Urinary tract infections including complicated ones, typhoid and other gut infections, bone and joint infections, some chest infections, and infections of the eye or ear when given as drops.

Ciprofloxacin blocks two bacterial enzymes, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, that untangle and re-coil DNA while it is being copied. With those enzymes stopped the bacterium cannot finish copying its DNA and dies.

Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash and headache. Dizziness and trouble sleeping also occur.

Stop and contact a doctor at the first sign of tendon pain or swelling, especially at the heel, or of numbness, tingling, or new mental health symptoms: these can be lasting. Avoid strong sunlight. Do not take it within two hours of milk, antacids, or iron, zinc or calcium supplements, which stop it being absorbed. It can affect the heart rhythm and interacts with several medicines. It is a prescription medicine in Pakistan.