On this page
Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
- Prescription
- Required
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Tablet, Injection, Eye drops
- Price Range
- ₦300 - ₦5,000
- WHO Essential
- Yes
What is Ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is one of the most commonly used antibiotics in Nigeria, belonging to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. Fluoroquinolones work by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV — enzymes that bacteria need to copy and repair their DNA. Without these enzymes, bacteria cannot multiply and eventually die. Ciprofloxacin has a broad spectrum of activity, particularly against gram-negative bacteria, making it effective for many of the common infections seen across Nigeria, including typhoid fever, urinary tract infections, and bacterial diarrhoea.
In Nigeria, ciprofloxacin is widely known by the brand name 'Ciprotab' (manufactured by Fidson Healthcare), and many patients and healthcare workers use the name interchangeably with the generic drug. It is one of the go-to antibiotics prescribed at hospitals, clinics, and health centres across the country, particularly for typhoid fever, which remains endemic in Nigeria due to challenges with clean water supply and sanitation. The 500mg tablet is the most commonly dispensed form, though injectable preparations are available for hospital use and eye drops for eye infections.
However, the widespread and often indiscriminate use of ciprofloxacin in Nigeria has raised serious concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ciprofloxacin as a 'Watch' antibiotic under its AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification system, meaning it has a higher potential for resistance and should only be used for specific indications. In Nigeria, ciprofloxacin resistance rates among common bacteria including Salmonella typhi are rising steadily, partly due to self-medication and over-the-counter sales. Health authorities urge that ciprofloxacin should only be used when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional after proper diagnosis.
What is Ciprofloxacin used for?
In Nigeria, Ciprofloxacin is commonly used for:
- Typhoid fever — one of the most common reasons for ciprofloxacin use in Nigeria
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) — both uncomplicated and complicated
- Bacterial diarrheal diseases and gastroenteritis
- Bone and joint infections including osteomyelitis
- Prostatitis (prostate infections)
- Respiratory tract infections in specific situations (not first-line for community-acquired pneumonia)
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Intra-abdominal infections (usually in combination with metronidazole)
- Gonorrhoea (though resistance is increasing — always confirm with sensitivity testing)
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
The standard adult dose is 500mg taken twice daily (every 12 hours) for 7 to 14 days, depending on the type and severity of infection. For typhoid fever, the typical course is 500mg twice daily for 7 to 10 days. For uncomplicated UTIs, 250mg to 500mg twice daily for 3 to 5 days may be sufficient. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Ciprofloxacin can be taken with or without food, but avoid taking it with dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, or antacids as these reduce absorption.
Children
Ciprofloxacin is generally not recommended for children under 18 years due to the risk of joint and cartilage damage in growing bones. However, it may be used in children when the benefits outweigh the risks, such as in complicated UTIs, anthrax exposure, or when no safer alternative is available. Paediatric dosage, when used, is 10-20mg per kilogram per day in two divided doses. This decision should be made by a doctor experienced in paediatric infections.
Elderly
Elderly patients may require dose adjustment, particularly those with reduced kidney function. The risk of tendon damage (including Achilles tendon rupture) is higher in elderly patients, especially those also taking corticosteroids. Elderly patients should be monitored closely and advised to report any tendon pain immediately.
Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products, antacids containing aluminium or magnesium, or iron supplements — take these at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after ciprofloxacin. Drink plenty of water during treatment to prevent crystal formation in the urine. Avoid excessive sunlight exposure as ciprofloxacin can cause photosensitivity. Complete the full course even if you feel better.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Nausea and diarrhoea
- •Dizziness and headache
- •Abdominal pain and discomfort
- •Skin rash
- •Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight)
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Tendon inflammation and rupture — particularly the Achilles tendon. Risk is higher in patients over 60, those taking corticosteroids, and those with kidney transplants
- Peripheral neuropathy — numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in hands and feet that may be irreversible
- Central nervous system effects — seizures, confusion, tremors, hallucinations, especially in patients with epilepsy or brain conditions
- QT prolongation — can cause dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea — severe, persistent diarrhoea
- Liver damage — jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue
- Aortic aneurysm and dissection — rare but potentially fatal; risk is higher in elderly patients
When to see a doctor
Stop taking ciprofloxacin and seek immediate medical attention if you experience pain, swelling, or inflammation of a tendon (especially the ankle/heel area), numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, severe diarrhoea, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or yellowing of the skin. Tendon rupture can occur even after stopping the medication. In Nigeria, go to the nearest hospital emergency unit immediately. Do not attempt to 'push through' tendon pain — this can lead to a complete rupture requiring surgery.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Ciprofloxacin if you have:
- Known allergy to ciprofloxacin or any other fluoroquinolone antibiotic
- Concurrent use with tizanidine (muscle relaxant) — contraindicated due to dangerous drug interaction
- History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use
- Children and adolescents under 18 years (except in specific, justified situations)
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders (use with extreme caution)
Drug interactions
- •Antacids, iron, calcium, and zinc supplements — significantly reduce ciprofloxacin absorption; must be spaced 2 hours before or 6 hours after
- •Theophylline — ciprofloxacin increases theophylline levels, risking toxicity
- •Warfarin — enhanced anticoagulant effect; INR should be monitored closely
- •NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac) — increased risk of seizures
- •Tizanidine — dangerous increase in blood levels; combination is contraindicated
- •Methotrexate — increased risk of methotrexate toxicity
- •Cyclosporine — increased risk of kidney damage
- •Caffeine — ciprofloxacin can increase caffeine levels and effects
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Ciprofloxacin is not recommended during pregnancy due to the potential risk of cartilage damage to the developing baby. It should be avoided unless there is no safer alternative and the infection is life-threatening. Ciprofloxacin passes into breast milk in significant amounts and is not recommended during breastfeeding due to the risk of joint problems in the nursing infant. Alternative antibiotics such as amoxicillin or azithromycin should be considered. Always consult your doctor.
NAFDAC-Registered Brands of Ciprofloxacin in Nigeria
4 brands registered with NAFDAC as of 2026-02-01.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ciprotab | Fidson | 500mg | Tablet | A4-2341 |
| Ciplox | Cipla | 500mg | Tablet | B4-3456 |
| Ciprofloxacin | Emzor | 500mg | Tablet | A4-6789 |
| Cifran | Ranbaxy | 500mg, 250mg | Tablet | B4-4567 |
How to Verify Your Ciprofloxacin is Genuine
- 1Check for a valid NAFDAC registration number on the packaging of all ciprofloxacin products.
- 2Use the NAFDAC Mobile Authentication Service (MAS): scratch the verification panel and send the code to 38353 to confirm the product is genuine.
- 3Buy from registered pharmacies and reputable medicine outlets. Avoid purchasing antibiotics from open markets, street vendors, or unregistered shops.
- 4Inspect the packaging for signs of counterfeiting: poor print quality, misspellings, unusual colour variations, or missing batch numbers and expiry dates.
- 5Compare the price with expected market rates — if a pack of ciprofloxacin costs significantly less than ₦300, it may be substandard or counterfeit.
- 6Check the NAFDAC website and social media channels for alerts about specific counterfeit batches of ciprofloxacin in circulation.
Ciprofloxacin Price in Nigeria
Ciprofloxacin prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦300 to ₦5,000 per pack, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦300 – ₦5,000
per pack
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-02-01
Where to Buy
Purchase Ciprofloxacin only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registered products database
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (23rd List, 2023)
- •British National Formulary (BNF)
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines