# Ciprofloxacin in Nigeria

Ciprofloxacin has 87 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 81 registration holders; 119 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/ciprofloxacin/
- Drug class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (Antibiotics)
- Also known as: Cipro, Ciprotab, Ciplox, Ciprodiz 500
- Prescription required: yes
- On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Ciprofloxacin tablets sell for about ₦527 per tablet online in Nigeria (packs ₦3,750–₦7,900; Ciprotab) at three online pharmacies; drops ₦2,500–₦3,125, syrup ₦10,625. The online price is down 2% since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## 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. Other brands sold in Nigeria include Ciplox, Cifran, Emzor Ciprofloxacin, and Ciprodiz 500.

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?

- 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

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- 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: Nausea and diarrhoea; Dizziness and headache; Abdominal pain and discomfort; Skin rash; Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight).

Serious (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

Do not take if: 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).

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.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Ciprotab (Fidson, made in India); Ciplox (Cipla, made in India); Emzor Ciprofloxacin (Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, made in Nigeria); Cifran (Ranbaxy, made in India); Ciprodiz 500 (Dizpharm Nigeria Limited, made in Nigeria).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/ciprofloxacin/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check for a valid NAFDAC registration number on the packaging of all ciprofloxacin products.
2. Use the NAFDAC Mobile Authentication Service (MAS): scratch the verification panel and send the code to 38353 to confirm the product is genuine.
3. Buy from registered pharmacies and reputable medicine outlets. Avoid purchasing antibiotics from open markets, street vendors, or unregistered shops.
4. Inspect the packaging for signs of counterfeiting: poor print quality, misspellings, unusual colour variations, or missing batch numbers and expiry dates.
5. Compare the price with what other pharmacies charge — a pack of ciprofloxacin priced far below the rest may be substandard or counterfeit.
6. Check the NAFDAC website and social media channels for alerts about specific counterfeit batches of ciprofloxacin in circulation.

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## Compared with

### Ciprofloxacin vs Ofloxacin (eye & ear drops): the fluoroquinolone twins — is there a real difference?

They're siblings from the same family with heavily overlapping uses. Ciprofloxacin has the stronger track record for gut infections and typhoid where strains remain sensitive; ofloxacin shines in urinary and some eye/ear preparations. The bigger truth: fluoroquinolone resistance in Nigeria is widespread, these aren't for children or pregnancy, and neither should be a casual first grab.

When Ciprofloxacin fits:

- A clinician targets a sensitive gut/typhoid organism
- Culture results say so
- Travel diarrhoea treatment advised in advance by a professional

When Ofloxacin (eye & ear drops) fits:

- Urinary tract infection per prescription
- Prescribed drops for eye or ear infection
- A clinician's choice based on local sensitivity

Ofloxacin (eye & ear drops) guide: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/ofloxacin/

## FAQs

### Is ciprofloxacin good for typhoid?

Ciprofloxacin has been the most widely used oral antibiotic for typhoid fever in Nigeria for many years. It is generally effective when the Salmonella typhi bacteria is susceptible to it. However, resistance to ciprofloxacin is increasing in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, meaning it may not work in all cases. Your doctor should ideally request blood culture and sensitivity testing (Widal test alone is not reliable) before prescribing. If ciprofloxacin-resistant typhoid is suspected, alternatives like azithromycin or ceftriaxone injection may be recommended.

### Can ciprofloxacin damage my tendons?

Yes, ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics carry a real risk of tendon inflammation (tendinitis) and tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon. This risk is higher if you are over 60 years old, if you take corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone), if you have kidney problems, or if you have had a previous tendon injury. If you experience any pain, swelling, or stiffness in your tendons while taking ciprofloxacin, stop the medication immediately and see your doctor. Do not exercise vigorously while on ciprofloxacin.

### Why should I not take ciprofloxacin with milk or yoghurt?

Dairy products like milk, yoghurt, and cheese contain calcium, which binds to ciprofloxacin in the stomach and intestines, forming an insoluble complex that the body cannot absorb. This can reduce the amount of ciprofloxacin that reaches your bloodstream by up to 40%, making the antibiotic significantly less effective. For the same reason, you should also avoid taking antacids, iron tablets, or zinc supplements at the same time. Take these at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after your ciprofloxacin dose.

### Can children take ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin is generally not recommended for children under 18 years of age because studies in animals showed it can cause damage to growing cartilage and joints. However, in certain serious situations — such as complicated urinary tract infections, life-threatening infections caused by resistant bacteria, or anthrax exposure — a doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks. This decision should always be made by a qualified medical professional. Safer alternatives for most childhood infections include amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and azithromycin.

### What does it mean that ciprofloxacin is a 'Watch' antibiotic?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has created the AWaRe classification system that categorises antibiotics into three groups: Access (first-choice for common infections), Watch (higher resistance potential, use selectively), and Reserve (last resort for serious resistant infections). Ciprofloxacin is in the 'Watch' group, meaning it should only be used for specific conditions when simpler Access antibiotics are not appropriate. In Nigeria, the overuse of Watch antibiotics like ciprofloxacin has contributed to rising antibiotic resistance. This is why doctors are encouraged to prescribe ciprofloxacin only when truly necessary, not for every fever or mild infection.

### I took Cipro for typhoid and the fever persisted — fake drug?

Possibly, but resistance and misdiagnosis are now likelier explanations. Repeated 'typhoid' diagnoses on Widal tests alone are notoriously unreliable — malaria, viral infections, and other causes mimic it. Persisting fever deserves proper testing, not a stronger antibiotic guess.

### Why can't I take it with milk or my blood tonic?

Calcium, iron, and zinc bind fluoroquinolones in the gut into an unabsorbable complex — you can lose most of the dose. Take these antibiotics at least two hours before (or four to six after) dairy, antacids, or mineral supplements.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)