| IV infusion | 200mg/100ml, 400mg/200ml | Ciprofloxacin Fresenius Kabi |
| Ophthalmic solution | 0.3% (3mg/ml) | Ciloxan |
| Otic drops | 0.2%–0.3% | Cetraxal |
Who ciprofloxacin is usually prescribed for
In routine adult practice, it is used for selected urinary tract infections, complicated UTI, pyelonephritis, some respiratory infections, prostatitis, and gastrointestinal infections.
It is also used for post-exposure anthrax prophylaxis, which is a specialist and urgent indication.
Clinicians reserve it because antibiotic stewardship matters and resistance is a real issue.
That is why it is not the first choice for every sore throat, cough, or bladder symptom.
Where an alternative medicine is just as suitable, prescribers may choose something narrower or better matched to the infection.
- Common adult uses: urinary tract infection treatment, complicated UTI, pyelonephritis, prostatitis antibiotic use, respiratory infection, gastrointestinal infection.
- Specialist use: post-exposure anthrax prophylaxis.
- Why it is reserved: resistance concerns, safety warnings, and the need to use the right antibiotic for the right infection.
Typical doses and treatment lengths by condition
How much is taken, and for how long, depends on the infection rather than the brand name on the box.
That is why a patient with a UTI may be given a very different course from someone being treated for prostatitis or anthrax exposure.
The exact dose is shaped by the infection site, severity, kidney function, and the prescriber’s judgement.
Renal function is especially important because ciprofloxacin dosage may need adjustment in impaired kidney function.
Children are only treated in specific severe situations, and the dose is weight-based under specialist guidance.
For most adults, the usual regimens are built around twice-daily dosing, though the total length can vary from a few days to several weeks.
Adult dosing table
| Condition | Typical dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urinary tract infection | 250–500mg | Twice daily | 3–7 days |
| Complicated UTI, pyelonephritis | 500–750mg | Twice daily | 7–14 days |
| Lower respiratory infection | 500–750mg | Twice daily | 7–14 days |
| Prostatitis | 500–750mg | Twice daily | 2–4 weeks |
| Gastrointestinal infections | 500mg | Twice daily | 5–7 days |
| Anthrax post-exposure | 500mg | Twice daily | 60 days |
Dose adjustment, missed doses, and overdose practicalities
Take it as soon as possible unless it is nearly time for the next dose, and do not double up.
That simple rule helps avoid unnecessary side effects and keeps the course on track.
People who are older, have renal impairment, or are taking multiple medicines may need closer review and sometimes a lower dose.
Children and patients with significant kidney problems need particular care because the dosing approach is different.
Overdose is not something to wait and watch at home if concerning symptoms appear.
Confusion, seizures, and gastrointestinal upset can occur, so urgent medical help is needed.
- Missed dose advice: take when remembered unless the next dose is due soon; do not double.
- Overdose warning signs: confusion, seizures, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal upset; seek emergency help.
- Who may need adjustment: children, older adults, and patients with renal impairment.
Common side effects
The common ciprofloxacin side effects are usually gastrointestinal or nervous-system related.
Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are the complaints patients mention most often.
Some people also notice headache, dizziness, or sleep disturbance, especially early in the course.
Skin reactions such as rash, itching, and photosensitivity can happen, so extra sun caution is sensible.
More clinically important effects include raised liver enzymes, confusion in older adults, and tendon inflammation.
- Mild to moderate effects: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbance, rash, itching, photosensitivity.
- Less common but important effects: raised liver enzymes, confusion or hallucinations in older adults, tendonitis, tendon rupture.
- What to do: mild symptoms may settle, but persistent or worrying symptoms need pharmacist or GP advice.
Serious warnings, contraindications, and who should avoid it
There are a few situations where ciprofloxacin should not be used, and those checks matter before supply.
Known hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics is an absolute contraindication.
A history of tendon disorders linked to fluoroquinolone use is another major red flag.
It must not be used with tizanidine because of the interaction risk, including hypotension and central nervous system depression.
Caution is also needed in epilepsy or other CNS disorders, myasthenia gravis, prolonged QT interval, renal impairment, liver dysfunction, and in older adults who face a higher tendon rupture risk.
People on multiple medicines are at greater risk because interactions are easier to miss.
Warning panel
Absolute contraindications: hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or quinolones; history of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolones; concomitant tizanidine use.
Relative cautions: epilepsy, CNS disorders, myasthenia gravis, prolonged QT, renal impairment, liver dysfunction, older age.
High-risk groups: older adults and patients taking several long-term medicines.
Interactions, food rules, and how to take it correctly
Ciprofloxacin interactions are especially important with minerals and certain prescription medicines.
Dairy products, calcium, iron, magnesium, and antacids can reduce absorption if taken too close together.
QT-prolonging medicines, anticoagulants, tizanidine, and drugs that lower the seizure threshold also need attention.
Tablets should be swallowed exactly as directed, and doses should be spaced consistently through the day.
Interaction and usage table
| Issue | What to know | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
| Food and drink | Dairy, calcium, iron, magnesium, and antacids can reduce absorption | Separate doses from these products as advised |
| QT-prolonging drugs | May raise the risk of rhythm problems | Tell the prescriber about all regular medicines |
| Anticoagulants | Interaction monitoring may be needed | Ask the pharmacist before starting |
| Tizanidine | Should not be taken together | Do not combine |
| Seizure-threshold-lowering medicines | May increase CNS risk | Seek medical advice if this applies |
Storage and handling by formulation
Antibiotics should not be kept in the bathroom cabinet.
Ciprofloxacin tablets and oral forms should be stored below 30°C in a dry place.
IV solutions and suspensions should be refrigerated if the pack says so, and protected from light.
Eye and ear drops must follow the pack instructions carefully, including any disposal period after opening.
That is particularly important because opened drops may have a limited usable life.
- Tablets and oral forms: store below 30°C in a dry place.
- IV solutions and suspensions: refrigerate if instructed; protect from light.
- Eye and ear drops: follow the pack instructions and discard after opening as directed.
Legal status and availability in the UK
Ciprofloxacin is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
In our online pharmacy, ciprofloxacin is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
Antibiotic stewardship
Antibiotic stewardship matters because resistance is a universal concern.
As a fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin is part of a class that needs careful selection, not casual self-treatment.
Alternatives and comparisons
Sometimes ciprofloxacin is the right choice, and sometimes another fluoroquinolone is more suitable.
Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin are the main alternatives in the same class.
Levofloxacin is more active against some respiratory pathogens, while moxifloxacin offers broader Gram-positive coverage.
Norfloxacin and ofloxacin are older and narrower options.
Prescribers may choose ciprofloxacin because of its Gram-negative coverage and its role in difficult-to-treat infections, including activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
That makes it a familiar choice in some infection pathways, but not a medicine to self-select without proper clinical review.
If the symptoms are severe, persistent, or unusual, pharmacist advice or urgent medical assessment is the safer next step.
Comparison table
| Medicine | Typical positioning | When it may be chosen |
|---|---|---|
| Ciprofloxacin | Strong Gram-negative coverage | Difficult-to-treat infections and some UTI pathways |
| Levofloxacin | More active against some respiratory pathogens | When respiratory coverage is preferred |
| Moxifloxacin | Broader Gram-positive coverage | When broader Gram-positive activity is needed |
| Norfloxacin | Older and narrower | Selected lower urinary tract uses |
| Ofloxacin | Older fluoroquinolone | Selected cases when suitable |
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| London | England | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | England | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | England | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | England | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | England | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | England | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | England | 9–21 days |
| Nottingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Leicester | England | 9–21 days |
| Aberdeen | Scotland | 9–21 days |
Final points
Ciprofloxacin is a well-established fluoroquinolone antibiotic, but it is not a medicine for every infection and needs clear guidance on dose and interactions.
When it is prescribed appropriately, it can play an important role in selected bacterial infections and difficult Gram-negative cases.
When it is not the best choice, a pharmacist or prescriber should help direct the patient to a safer alternative.
If there is any doubt about suitability, timing, or how to take it, pharmacist consultation is the sensible next step.
