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Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic

Ciprofloxacin (UTI/Prostatitis)

Brand names: Ciproxin

Ciprofloxacin is an oral and intravenous fluoroquinolone antibiotic; here it is used for complicated UTI and acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis owing to its good prostatic and urinary tissue penetration. Its use is now restricted to situations where other antibiotics are unsuitable.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, blocking DNA replication and causing bacterial death, with broad Gram-negative activity including many uropathogens.

Prescribing in practice

  • Following MHRA warnings, reserve fluoroquinolones for when alternatives cannot be used, and stop at the first sign of tendon pain, neuropathy, or serious psychiatric reactions because some effects can be long-lasting or irreversible.
  • It prolongs the QT interval and interacts with multivalent cation antacids, dairy, and other agents that reduce its absorption or compound toxicity.
  • Avoid concurrent NSAIDs where possible and use caution in those at risk of aortic aneurysm or seizures per the SPC.

Monitoring

Monitor for tendon, neurological, and psychiatric adverse effects clinically and review blood glucose in those at risk of dysglycaemia.

Counselling the patient

  • Stop and seek advice immediately if you develop tendon pain or swelling, pins and needles, or marked mood changes.
  • Separate doses from indigestion remedies, dairy, and iron or calcium supplements.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure as the skin may become more sensitive.

Evidence & guidelines

Long-established efficacy in complicated UTI and bacterial prostatitis, with its place in therapy now constrained by regulatory safety reviews.

Reference: MHRA Drug Safety Update 2019; NICE NG112; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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