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Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used as tablets and IV injection for infections such as urinary tract, respiratory, skin, bone and abdominal infections, and as eye and ear drops or eye ointment for eye and ear infections.

Brand names Cipro Oral SuspensionCipro TabletsCipro XR Extended-release TabletsProquin XR Extended-release TabletsCiloxan +5 more
Drug classes Quinolone Antimicrobial
Rx Forms 5
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 152 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Oct 4, 2026 🚨Recall on record · 3
Other forms & routes:
Injection Ophthalmic Otic (ear)
Ciprofloxacin at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Ciprofloxacin is a familiar fluoroquinolone antibiotic, on the market since about 1987 and available as a generic, that kills bacteria by blocking two enzymes they need to copy and repair DNA; it treats urinary, respiratory, skin, bone and abdominal infections (and eye and ear infections as drops), though it is now held back for when a safer option will not work. Most people manage a course with little more than nausea or diarrhea. Watch for its boxed-warning effects (tendon pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet, mood or thinking changes), which can be permanent, and stop it and call your prescriber right away if any appear.

Clinical pearls

  • Take it at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids, multivitamins, calcium, iron, zinc or dairy, which block absorption.
  • Tizanidine must never be taken with ciprofloxacin, and theophylline should be avoided because the combination can be fatal.
  • On warfarin or a sulfonylurea for diabetes, expect closer INR or blood sugar checks, since ciprofloxacin can push both too far.
  • Tendon rupture risk is higher if you are over 60, take a corticosteroid like prednisone, or have had a kidney, heart or lung transplant.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
⚠️ FDA Boxed Warning — the FDA’s strongest safety alert ▾

Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin can cause disabling and possibly permanent side effects, often more than one at once. These include tendon inflammation or rupture, nerve damage (pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness), and effects on the brain and mood.

Stop ciprofloxacin and call your doctor immediately if you notice any of these. It can also make muscle weakness worse in people with myasthenia gravis, who should avoid it. Because of these risks, it should be saved for acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute uncomplicated cystitis (bladder infection) and acute sinusitis only when no other treatment options exist.

Read the full warning on DailyMed →
How you get itPrescription only
Comes asTablet, Eye drops, Injection +2
Earliest FDA record1987
Companies listing it with the FDA49
FDA label last updatedMar 2, 2026
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)Yes, read the warning

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Ciprofloxacin, written from its FDA label.

What Ciprofloxacin is used for

▾

Ciprofloxacin is used for infections caused by susceptible bacteria, and the approved uses depend on the product.

  • Tablets and IV injection: skin and skin structure infections, bone and joint infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, chronic bacterial prostatitis, lower respiratory tract infections (including acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis), urinary tract infections and acute sinusitis.
  • Tablets only: infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, uncomplicated cervical and urethral gonorrhea, and acute uncomplicated cystitis.
  • IV injection only: nosocomial pneumonia and empirical therapy for febrile neutropenic patients.
  • Tablets and IV injection: inhalational anthrax post-exposure and plague, including in children.
  • Eye drops: corneal ulcers and bacterial conjunctivitis.
  • Ciloxan eye ointment: bacterial conjunctivitis.
  • Ear drops (Cetraxal and Ciprofloxacin Otic): acute otitis externa.

How Ciprofloxacin works

▾

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that kills bacteria. It blocks two bacterial enzymes, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Bacteria need them to copy, read and repair their DNA, so blocking them stops the bacteria from surviving.

Ciprofloxacin dosage

▾

Tablets are swallowed, usually every 12 hours, with treatment lasting from a single dose to several weeks depending on the infection. Food delays absorption slightly but does not stop it from working.

  • IV injection is given in a vein by a healthcare team.
  • Eye and ear products are used only on the affected eye or ear, with schedules that differ by product.
  • Take ciprofloxacin 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids, multivitamins, and calcium, iron, zinc or dairy products.

Follow your prescriber’s directions and the label.

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Ciprofloxacin prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Skin and Skin Structure
    • 500 mg to 750 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days
  • Bone and Joint
    • 500 mg to 750 mg every 12 hours for 4 to 8 weeks
  • Complicated Intra-Abdominal
    • 500 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days
    • Used in conjunction with metronidazole
  • Infectious Diarrhea
    • 500 mg every 12 hours for 5 to 7 days
  • Typhoid Fever
    • 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days
  • Uncomplicated Gonorrhea (Uncomplicated Urethral and Cervical Gonococcal Infections)
    • 250 mg single dose
  • Inhalational anthrax (post-exposure)
    • 500 mg every 12 hours for 60 days
    • Begin drug administration as soon as possible after suspected or confirmed exposure
  • Plague
    • 500 mg to 750 mg every 12 hours for 14 days
  • Urinary Tract Infections
    • 250 mg to 500 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days
    • Adults with creatinine clearance 30 to 50 mL/min: 250 to 500 mg every 12 hours; 5 to 29 mL/min: 250 to 500 mg every 18 hours
  • Pediatric Complicated Urinary Tract Infection or Pyelonephritis (1 to 17 years of age)
    • 10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg every 12 hours for 10 to 21 days
    • Maximum: 750 mg per dose; not to be exceeded even in patients weighing more than 51 kg
Read the label’s full dosing text

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION CIPRO Tablets and Oral Suspension should be administered orally as described in the appropriate Dosage Guidelines tables. Adult Dosage Guidelines Infection Dose Frequency Duration Skin and Skin Structure 500 -750 mg every 12 hours 7 to 14 days Bone and Joint 500-750 mg every 12 hours 4 to 8 weeks Complicated Intra-Abdominal 500 mg every 12 hours 7 to 14 days Infectious Diarrhea 500 mg every 12 hours 5 to 7 days Typhoid Fever 500 mg every 12 hours 10 days Uncomplicated Gonorrhea 250 mg single dose single dose Inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) 500 mg every 12 hours 60 days Plague 500–750 mg every 12 hours 14 days Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis 500 mg every 12 hours 28 days Lower Respiratory Tract 500 -750 mg every 12 hours 7 to 14 days Urinary Tract 250-500 mg every 12 hours 7 to 14 days Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis 250 mg every 12 hours 3 days Acute Sinusitis 500 mg every 12 hours 10 days • Adults with creatinine clearance 30–50 mL/min 250–500 mg q 12 h (2.3 ) • Adults with creatinine clearance 5–29 mL/min 250–500 mg q 18 h ( 2.3 ) • Patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis 250–500 mg q 24 h (after dialysis) ( 2.3 ) Pediatric Oral Dosage Guidelines Infection Dose Frequency Duration Complicated UTI and Pyelonephritis (1 to 17 years of age) 10–20 mg/kg (maximum 750 mg per dose) Every 12 hours 10–21 days Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure) 15 mg/kg (maximum 500 mg per dose) Every 12 hours 60 days Plague 15 mg/kg (maximum 500 mg per dose) Every 8 to 12 hours 14 days 2.1 Dosage in Adults The determination of dosage and duration for any particular patient must take into consideration the severity and nature of the infection, the susceptibility of the causative microorganism, the integrity of the patient’s host-defense mechanisms, and the status of renal and hepatic function. CIPRO Tablets or CIPRO for Oral Suspension may be administered to adult patients when clinically indicated at the discretion of the physician. Administer CIPRO for Oral Suspension using the co-packaged graduated spoon [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 )]. Table 1: Adult Dosage Guidelines Infection Dose Frequency Usual Durations Generally ciprofloxacin should be continued for at least 2 days after the signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared, except for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure).

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Ciprofloxacin side effects

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The most common side effects reported in clinical trials were:

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Vomiting
  • Rash

When to get medical help

  • Stop the medicine and call your doctor right away if you have tendon pain, swelling or inflammation, or a tendon rupture.
  • Call your doctor right away for pain, burning, tingling, numbness or weakness in your arms or legs.
  • Get help for hallucinations, severe anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, confusion, severe headaches or seizures.
  • Seek emergency help for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing.
  • Call your doctor for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, loss of appetite or belly tenderness, which can signal liver problems.
  • Call your doctor if you have severe or lasting diarrhea, which may be C. difficile colitis, even weeks after treatment.
  • Report a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat or fainting.
  • Report worsening muscle weakness if you have myasthenia gravis.

Tendon pain, nerve symptoms, mood changes, seizures, severe allergic reactions and liver problems need urgent medical attention.

Ciprofloxacin warnings and precautions

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  • Disabling and possibly permanent effects: tendon rupture, nerve damage, and effects on the brain and mood can occur together.
  • Myasthenia gravis can get worse, sometimes severely.
  • Serious allergic reactions can happen after the first dose.
  • Liver injury, including liver failure, has been reported.
  • Heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation) and aortic aneurysm or dissection are risks.
  • C. difficile diarrhea can appear even weeks after treatment.
  • Sun sensitivity can cause exaggerated sunburn.

Ciprofloxacin interactions

▾

Ciprofloxacin interacts with many medicines.

  • Tizanidine: contraindicated because of dangerous low blood pressure and sedation.
  • Theophylline: can cause serious reactions, so avoid.
  • QT-prolonging drugs: heart rhythm risk.
  • Duloxetine and zolpidem: levels rise, so avoid.
  • Antacids, multivitamins, and calcium, iron, zinc or dairy products: reduce absorption, so separate doses.
  • Diabetes medicines: can cause severe low blood sugar.
  • Warfarin: stronger blood-thinning effect.
  • Phenytoin, cyclosporine, methotrexate, clozapine, ropinirole, sildenafil, caffeine, NSAIDs and probenecid: use with caution and monitoring.

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Ciprofloxacin prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • Tizanidine: Potentiation of hypotensive and sedative effects of tizanidine. Contraindicated
  • Theophylline: May result in increased risk of central nervous system (CNS) or other adverse reactions; serious and fatal reactions. Avoid use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor serum levels of theophylline and adjust dosage as appropriate
  • Drugs known to prolong QT interval: Ciprofloxacin may further prolong the QT interval. Avoid use
  • Oral antidiabetic drugs: Glucose-lowering effect potentiated; severe hypoglycemia and fatalities have been reported, mainly with sulfonylureas. Use with caution; monitor blood glucose
  • Phenytoin: Altered serum levels of phenytoin (increased and decreased). Use with caution; monitor phenytoin therapy, including serum concentration, during and shortly after coadministration
  • Cyclosporine: Transient elevations in serum creatinine. Use with caution; monitor renal function, in particular serum creatinine
  • Anti-coagulant drugs (e.g., warfarin): Increase in anticoagulant effect. Use with caution; monitor prothrombin time and INR frequently during and shortly after coadministration
  • Methotrexate: Inhibition of methotrexate renal tubular transport, potentially increasing methotrexate plasma levels and risk of toxic reactions. Use with caution; carefully monitor patients
  • Duloxetine: Five-fold increase in duloxetine exposure. Avoid use; if unavoidable, monitor for duloxetine toxicity
  • Antacids, sucralfate, multivitamins and other products containing multivalent cations (including dairy products): Decrease ciprofloxacin absorption, resulting in lower serum and urine levels. Take ciprofloxacin at least two hours before or six hours after these products
Read the label’s full interactions text

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Ciprofloxacin is an inhibitor of human cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) mediated metabolism. Coadministration of ciprofloxacin with other drugs primarily metabolized by CYP1A2 results in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs and could lead to clinically significant adverse events of the coadministered drug. Table 11: Drugs That are Affected by and Affecting Ciprofloxacin Drugs That are Affected by Ciprofloxacin Drug(s) Recommendation Comments Tizanidine Contraindicated Concomitant administration of tizanidine and ciprofloxacin is contraindicated due to the potentiation of hypotensive and sedative effects of tizanidine [ see Contraindications (4.2) ] . Theophylline Avoid Use (Plasma Exposure Likely to be Increased and Prolonged) Concurrent administration of ciprofloxacin with theophylline may result in increased risk of a patient developing central nervous system (CNS) or other adverse reactions. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor serum levels of theophylline and adjust dosage as appropriate [ s ee Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] . Drugs Known to Prolong QT Interval Avoid Use Ciprofloxacin may further prolong the QT interval in patients receiving drugs known to prolong the QT interval (for example, class IA or III antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, antipsychotics) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) and Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ]. Oral antidiabetic drugs Use with caution Glucose-lowering effect potentiated Hypoglycemia sometimes severe has been reported when ciprofloxacin and oral antidiabetic agents, mainly sulfonylureas (for example, glyburide, glimepiride), were coadministered, presumably by intensifying the action of the oral antidiabetic agent. Fatalities have been reported . Monitor blood glucose when ciprofloxacin is coadministered with oral antidiabetic drugs [ s ee Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿163 supplements and herbs with documented Ciprofloxacin interactions, ranked by severity Check Ciprofloxacin against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Ciprofloxacin

▾
  • Do not use if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or other quinolones, or if you take tizanidine.
  • Tell your doctor about myasthenia gravis, past tendon or nerve problems, seizures, heart rhythm problems, or aortic aneurysm.
  • Adults over 60, people on corticosteroids, and transplant recipients have a higher tendon risk.
  • Children: used only for certain infections because of higher joint-related side effects.
  • Pregnancy: tell your doctor; available human data have not shown a clear risk of birth defects.
  • Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 2 days after, though you may pump and discard milk.

Ciprofloxacin overdose

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In overdose, reversible kidney toxicity has been reported. Treatment includes emptying the stomach, supportive care, monitoring kidney function and staying well hydrated. Antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or calcium can reduce absorption. Dialysis removes very little of the drug.

What Ciprofloxacin does in the body

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Ciprofloxacin has a bactericidal effect, meaning it kills bacteria. It does this by inhibiting enzymes that bacteria need to replicate and repair their DNA. It also inhibits the human liver enzyme CYP1A2, which is why it can raise levels of other drugs.

How your body processes Ciprofloxacin

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About 70% of an oral tablet dose is absorbed, with peak blood levels 1 to 2 hours after dosing. Food delays absorption slightly. The drug spreads widely into tissues, including the prostate, lungs, skin, bone and sinuses. About 40 to 50% of an oral dose leaves in urine unchanged, and the half-life is about 4 hours with normal kidney function.

How to store Ciprofloxacin

▾

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68° to 77°F) .

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

163

Supplements & herbs that interact with Ciprofloxacin

163 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Ciprofloxacin in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 8
  • Moderate · 133
  • Minor · 22
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major APPLE Major ASARABACCA Major BEER Major GRAPEFRUIT Major SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR Major SWEET ORANGE Major WINE Major +155 more
Every supplement checked against Ciprofloxacin — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 8 major · 133 moderate · 22 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Ciprofloxacin against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

11

Nutrient depletion considerations

Ciprofloxacin has been associated with lower levels of 11 nutrients in the clinical literature. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these may be worth discussing with your pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially with long-term use.

Evidence & significance mix
  • Higher significance · 10
  • Moderate · 1
BIOTIN Insignificant Depletion CALCIUM Insignificant Depletion FOLIC ACID Insignificant Depletion IRON Insignificant Depletion MAGNESIUM Insignificant Depletion RIBOFLAVIN Insignificant Depletion THIAMINE Insignificant Depletion VITAMIN B12 Insignificant Depletion +3 more
See the full Ciprofloxacin nutrient depletion report

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — not medical advice. Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Ciprofloxacin: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Ciprofloxacin — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What is ciprofloxacin used for?

▾
It treats bacterial infections such as urinary tract, respiratory, skin, bone and abdominal infections, depending on the form. Eye and ear versions treat eye and ear infections. It does not work on viruses like colds or flu.

How should I take my ciprofloxacin tablets?

▾
Swallow them as prescribed, usually every 12 hours, and finish the full course unless your doctor says otherwise. Keep them 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids, multivitamins, and calcium, iron, zinc or dairy products, since these block absorption.

What side effects should I expect?

▾
The most common ones are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, rash and abnormal liver tests. Most are mild, but tell your doctor if they bother you.

When should I stop it and call my doctor?

▾
Stop and call right away if you get tendon pain or swelling, tingling or numbness, mood changes, hallucinations, seizures, a rash or swelling, yellow skin, or severe diarrhea. These can be serious and sometimes permanent.

Are there medicines I should avoid with it?

▾
Yes. Tizanidine must never be combined with it, and theophylline, duloxetine and zolpidem should be avoided. Tell me about any diabetes medicine, blood thinner, or heart rhythm medicine you take.

Is it safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

▾
Long experience in pregnancy has not shown a clear risk of birth defects, but talk with your doctor. It passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 2 days after, though you may pump and discard milk.

Is Ciprofloxacin available over the counter?

▾
No. Ciprofloxacin is a prescription medicine: every Ciprofloxacin product listed with the FDA is prescription only, so it is not sold over the counter. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you, and your pharmacist dispenses it.

When was Ciprofloxacin first available?

▾
The earliest FDA record we hold for Ciprofloxacin is from 1987: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Ciprofloxacin was first used.

Who makes Ciprofloxacin?

▾
49 companies currently list Ciprofloxacin products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bryant Ranch Prepack, NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Ciprofloxacin on HelloPharmacist

📊Ciprofloxacin supplement interactions163 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerCiprofloxacin vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Ciprofloxacin NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Ciprofloxacin Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Ciprofloxacin forms and strengths (how it comes)

Ciprofloxacin is available in 5 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Tablet

By mouth
Brands Cipro
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Ciprofloxacin tablets are used for skin, bone and joint, intra-abdominal, respiratory and urinary tract infections, infectious diarrhea and typhoid fever.
  • Ciprofloxacin tablets are also used for uncomplicated gonorrhea, anthrax post-exposure, plague, chronic bacterial prostatitis and acute sinusitis.
Important instructions
  • Cipro tablets are taken by mouth, usually every 12 hours; length of treatment ranges from a single dose to 60 days depending on the infection.
  • Separate ciprofloxacin tablets from antacids, multivitamins, and calcium, iron, zinc or dairy products: take ciprofloxacin 2 hours before or 6 hours after them.
Available strengths 3 strengths
250 mg 500 mg 750 mg
302 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Eye drops

In the eye
Brands Ciloxan
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution is used for corneal ulcers caused by susceptible bacteria.
  • Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution is used for bacterial conjunctivitis.
Important instructions
  • Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution for corneal ulcers is dosed very frequently at first, then less often over 14 days or more.
  • Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution for bacterial conjunctivitis is used every two hours while awake for two days, then every four hours while awake for five days.
Available strengths 1 strength
3 mg/mL
42 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Injection

Into a vein
Brands Ciprofloxacin in Dextrose
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Ciprofloxacin injection is used for skin, bone and joint, complicated intra-abdominal and lower respiratory tract infections.
  • Ciprofloxacin injection is also used for nosocomial pneumonia, febrile neutropenia (with piperacillin), anthrax post-exposure, plague, chronic bacterial prostatitis, urinary tract infections and acute sinusitis.
Important instructions
  • Ciprofloxacin injection is given intravenously, every 8 to 12 hours depending on the infection, as directed by the prescriber.
Available strengths 3 strengths
2 mg/mL 200 mg/100 mL 400 mg/200 mL
10 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Ear drops

In the ear
Brands Ciprofloxacin Otic
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Cetraxal is used for acute otitis externa caused by susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Ciprofloxacin Otic is used for acute otitis externa caused by susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus.
Important instructions
  • Cetraxal: one single-use container goes into the affected ear twice daily, about 12 hours apart, for 7 days.
  • Cetraxal: warm the container in your hands for at least 1 minute, then lie with the affected ear up for at least 1 minute after the drops.
  • Ciprofloxacin Otic: one single-dose container goes into the affected ear twice daily for 7 days; discard any unused portion.
Available strengths 1 strength
0.5 mg/0.25 mL
2 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Eye ointment

In the eye
Brands Ciloxan
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Ciloxan ointment is used for bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria.
Important instructions
  • Ciloxan ointment: a ½ inch ribbon is applied into the conjunctival sac three times a day for two days, then twice a day for five days.
Available strengths 1 strength
3 mg/g
1 FDA-listed product record ⓘ

Ciprofloxacin on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Ciprofloxacin appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

49 companies list 185 Ciprofloxacin product records with the FDA, mostly as tablet, eye drops, injection; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1987. Brand names on the directory include Cipro Oral Suspension, Cipro Tablets, Cipro XR Extended-release Tablets and 7 more; the rest are generics.

5
Dose forms ⓘ
49
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
8
Brand names
185
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1987
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (18) · Kit (10) · Crystal (1) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.8%
Bryant Ranch Prepack8%
NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.8%
A-S Medication Solutions7%
Proficient Rx LP5%
Aurobindo Pharma Limited5%
Other makers59%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Ciprofloxacin is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Ciprofloxacin is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Ciprofloxacin is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

959,810
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$11.7M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Ciprofloxacin prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Ciprofloxacin ranks #183 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 89% of them.

Where Ciprofloxacin ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #183 of 1,601
#178 Lisinopril and Hydroch... 999,534 Rx #179 Naloxone 980,072 Rx #180 Oxybutynin 974,653 Rx #181 Naloxone Nasal Spray 970,105 Rx #182 Budesonide 967,284 Rx #183 Ciprofloxacin 959,810 Rx #184 Erythromycin 942,102 Rx #185 Linaclotide 914,996 Rx #186 Iron Sucrose Injection 913,265 Rx #187 Allopurinol 901,974 Rx #188 Ondansetron Injection 901,061 Rx

Utilization by Ciprofloxacin product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 500 mg oral tablet is the most-dispensed Ciprofloxacin product — about 69% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

ciprofloxacin 500 MG Oral Tablet Most dispensed

665,185 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 69% of Ciprofloxacin prescriptions shown $6.2M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $9.33 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 23 of 758 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309309

ciprofloxacin 3 MG/ML Ophthalmic Solution

187,006 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 19% of Ciprofloxacin prescriptions shown $3M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $16 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 6 of 79 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309307

ciprofloxacin 250 MG Oral Tablet

79,173 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 8% of Ciprofloxacin prescriptions shown $657,610 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $8.31 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 8 of 397 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197511

ciprofloxacin 750 MG Oral Tablet

16,420 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 2% of Ciprofloxacin prescriptions shown $203,369 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $12 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 8 of 100 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197512

200 ML ciprofloxacin 2 MG/ML Injection

4,771 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Ciprofloxacin prescriptions shown $341,036 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $71 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 3 of 12 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1665212

ciprofloxacin 50 MG/ML Oral Suspension

3,364 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Ciprofloxacin prescriptions shown $552,709 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $164 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 2 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309308

ciprofloxacin 100 MG/ML Oral Suspension

3,198 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Ciprofloxacin prescriptions shown $531,042 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $166 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 2 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309310

ciprofloxacin 0.003 MG/MG Ophthalmic Ointment

367 Medicaid prescriptions (Q2–Q4 2025) <1% of Ciprofloxacin prescriptions shown $107,609 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $293 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 2 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309306

ciprofloxacin 2 MG/ML Otic Solution

225 Medicaid prescriptions (Q3–Q4 2025) <1% of Ciprofloxacin prescriptions shown $22,789 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $101 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 4 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 848956

100 ML ciprofloxacin 2 MG/ML Injection

101 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Ciprofloxacin prescriptions shown $10,098 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $100 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 3 of 10 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1665210

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Ciprofloxacin, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 55 of 1,366 listed Ciprofloxacin NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Ciprofloxacin products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Ciprofloxacin — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 116 of 185 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 185 Ciprofloxacin NDCs →

Ciprofloxacin recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list 4 Ciprofloxacin recalls since July 2021. Three of them are still ongoing or began in the last six months and are listed first. A recall names specific lots from one company, so check the lot number on your own bottle rather than assuming every product is affected; your pharmacist can check whether your supply came from an affected lot.

Ongoing Class II Mar 11, 2025 · FDC Limited
Defective container: Unable to get the solution out of the bottle as the spike of the cap was lodged in the nozzle of the product bottle
  • Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.3% as base, package in 5 mL bottles, Rx Only, Distributed by: Leading Pharma LLC, Fairfield, NJ. Manufactured by: FDC Limited, Maharashtra, India, NDC 69315-3… Lots: Lot: 084A067, Exp 12/31/2025 FDA record D-0282-2025 →
Ongoing Class II Dec 16, 2024 · FDC Limited
Defective container: Unable to get the solution out of the bottle as the spike of the cap was lodged in the nozzle of the product bottle
  • Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.3% as base, Sterile, package in 5 mL bottles, Rx Only, Distributed by: Leading Pharma LLC, Fairfield, NJ. Manufactured by: FDC Limited, Maharashtra, India, ND… Lots: Lot: 083L111, Exp. 11/30/2025; 084A032, Exp. 12/31/2025 FDA record D-0182-2025 →
Ongoing Class II Jul 23, 2024 · FDC Limited
Defective container: unable to get the solution out of the bottle as the spike of the cap was lodged in the nozzle of the product bottle.
  • Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution USP, 0.3% as base, package in bottles: a) 10 mL (NDC 69315-308-10), b) 2.5 mL (NDC 69315-308-02), Rx Only, Distributed by: Leading Pharma LLC, Fairfield, NJ. Manufac… Lots: Lot#: a) 084C040, Exp 02/28/2026; b) 084A024, Exp12/31/2025. FDA record D-0623-2024 →
Class II Apr 13, 2022 · Terminated · Mckesson Medical-Surgical Inc. Corporate Office
cGMP deviations: Temperature abuse
  • Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution 0.3%, 5 mL bottle, Rx only, MFG: Sandoz Pharma, NDC 61314-656-05 Lots: McKesson Medical-Surgical (MMS) is not able to identify the particular lot number received by a particular consignee for the recalled prescription products. Each letter includes the date it was distributed to customers and the dates that i… FDA record D-1044-2022 →

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Ciprofloxacin RxCUI 2551 7 dose forms · 14 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Extended Release Oral Tablet RxCUI 597445 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 24 HR ciprofloxacin 1000 MG RxCUI 403921 24 HR ciprofloxacin 500 MG RxCUI 359383
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Ophthalmic Ointment RxCUI 376483 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.003 MG/MG RxCUI 309306
  4. Dose form (SCDF) Ophthalmic Solution RxCUI 376202 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 3 MG/ML RxCUI 309307
  5. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Suspension RxCUI 371524 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 50 MG/ML RxCUI 309308 100 MG/ML RxCUI 309310
  6. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 371525 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 100 MG RxCUI 199370 250 MG RxCUI 197511 500 MG RxCUI 309309 750 MG RxCUI 197512
  7. Dose form (SCDF) Otic Solution RxCUI 848955 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 2 MG/ML RxCUI 848956

Look up RxCUI 2551 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Ciprofloxacin costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Sep 30, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Tablet, Film Coated · Oral 500 mg $0.123 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet, Film Coated · Oral 250 mg $0.088 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet, Film Coated · Oral 750 mg $0.250 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet, Coated · Oral 250 mg $0.104 per tablet NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Ciprofloxacin brand names

Ciprofloxacin is sold under 10 brand names in the FDA directory — Cipro Oral Suspension, Cipro Tablets, Cipro XR Extended-release Tablets, Proquin XR Extended-release Tablets and others. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Cipro Oral Suspension Cipro Tablets Cipro XR Extended-release Tablets Proquin XR Extended-release Tablets Ciloxan Cipro Proquin Cetraxal Ciprofloxacin in Dextrose Ciprofloxacin Otic

Who makes Ciprofloxacin: manufacturers and labelers

49 companies list Ciprofloxacin products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bryant Ranch Prepack, NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 15 Bryant Ranch Prepack 14 NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. 14 A-S Medication Solutions 13 Proficient Rx LP 10 Aurobindo Pharma Limited 9 Direct_Rx 7 Asclemed USA, Inc. 6 Chartwell RX, LLC. 5 Northwind Health Company, LLC 5 Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. 5 Remedyrepack Inc. 5 Redpharm Drug 5 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. 4 Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. 4 Hawaii Repack, Inc. 4 Amneal Pharmaceuticals NY LLC 3 Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC 3 Carlsbad Technology, Inc. 3 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 3 Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. 3 St. Mary's Medical Park Pharmacy 3 Umasuto, LLC 3 Westminster Pharmaceuticals, LLC 3

…and 25 more on the FDA NDC directory.

Ciprofloxacin drug class (RxNorm)

Ciprofloxacin belongs to the Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial class.

Pharmacologic class Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial
Drug family (ATC) Fluoroquinolones, Fluoroquinolones, Antiinfectives
How it works Cytochrome P450 1A2 Inhibitors

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Ciprofloxacin page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Mar 2, 2026
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Ciprofloxacin.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Ciprofloxacin after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
152
Finished products in the current FDA directory
185
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
49
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
56
Linked representative label ⓘ
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Linked label effective
Mar 2, 2026
Composite sections available
25
Linked SPL Set ID
888dc7f9-ad9c-4c00-8d50-8ddfd9bd27c0
Linked SPL Document ID
1b112839-6cf0-466a-9188-86fc5b1549f9
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →