Ciprofloxacin

Complicated UTIs, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, GI infections (including traveller’s diarrhoea), bone and joint infections, and anthrax prophylaxis.

Ciprofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication. It has excellent oral bioavailability (almost as good as IV) and penetrates well into bone, prostate and other difficult-to-reach tissues.

Adults only (avoid in children - risk to developing cartilage). MHRA restrictions: only use when other antibiotics are unsuitable, due to risk of tendon damage, neuropathy and aortic aneurysm. Avoid in epilepsy (lowers seizure threshold). Do not use with theophylline or tizanidine.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Ciprofloxacin from £20.99 per course.

Common: diarrhoea, nausea, rash, abdominal discomfort. Amoxicillin/co-amoxiclav: common rash (especially with viral infections). Metronidazole: metallic taste, nausea. Doxycycline: photosensitivity, oesophageal irritation. Rare but serious: Clostridium difficile colitis (persistent diarrhoea), anaphylaxis (penicillins), tendon damage (ciprofloxacin).

Penicillin allergy: do not take amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or flucloxacillin. Ciprofloxacin: avoid in tendon disorders, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis. Metronidazole: avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after. Doxycycline: avoid in children under 12 (teeth staining).

Metronidazole: severe reaction with alcohol (disulfiram-like). Warfarin: many antibiotics alter INR - more frequent monitoring needed. Ciprofloxacin: avoid dairy, calcium, iron, and antacids within 2 hours. Oral contraceptives: no evidence that most antibiotics reduce efficacy (except rifampicin).

Penicillins (amoxicillin, flucloxacillin): generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Metronidazole: avoid in 1st trimester if possible. Doxycycline/lymecycline: contraindicated in pregnancy (teeth/bone effects). Ciprofloxacin: avoid (joint cartilage risk). Nitrofurantoin: avoid at term (neonatal haemolysis). Trimethoprim: avoid in 1st trimester (folate antagonist).

MHRA warnings: risk of disabling, long-lasting or potentially irreversible tendon damage, neuropathy and CNS effects. Stop immediately if you develop tendon pain, numbness/tingling or confusion. Avoid heavy exercise during treatment. Take 2 hours apart from calcium, iron, zinc or antacids (they reduce absorption). Causes sun sensitivity. Stay well-hydrated.