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Ciprofloxacin User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Cipro, Cipro I.V., Cipro XR, Cipro Cystitis Pack

Ciprofloxacin has an average rating of 5.0 out of 10 from a total of 916 reviews on Drugs.com. 38% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 46% reported a negative experience.

Condition Avg. Rating Reviews Compare
Urinary Tract Infection  
4.9
394 reviews for Urinary Tract Infection 197 medications
Bladder Infection  
5.0
122 reviews for Bladder Infection 81 medications
Prostatitis  
4.0
84 reviews for Prostatitis 49 medications
Kidney Infections  
4.6
80 reviews for Kidney Infections 94 medications
Bacterial Infection  
5.7
72 reviews for Bacterial Infection 176 medications
Sinusitis  
6.9
42 reviews for Sinusitis 250 medications
Diverticulitis  
4.6
42 reviews for Diverticulitis 43 medications
Bronchitis  
5.7
24 reviews for Bronchitis 290 medications
Salmonella Gastroenteritis  
3.8
8 reviews for Salmonella Gastroenteritis 9 medications
Skin or Soft Tissue Infection  
6.0
7 reviews for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection 164 medications
Traveler's Diarrhea  
10.0
6 reviews for Traveler's Diarrhea 79 medications
Epididymitis, Sexually Transmitted  
5.4
5 reviews for Epididymitis, Sexually Transmitted 34 medications
Typhoid Fever  
9.5
5 reviews for Typhoid Fever 11 medications
Pneumonia  
3.6
5 reviews for Pneumonia 189 medications
Infectious Diarrhea  
5.0
4 reviews for Infectious Diarrhea 3 medications
Intraabdominal Infection  
1.3
3 reviews for Intraabdominal Infection 59 medications
Bone infection  
8.3
3 reviews for Bone infection 66 medications
Skin and Structure Infection  
5.5
2 reviews for Skin and Structure Infection 78 medications
Tuberculosis, Active  
10.0
1 reviews for Tuberculosis, Active 30 medications
Surgical Prophylaxis  
1.0
1 reviews for Surgical Prophylaxis 52 medications
Pneumonia with Cystic Fibrosis  
9.0
1 reviews for Pneumonia with Cystic Fibrosis 13 medications
Anthrax  
9.0
1 reviews for Anthrax 28 medications
Infection Prophylaxis  
1.0
1 reviews for Infection Prophylaxis 24 medications
Cholera  
10.0
1 reviews for Cholera 20 medications
Crohn's Disease, Active  Off-label
10.0
1 reviews for Crohn's Disease, Active 38 medications
Gonococcal Infection, Uncomplicated  
8.0
1 reviews for Gonococcal Infection, Uncomplicated 62 medications
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Reviews for Ciprofloxacin

  • HL33
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 31, 2020

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Prescribed Cipro every 12 hours for a urinary infection, but only took 3 doses as my side effect felt terrible. I had the worse headache I’ve ever felt. IT felt like there was so much pressure in my head that it could explode. My muscles started to ache and my body would tingle. I had absolutely no energy, and felt like my brain wasn’t even working, and like I was in a different body. Complete disconnect from reality. Troubles staying asleep at night, and just laid awake in pain. Back pain, neck stiffness, and my vision blurred. Worst thing I have ever experienced. Called my doctor before I was suppose to take next dose to get something new and instantly felt better. Praying to God this new one works without the side effect as I’m terrified to feel that way ever again."

1 / 10
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  • Charl...
  • July 6, 2016

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "6-8 years ago, I used to have a UTI every other month. Cipro was my go-to because I'm allergic to most others. It always worked. Haven't had an infection for at least 2-3 years until now- Cipro took care of it 100% in 3 days. It isn't easy on the digestive system, and definitely have to follow all instructions on bottle (don't take with calcium, or before anything fortified with vitamins &minerals and stay out of the sun!), but it works! The things I did to stop getting uti's: no baths, only showers; urinate before and after sex, lots of water and not too many caffeinated drinks, don't try to "hold it" (if you gotta go, then go!). Taking cranberry daily is helpful also."

9 / 10
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217 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 16, 2020

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "At 52 got my first UTI and I can say it was absolutely awful; ended up in ER because symptoms seemed to come fast and severe. Was prescribed 500 mg ciproflaxen 2X a day for 7 days. Within 4 hours I started to feel better. Pain and urgency to urinate decreased dramatically. (Thought it was in my head....how could it work so fast?). No side effects. Rarely on antibiotics which is maybe why it works so well for me."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Anonymous
  • June 8, 2016

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I had no side effects and it cleared up my infection well! Scary reviews can scare you but don't ever forget YOUR body is different than someone else's therefore drugs can effect you differently than someone else."

10 / 10
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189 Report
  • Sonia...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 6, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "NO ONE SHOULD BE GIVEN THIS MEDICATION CIPROFLOXACIN UNLESS IT IS A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION! Horrible drug! I was given this medication 10 months ago for a simple UTI from kidney stones and my life is a complete nightmare now. It has put me in constant debilitating nerve pain, caused severe muscle atrophy, and central nervous system issues. I can no longer drive a car, or even sit more than a few minutes, cannot walk without tremors or risk of falling, it damaged my knees and caused severe spine pain, anxiety, insomnia, and dizziness. It has stolen my life. At 54 years old my independence is completely gone! They list these side effects as rare but there are hundreds of thousands of us out here with the same heartbreaking story..."

1 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Del
  • February 12, 2017

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I had a mild UTI that I was trying to treat naturally, but it didn't go away. So, I was forced to try an antibiotic. I was prescribed Cipro for 5 days. I had no side effects at all and felt 100% by day 3. I continued taking them through the 5th day even though all symptoms were already gone."

10 / 10
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  • ajmar
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 28, 2014

For Bladder Infection "I took Cipro (500mg 2x/day) for a bladder infection and the only side effect I got was some drowsiness. A few days into taking it, I made the mistake of reading medication reviews and I thought for sure it was going to slowly kill me. Well, I don't know if any other side effects are going to creep up on me in the future, but I can assure you that the actual course of medicine worked just the way it was supposed to, with no serious side effects. The conclusion--there are either a ton of people with pyschosomatic tendencies or I am some sort of anomaly."

8 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Mom...
  • October 16, 2019

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Hi I just read mom of 4 and I also have had a UTI for 8 months straight. I have been in 8 rounds of antibiotics and nothing is completely ridding me of my UTI I did a CT scan and MRI and blood work and all is clear. I’m on cipro again and this round also seems to not be working. Is this the end where you just have a UTI till you get sepsis or an antibiotic resistant infection? Is there hope?"

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  • Mamaw...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 7, 2014

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I've been suffering from urinary tract infections for most of my adult life. The first Dr that prescribed Cipro for me was a "Saint"! Nothing else works for me like it. I take 500mg twice a day for a week to 10 days. I insist on this medication. I've never had any issues with any side effects... Only amazing relief! I'm now in my late 60's and I still take this when I have a UTI."

10 / 10
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  • Skipp...
  • February 3, 2015

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Wow, many of your reviews are very helpful. I am a vibrant, healthy & semi-athletic post-menopausal female. I ignored symptoms which were later diagnosed as CTI; acute abdomen pressure, urge to urinate every few minutes with pulsing and finally, bloody urine. Cipro worked for me within the 1st 24 hrs ...500 mg 2x p/day for 5 days... No side effects, only relief..."

9 / 10
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150 Report
  • Dreaa...
  • January 4, 2016

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I was suffering from a UTI for over 2 weeks. Burning had stopped but was loosing my mind over how severe the urgency was. I got prescribed macrobid, after 4 days of no relief I went to the ER and got prescribed Cipro 500mg two times a day for 5 days. I took my second pill and my symptoms are 98% gone. The only side effect was a bit of anxiety after the first pill. But, this could've been because I had read so many scary reviews. I'm truly grateful for this drug. I was sleepless and restless to the point of depression. So happy something is finally helping!"

10 / 10
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130 Report
  • Tommy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 2, 2020

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Cipro was very effective in treating my bladder infection after another antibiotic failed to work at all. Within 24 hours my fever and pain had subsided and I was feeling much better. Cipro works great!"

10 / 10
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  • PES
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 4, 2019

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Diverticulitis "DO NOT TAKE THIS POISON! I was given Cipro for Diverticulitis 2 years ago. Please read every precaution & side effect of this drug. It effects your DNA, and never leaves your body. My right leg went into a spasm, I couldn't walk for over a month.! The tendons and ligaments in my ankles, knees, thumbs, neck and back started cracking , which has caused a crippling affect to this day. All the toes in my left foot are numb. It has changed my life and I still have depressing days. My advice is never take this drug, you will never be the same! Just research Floxie Hope to see how many others have been affected"

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 10, 2012

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Prostatitis "Very discouraged after taking 10 days of Sulfa and 2 weeks of Doxycycline that my family doctor prescribed. Symptoms got better but never went away. Went to a Urologist and he said his first choice is definitely Cipro. Also said that Doxy is a "static" drug and WILL NOT kill the bacteria, it will only stop replication. Cipro kills it. I've also searched the web up and down for answers and almost all say it takes 4-6 weeks of taking a Cipro related drug. Finishing up week 6 of Cipro and all my symptoms are GONE and feel normal again! Going to take another week to be on the safe side. Give this time to work...it's not an overnight fix. Frustrating, but true. Also, no side effects either."

10 / 10
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  • Saman...
  • May 22, 2015

For Sinusitis "I had a very bad sinus infection and was treated with Bactrim. That didn't work so my ENT prescribed Cipro. Yes, it's a strong drug but within 2 days I felt better. And let me tell you, I was very sick. I don't have any side effects yet, it's been four days (2x day). I want to recommend to folks who are looking at everyone's comments that most people who have had good experience with this drug don't post anything. So make your own decisions and don't be dissuaded from trying this drug."

10 / 10
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  • Katie...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 15, 2017

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I was panicked reading all these reviews but it worked great for me and got rid of my Uti after 3 other useless antibiotics. Bit of usual antibiotic side effects eg stomach pain but nothing really bad and nothing that lasted."

10 / 10
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108 Report
  • Rusty
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 14, 2020

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Cipro was terrible. Was given an 8 day supply for an UTI and started having sharp joint/leg pain on day 6. For the next 15 days I have problems walking because the pain. I will never take it again!"

1 / 10
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69 Report
  • thorn...
  • March 13, 2009

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Used ciprofloxacin frequently for several years for chronic urinary tract infections. Ended up with painful urination frequently. After much money spent on tests for bladder cancer, I discovered that blood in the urine is a rare, but serious, side effect of Ciprofloxacin. So all those times I thought I had a bladder infection, I had a ciprofloxacin induced condition. Blood (not usually visible to the naked eye) in urine, but makes urinating very painful nonetheless. A word to the wise. We consumers have to do our own research on side effects."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 10, 2015

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I am reading the comments and I am really surprised at how long and at how high a dosage some people with urinary tract infections are reporting. I went to the doctor this morning because I have a UTI, but I was given 6 Cipro pills, each 250 mg to be taken twice a day. From what I understand, most doctors will try this 3 day fix and not put you on an extended dose. I am reading comments that some people are on for 10 days. I am all for stamping out an infection, but I want to do it with as little medication as possible. So far so good. Who knows, I might need a new prescription but for now I am hoping that this modest approach of a 3 day treatment will do the trick."

9 / 10
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  • Luciddd
  • August 22, 2020

For Kidney Infections "I am having Urinary Tract Infections, so normally I’m experiencing lower back pain or should I say kidney pain. The doctor prescribed me a Ciprofloxacin. It’s been 3 days taking those drugs, still I felt this kidney pain on my right. Is it normal? When will it stop aching while taking this antibiotics?"

1 / 10
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60 Report
  • Sir...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 26, 2018

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I get UTI's about once a year (bad enough to cause bleeding). I go to Urgent Care and get Cipro. It works wonders. Within 3-4 hours after taking only one pill the urgency and burning sensations are reduced to a bearable level. After 2 or 3 pills everything feels like normal again. Cipro is great forme. Unfortunately not everyone reacts the same to medications, it might be the worst thing ever for some people, but I've never had any adverse reactions to Cipro."

10 / 10
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  • legab...
  • October 16, 2010

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Bladder Infection "Cipro is magical when it comes to bladder infections. Please do not drink milk and please make sure you eat a cracker, a piece of bread or other food prior to taking this medication. It is by far the strongest and most effective for severe bladder infections. Within just hours you no longer feel that constant annoying urgency to urinate and the pain of the oncoming infection lessens the first day of taking Cipro. And, lastly, however most importantly, do not have intercourse for at least a week or longer."

9 / 10
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145 Report
  • GoGreen
  • July 13, 2013

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Worked wonderfully. Was on Bactrim for a week with no relief, but after my first pill of Cipro I felt 100 times better and was sleeping through the night. On my fourth day of taking and no side effects and feeling awesome."

10 / 10
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121 Report
  • Izo
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 5, 2023

For Prostatitis "Look, if you need to take this antibiotic, don’t hesitate. The reason why the antibiotic is rated so low is because people who take this antibiotic and have no major side effects don’t leave reviews. I let reviews like this scare me into not taking it, and little did I know I did more harm to myself by not taking the antibiotic earlier. I’m currently taking it and have experienced no major side effects. Just make sure your body has no nutrient deficiency, e.g. magnesium/potassium, if you plan to take it long term. Hope this helps."

8 / 10
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  • Review
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 16, 2013

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for Kidney Infections "I have chronic urinary tract infections. Every time I know one is coming on, I go to my doctor and this is what is prescribed. This last urinary tract infection I couldn't get treated because I have no insurance and didn't have the money for the office visit. so I tried to wait it out or flush it with water. It eventually turned to a Kidney Infection and I was put on this medication. It does the trick within a day every time."

10 / 10
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118 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.