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Ciprofloxacin is a prescription antibiotic that belongs to a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones, or just "quinolones" for short. It is available in several different forms and strengths, and is used to treat a variety of infections. Oral or injectable forms of ciprofloxacin are approved to treat the following infections:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), sometimes commonly called bladder infections and known medically as cystitis
- Kidney infections (known medically as pyelonephritis)
- Prostate infections
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infections
- Infections of the skin and surrounding tissue
- Severe infections within the abdomen (stomach)
- Diarrhea (when it is caused by bacteria)
- Bone and joint infections
- Gonorrhea
- Typhoid fever
- Prevention of infections or worsening of infections after exposure to inhaled anthrax.
Ciprofloxacin ear drops are approved to treat bacterial infections of the outer ear or ear canal, known medically as acute otitis externa. This type of ear infection is sometimes called "swimmer's ear." Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (eye) ointment is approved to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (commonly called "pink eye"). The ophthalmic drops are used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.
Not all ciprofloxacin products are approved to treat all of the infections listed here. Also, ciprofloxacin is used for treating infections only when they are caused by certain types of bacteria. Although this drug is considered a "broad spectrum" antibiotic, which means it is effective against many different types of bacteria, not all bacteria will respond to it.
Ciprofloxacin will not work to cure infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold, the flu, or viral conjunctivitis.
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