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Ciprofloxacin dosage, forms, and strengths

Medically reviewed by  Temitope Oyeleke, Pharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist
Updated Sep 13, 2021  •  Published Aug 11, 2021
Fact Checked

Ciprofloxacin (brand names: Cipro and Cipro XR) is a broad-spectrum prescription antibiotic meant to treat various types of bacterial infections. It is in a drug class known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which are derived from quinolones. It works by inhibiting DNA gyrase, an enzyme that allows bacteria to reproduce. Ciprofloxacin is typically taken by mouth in tablet or liquid form, but can also be given via injection (IV) or administered into the eye or ear.

Some common side effects while taking ciprofloxacin include GI symptoms, headaches, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and photosensitivity (heightened sensitivity to sunlight). Serious side effects include peripheral neuropathy, tendinitis, tendon rupture, arrhythmia, QT interval prolongation, jaundice, and allergic reactions.

Use the following ciprofloxacin dosage guide to find the standard dosing for your age and health condition.

RELATED: What is ciprofloxacin? | Ciprofloxacin discounts

Ciprofloxacin forms and strengths

Ciprofloxacin is prescribed by a healthcare professional to treat many types of bacterial infections. It may be taken by mouth, injection, in the eye or ear for one to 30 days.

  • Immediate-release tablets: 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg

  • Extended-release tablets: 500 mg, 1000 mg

  • Oral suspension: 250 mg per 5 mL, 500 mg per 5 mL

  • Injection: Various

  • Ophthalmic drops: 0.3%

  • Otic drops: 0.2%

Ciprofloxacin dosage for adults

Ciprofloxacin is FDA-approved for bacterial infections including: 

The recommended dose varies based on the type of infection and whether the patient has underlying medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease.

Ciprofloxacin dosage chart
Indication Starting dosage Standard dosage (oral) Standard dosage (IV) Maximum dosage
Bacterial infection 250 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours 250-750 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours N/A 750 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours
Urinary tract infection (UTI) 250 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 3 days 250 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 3 days 200 to 400 mg IV every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days 500 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 7-14 days
Complicated UTIs 250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days  Or  1,000 mg XR orally once daily for 7 to 14 days 200 to 400 mg IV every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days
Gonorrhea N/A 250 mg orally as a single dose N/A N/A
Intra-abdominal infections 400 mg IV every 12 hours 500 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 7-14 days (oral step-down therapy) N/A N/A
Bone/joint Infections 500 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 4-8 weeks 500-750 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 4-8 weeks 400 mg IV every 8 to 12 hours for 4 to 8 weeks 750 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 4-8 weeks
Prostatitis  N/A 500 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 28 days 400 mg IV every 12 hours for 28 days N/A
Sinusitis N/A 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 days 400 mg IV every 12 hours N/A
Bronchitis N/A 500 to 750 mg orally every 12 hours for 5 to 7 days to 14 days 400 mg IV every 8 to 12 hours for 5 to 7 - 14 days N/A
Pneumonia, Community-acquired or Noscomial N/A 500 to 750 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 - 14 days 400 mg IV every 8 hours for 7 - 14 days N/A
Hospital or ventilator-acquired pneumonia N/A N/A 400 mg IV every 8 hours for 7 days N/A
Skin infections/ diabetic foot ulcer N/A 500 to 750 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days 400 mg IV every 8 to 12 hours for 7 to 14 days N/A
Surgical incision site infections N/A 750 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days 400 mg IV every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days N/A
Animal bite wounds N/A 500 to 750 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days 400 mg IV every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days N/A
Necrotizing infections a.k.a. flesh-eating bacteria N/A N/A 400 mg IV every 12 hours  N/A
Anthrax post-exposure Prophylaxis N/A 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 60 days after exposure 400 mg IV every 12 hours for 60 days after exposure 500 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 60 days
Typhoid fever N/A 500 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 5 to 7 days 15 to 20 mg/kg/day IV divided twice daily for 10 to 14 days N/A
Acute salmonellosis 500 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours x 5 -7 days 500-750 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 5 -7 days 400 mg IV every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days 750 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 5 -7 days
Shigellosis, Campylobacteriosis N/A 500 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 5 to 7 days 400 mg IV every 12 hours N/A
Plague infection or post-exposure prophylaxis 500 to 750 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days or until 2 days after fever subsides 400 mg IV every 8 to 12 hours for 10 to 14 days or until 2 days after fever subsides
Ear Infections N/A 0.25 mL in ear(s) every 12 hours for 7 days N/A N/A
Bacterial Conjunctivitis N/A 1- 2 drops in the eye(s) every 2 hours while awake for 2 days, then every 4 hours for 5 days N/A N/A
Corneal ulcer N/A 2 drops in the eye(s) every 15 minutes for 6 hours, then every 30 minutes for 18 hours, then every 1 hour for 1 day, then every 4 hours for 12 days N/A N/A

Ciprofloxacin dosage for urinary tract infection

Ciprofloxacin is approved to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Adults may take a 500 mg extended-release tablet by mouth once daily for three days. Alternatively, adults can take a 250 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for three days.

Ciprofloxacin dosage for kidney infections

For acute kidney infections, adults may take a 1,000 mg ER tablet once daily by mouth for seven days. Alternatively, adults may take a 500 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours for seven days. A third option is 400 mg IV every 12 hours for seven days.

For complicated kidney infections, adults can take a 1,000 mg extended-release tablet once daily by mouth for seven to 14 days or a 500 mg tablet by mouth twice daily for seven to 14 days. Another option is 200 to 400 mg IV every 12 hours for seven to fourteen days.

Ciprofloxacin dosage for other bacterial infections

Ciprofloxacin dosage for bacterial infections is dependent on the type and severity of infection. In general, adults may take between 250 to 750 mg tablets by mouth every 12 hours. Alternatively, adults can take 200 to 400 mg IV every 12 hours.

Ciprofloxacin dosage for children

Ciprofloxacin is approved for children, depending on the infection. The pediatric dose is based on weight and indication.

Ciprofloxacin dosage by age and weight
Condition Age Recommended dosage
Urinary tract infections 1-17 years old 20-40 mg/kg/day by mouth every 12 hours
Anthrax, systemic 1 month and older 30 mg/kg/day by IV every 8 hours for at least 2 weeks
Anthrax, cutaneous 1 month and older 30 mg/kg/day by mouth every 12 hours for 7-10 days
Anthrax, post-exposure prophylaxis 1 month and older 30 mg/kg/day by mouth every 12 hours for 60 days
Plague due to Yersinia pestis Birth to 17 years old 15 mg/kg/day by mouth every 8-12 hours for 10-21 days

* Off-label uses of ciprofloxacin in children may include bacterial infections, respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis patients, pneumonia, salmonellosis, shigellosis, typhoid fever, chemo-induced febrile neutropenia, meningococcal prophylaxis, surgical prophylaxis infections.

Ciprofloxacin dosage restrictions

  • Patients with renal disease and a creatinine clearance of 30 to 50 mL/min should take 250 to 500 mg tablet by mouth every 12 hours. 

  • Those with a clearance between 5 to 29 mL/minute should take 250 to 500 mg orally every 18 hours. The limit for the IV formulation is 200 to 400 mg every 18 to 24 hours. 500 mg of the extended-release tablets may also be given orally once daily. A maximum dose of 750 mg by mouth twice daily may be given for serious infections. 

  • Patients on hemodialysis may take 250 to 500 mg by mouth daily. On dialysis days, take ciprofloxacin after completing dialysis for the day. For patients on peritoneal dialysis, take 250-500 mg by mouth daily with a maximum of 750 mg per dose for serious infections.

  • Use caution in patients with liver disease.

  • Ciprofloxacin may worsensymptoms in people with a history of myasthenia gravis, including increased muscle weakness.

  • Other contraindications

Ciprofloxacin dosage for pets

Ciprofloxacin is used off-label to treat bacterial infections including urinary tract infections and skin infections in cats and dogs. It’s generally used as an alternative to enrofloxacin. It’s given by mouth in tablet form or intravenously. Dosing is dependent on the animal’s weight and the condition being treated.

If your pet is treated with ciprofloxacin, avoid certain products or foods containing calcium, magnesium, iron, or aluminum. This may include dairy, antacids, and more. These products interfere with the way this medication is absorbed.

Your pet may experience side effects when taking this drug including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation of the esophagus, nervousness, anxiety, agitation, sleep disturbances, or an allergic reaction. Follow your veterinarian’s guidance in administering this medication to your pet.

How to take ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is taken by mouth in tablet or liquid form. It may also be administered by a trained healthcare professional via injection. It can also be given as drops into the eye or ear. This medication is usually taken once or twice daily but may be taken three times daily for certain infections. Follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider.

Tips for taking ciprofloxacin include:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature and away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any leftover liquid medicine after 14 days.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Take this medicine at the same time each day.

  • You may take this medicine with or without food. Do not take this medicine with only a source of calcium, including milk, yogurt, or juice that contains added calcium. You may have foods or drinks that contain calcium as part of a larger meal.

  • Shake the oral liquid for at least 15 seconds just before each use. The liquid has small beads floating in it. Do not chew the microcapsules when you drink the liquid. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • This medicine should come with a medication guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Ophthalmic route:

  • If you wear soft contacts, take them out before you put the drops in your eyes. You may need to wait at least 15 minutes before you put in your contacts. The eye drops may contain benzalkonium chloride, which can coat soft contact lenses. You may not be able to wear your contacts at all until your infection is gone.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for one minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • To use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for one to two minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

Ciprofloxacin dosage FAQs

Cipro vs. Cipro XR: What’s the difference in doses?

Ciprofloxacin is the generic name for Cipro, which is a medicine that comes in two forms: an immediate-release (IR) form and an extended-release (XR) form. The difference between the two is the rate at which they are released in the body. Cipro XR tablets are formulated to release the drug at a slower rate compared to immediate-release tablets. The IR form can be taken every 12 hours while the XR form can be taken once a day.

How long does it take ciprofloxacin to work?

You may feel better within a few days of beginning treatment with ciprofloxacin. However, it’s important to finish your entire treatment regimen to ensure a full recovery from your infection. Not completing antibiotic treatment can cause a recurrence of infection or increase antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

How long does ciprofloxacin stay in your system?

Ciprofloxacin stays in your system for a few hours to a few days, depending on the dose taken.

What happens if I miss a dose of ciprofloxacin?

If you miss your dose, wait and take it as soon as you remember. However, if that time is close to when you have to take the next dose, skip the missed one and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

How long can you take ciprofloxacin?

The amount of time you take ciprofloxacin depends on the type of infection being treated. For most acute infections, treatment is typically seven to 14 days.

How do I stop taking ciprofloxacin?

It’s not likely to become dependent on ciprofloxacin. Once you finish treatment for your infection, you can stop taking the medication.

What is the maximum dosage for ciprofloxacin?

Maximum dosage is dependent on several factors; however, the standard maximum dosage for healthy adults is 1500 mg per day for immediate release ciprofloxacin; 1000 mg per day for extended-release; 1200 mg per day IV; 1 mg/ear/day for the ear solution; 12 mg/ear for ear suspension; 120 drops/eye/day of ophthalmic solution.

Can you overdose on ciprofloxacin?

It is possible to take too much ciprofloxacin. Signs of overdose include:

  • Nausea and/or vomiting

  • Stomach pain

  • Diarrhea

  • Confusion

  • Dizziness

  • Anxiety

If you believe you have taken too much ciprofloxacin, seek professional medical assistance immediately.

What interacts with ciprofloxacin?

  • Antacids and ulcer medications: Avoid the ulcer medication sucralfate and calcium antacids, such as Tums and Maalox, during treatment with ciprofloxacin. These can decrease the absorption of ciprofloxacin if taken simultaneously.

  • Warfarin: Ciprofloxacin interacts with warfarin (a blood thinner). Taking these medications together may cause a serious adverse reaction and bleeding.

  • Theophylline: Ciprofloxacin can increase the amount of theophylline in the blood which can lead to life-threatening adverse reactions.

  • Glyburide: Ciprofloxacin can increase the amount of glyburide in the blood, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Blood glucose should be monitored closely if taking these medications together.

  • NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen should not be taken with ciprofloxacin due to the increased risk of serious central nervous system (CNS) effects and seizures. 

Drug interactions are possible when taking ciprofloxacin. Dairy products should be avoided during treatment due to their effects on the way ciprofloxacin is absorbed by the body. Some medications that interact with this drug include:

Other medications that may interact with ciprofloxacin include cisapride, eliglustat, flibanserin, lomitapide, lonafarnib, pimozide, methotrexate, thioridazine, phenytoin, didanosine, and tizanidine.

What happens when you mix ciprofloxacin and alcohol?

Mixing alcohol with ciprofloxacin may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is best to avoid alcohol while taking ciprofloxacin.

Is it safe to take ciprofloxacin during pregnancy?

Ciprofloxacin may be used during pregnancy when the benefit outweighs the risk. No human or animal data shows that ciprofloxacin causes birth defects; however, there is also no data showing that it doesn’t cause birth defects. Keep in mind that just because a medicine is safe to take one pregnancy does not always mean it’s safe for every other pregnancy. Always check with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant while taking ciprofloxacin.

Breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking ciprofloxacin while nursing. Ciprofloxacin is present in human breast milk after intravenous and oral administration. It is unknown how much of the medication is passed through breast milk. If taken, avoid breastfeeding or discard pumped milk during treatment and for up to two days after discontinuing the medication. If ciprofloxacin is taken while breastfeeding, the infant should be monitored for signs of altered gastrointestinal flora, as there is a risk for C.Difficile infection. Monitor the infant for signs of stomach discomfort, diaper rash, thrush, and diarrhea.

Medically reviewed by  Temitope Oyeleke, Pharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist

Temitope (Temi) Oyeleke, Pharm.D., is a graduate of Hampton University School of Pharmacy. She has practiced pharmacy for more than five years. Temi also has several years of experience in the health communication and medical education space. She is excited at any opportunity to impact people through meaningful and accurate health content. She currently practices as a clinical pharmacist in Baltimore, Maryland.

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