Ciprofloxacin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2018

Ciprofloxacin for Sinusitis "Pros: Noticed great improvement of my symptoms after only 24 hours and continued to get better each day. Cons: After the second dose, started to have loose bowel and stomach pain. Also experienced nightmares and severe insomnia. By the third day, 6th dose, the side effects were much too severe to continue this antibiotic."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2013

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've been on ciprofloxacin for two days now, it's a total of three days' worth of antibiotic. This is my first time taking it, and it seems to have cleared up the main reason I got prescribed the medicine, but the side effects are unbearable most of the time. Long bouts of nausea that come out of nowhere at random times, pain and tightness in my sternum, painful gas, and soft stools numerous times a day, and just an all-around feeling of bad to the point where I may not take my last dose because I'm afraid I will be up again half the night with discomfort. I've been on other antibiotics before, but I've never had this many side effects. I suppose it may help some people without the side effects, it just depends on how your body handles it."

• Pea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2019

For Crohn's Disease, Active "I have Crohn's disease. I sometimes get intestinal infections. I cannot take Flagyl, but I can take Cipro. Cipro always helps clear up my intestinal infections. I don't get sick, dizzy, diarrhea, or any side effects. It's too bad it makes some people sick because it has great potential for killing many bacteria."

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2017

For Sinusitis "Where do I begin? I took it for a sinus infection and not the recommended twice daily, but only once per day because I couldn't tolerate it more than that. My face and body felt like it was on fire, and my skin coloring was red like I was burning up on the outside and inside. I had nausea, diarrhea, ear and throat itching, mind alteration (couldn't comprehend things like normal), skin puffiness/swelling, stomach pain, taste distortion, high pulse rate, dizziness, fatigue, weight gain, decrease in appetite, frequent burning urination, and even a stuffier nose than when I started it. Now it is in my chest and in my nasal cavities. I just want to feel better. This is awful!!!!"

• sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I went to the doctor for simple gas pains. Bladder was checked and bowels were checked. No blood was found. Was sent for an immediate blood test which showed signs of infection. Was prescribed Cipro and Flagyl and was sent for barium for CT scan of the abdomen the next morning. The barium produced severe diarrhea, but CT showed acute inflammation of the colon. I took the Cipro and Flagyl and was nauseated and had diarrhea for 7 days. I finished the Flagyl, but had 3 more days of Cipro to go. On the 8th day, the nausea and weakness were so bad along with back pain and joint pain. I couldn't take it anymore, so I quit the Cipro 2 days early. 24 hours later, I resumed my multivitamins and Simvastatin and had a little diarrhea, but it has stopped now."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2020

For Prostatitis "I was prescribed “Ciprofloxacin” for 4 weeks due to prostatitis 3 years ago. I was told by my GP it would give me “diarrhea!” and I had to take probiotics to soothe my stomach. I can remember having stomach cramps while taking the medication, as well as nausea, but it wasn’t too bad at all."

• Eur...
• September 15, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have IBS, and many antibiotics cause terrible bowel issues like bloating and runs. I am also in a wheelchair, which makes it difficult to manage. In my recent memory, I think Cipro is my best-tolerated antibiotic so far. I get UTI 2-3 times a year and have ended up in an emergency room by ambulance, which can be the worst part of a UTI emergency for me. I now face another possible UTI and need to consider my best options to treat it comfortably and safely."

• Mom...
• November 10, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Couldn't open my hand; swelling on part of the hand; extreme tiredness; vomiting and diarrhea last day; some ringing in the ears; had back pain after finishing - hard to get up from a low seat, wonder if it's related to the medicine? Wouldn't recommend this medicine for anyone and feel it should be taken off the market."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2017

Ciprofloxacin for Prostatitis "30-day prescription up to 60. After the first week of mild nausea and mild diarrhea, I developed a weird tightness in my right hip, severe tennis elbow, and weird pain/headache behind my left eye for 2-3 days, bloating, some nights unable to sleep due to insomnia and tremors/weird body vibrations. Mornings were hell due to my coffee drinking and the foggy brain. Do not drink coffee while taking this! 3 weeks after stopping, I still have some prostatitis symptoms but have greatly improved. However, the side effects from the med of muscle tightness, brain fog, foot pain, hip pain, back tightness, lack of appetite, and fatigue still remain but seem to be subsiding a bit. I wish the docs would explain the meds they prescribe, but I don't think they really know!"

• Anonymous
• July 28, 2011

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Cipro for a treatment of 7 days, two a day every 12 hours. I'm on the 4th day, I woke up feeling extremely sick. I've felt physically ill. I don't even think I can take anymore, I've felt terrible while on this. I just got diarrhea today. I've had back and flank pain, nausea, trouble eating, and a general tired feeling since the day I started. The infection is cleared up though, no urinary tract infection symptoms at all while urinating. The side effects are horrible though, I can't even finish them."

• One...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "Prescribed for 10 days for a UTI, took about 5-6 days to actually start working for me. Had diarrhea (common side effect with all antibiotics), but went away sooner than expected. No other negative side effects."

• No ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2017

For Prostatitis "Was prescribed this medicine for my own self-diagnosis of prostatitis since I told my doctor that my symptoms related mainly to it, so he called me in cipro without any further testing. Don't remember the dose, but I think 250-500 mg twice a day for two weeks. At first, I felt fine until like 5 days into it I got diarrhea, sharp stomach pains, headaches, dizziness, itching, or pin-like feelings, and today I called and asked if I could stop it because of the nausea, and I can't sleep well, and it makes me feel weak. So I've officially stopped it. Had feelings of anxiety as well. First time taking it, and I hope I don't have to ever again."

• Ile...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I started taking the ciprofloxacin and was very sick within hours of the first dose: nauseous, dizzy, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and stopped taking it but still very sick with flu-like symptoms! I do not recommend this antibiotic to anyone!"

• scr...
• February 1, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed 500 mg, twice a day, for 3 days. I took the first pill and the second pill 12 hours later. I was able to eat and drink plenty of water. I felt awesome, and my minor UTI felt 100% better. I got to work, ate soup, came home after taking the 3rd pill, and began to have extreme stomach pain 2 hours later. I then began to have diarrhea, and then I started vomiting everything I had eaten that day. I tried drinking water and ginger ale to calm my stomach and keep liquids in, and whatever I drank I would wind up vomiting it out. It was horrible because I couldn't keep anything down. I couldn't walk and had to crawl around because I was so dizzy. I called the urgent care that prescribed them to me, and they told me to stop taking them. The body chills and aches are affecting me, and I still don't have an appetite. They prescribed me Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin), so we will see how that goes, but I will never take ciprofloxacin again."

• Ish...
• October 30, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "On my second dose of taking this... Worst experience ever... I feel my whole body is swelling and numbness all over my body... I'm so dizzy I can't stand up, diarrhea too... Was rushed to the ER because of this medicine, and they just told me to drink water to flush it out. After 8 hours, I feel better. I won't take this medicine again..."

• Rac...
• August 7, 2022

For Sinusitis "Pros. I found that it worked quickly, and with one day of taking it, I felt so much better. One of the fastest-working antibiotics I've had because amoxicillin and co-amoxiclav stopped working for me. Cons. Makes you feel like rubbish, bad stomach, the runs, and low energy. If you get a lower-graded antibiotic and it works for you, stick to that as long as you can. Unfortunately, I have immunity to most antibiotics, so it's the only one I can have."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2021

Ciprofloxacin for Sinusitis "I was prescribed the Cipro tablets for 10 days for a resistant bacterial sinusitis infection. The medication did work in clearing the infection when the other 2 medications previously had failed. While on Cipro, I experienced extreme nightmares, very disturbing dreams, and sleep interruptions. I experienced a continual bitter taste in my mouth. I experienced abdominal discomfort, IBS, and diarrhea. I also experienced ringing in my ears/tinnitus at the time of taking Cipro and ever since, which is a time span from 2009 to 2021. I have permanent damage to my hearing and quality of life since taking this drug."

• Rac...
• August 27, 2022

Ciprofloxacin for Sinusitis "After having amoxicillin and co-amoxiclav, which did not touch the chronic sinus issues I have, I was given Cipro. Due to the fact that I am immune to antibiotics and usually I'm into week, my symptoms are getting worse because none of the antibiotics I have been given by a GP have worked. Cipro is the only one I find helpful, 250 mg was given to me this time because I've had many other antibiotics that have not worked at all. Also, I have taken it for an ear infection when nothing else has worked. I find it good, it can take sometimes over 5 days to work, but I am usually given 10 days' worth. It's a hard antibiotic to get because no one likes giving it to you, but because I'm a complicated case, I have been given it. I would say try it because every antibiotic has side effects. After all, it's just what they do. I get diarrhea, that is it-nothing that is intolerable to a bad extent."

• GIP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2022

For Diverticulitis "Given Cipro and Flagyl for diverticulitis flare-ups. Always works, i.e., prevents further progression or perforation but screws with your system. Leaves me flu-like with bad diarrhea and totally incontinent, in diapers for usually a week."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2022

For Sinusitis "I’m allergic to most antibiotics. Cipro is the only one I can take without severe side effects off and on for 20 years. The only side effect for me over the years - with never more than 10 days at a time prescription - is a very mild stomach ache. Almost all other antibiotics make me feverish, very dizzy and lightheaded, give me hives, cause facial swelling, make me feel hot then get chills, cause diarrhea, nausea, sometimes debilitating fatigue. … I have used Cipro for UTIs and currently sinusitis. It’s a lifesaver with hardly noticeable side effects for me, who had a very sensitive system and rarely takes medication."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2010

Ciprofloxacin "After 5 days on Cipro for a urinary tract infection (allergic to sulfa, Keflex, Macrodantin), I finished the 5 days prescribed, then began to feel awful, severe joint pain in wrists, back, and neck. I had painful deep breaths and general overall aching. I had some diarrhea and abdominal pain. Bladder infection is better."

• Cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Ciprofloxacin to take for 5 days. I took the first pill with dinner, and by the next morning, I was feeling 100%. I had no real major side effects. I took a probiotic twice a day a couple of hours after taking the Cipro to avoid any yeast infection, diarrhea/upset stomach. I was a little bit drowsy for the first few days, but not to the point where I couldn’t function. Just make sure you drink lots of water and take it with a good meal and no dairy for a couple of hours after taking it."

• Anonymous
• February 10, 2022

For Pneumonia "After 10 days of taking this drug, I had EXPLOSIVE diarrhea in the doctor's office. My body was covered with itching hives and I ended up in the hospital for 5 days. The hospitalist was so dumb he couldn't figure out he should check the meds I was taking, and therefore the result of my problem was never realized until I went home and did my own research. I found it was on the FDA black label warning list, and I was never told by the primary or the pharmacist. I never would have approved taking this deadly drug. I should have had the ability to decide to take it or not. And yet it is still on the market. I'll never take this again or anything with a black label warning, and I check every Rx I'm given. There are many drugs for pneumonia and UTI. It may take a couple days longer to cure, but not near the deadly side effects Cipro puts in your system, which also lives with you much longer than any of us want. Stay away from this drug. Beware, you may have no problems the first time using it, but take my word, it'll get ya."

• Cia...
• February 10, 2017

For Infectious Diarrhea "If you get watery diarrhea while taking this medication, see your doctor immediately. I tend to ignore physical problems, so I don't know how long I had C. diff before it was diagnosed. I do know it took well over a year to beat C. diff, and I don't want anyone to go through that. C. diff is not caused by any antibiotic, but some antibiotics help it get serious. (I probably was exposed in a hospital.) It doesn't always respond to treatment. After several hospitalizations for dehydration and hypokalemia, I was put on several IV antibiotics. I don't like to take antibiotics, and I really didn't like IV antibiotics. If your doctor says you have C. diff, ask all the questions that come to mind. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly."

• Jaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2017

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I'm giving this medicine a rating of 4 out of 10. I was prescribed this when I went to the doctor with a horrible ear infection. The right side of my face was swollen and my ear was almost swollen shut! I had already felt dizzy and nauseous because of my ear infection, so when it continued, I just thought it was my ear infection. My ear infection cleared up and I still had a day left of the meds. As soon as I took my morning dose, I got extremely nauseous and shaky. I do not recommend these to anyone. I've never had an antibiotic make me feel this sick. I even tried taking it with food, and it still didn't help. I've also been extremely bloated and have had diarrhea since I started taking it. I know everyone is different, but this is horrible."