Ciprofloxacin 500 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Urinary tract infections, including kidney infection and prostatitis; Typhoid fever and bacterial diarrhoea, when a doctor confirms the bug is sensitive.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.88 to ₹4.57 per tablet across 8 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride Tablets IP 500 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹18.75 | ₹1.88 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cebran 500 | Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹39.84 | ₹3.98 | 19 October 2026 |
| Alcipro 500 | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹44.52 | ₹4.45 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ciprodac 500 | Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹45.30 | ₹4.53 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zoxan 500 | FDC Ltd | 10 | ₹45.36 | ₹4.54 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cifran 500 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹45.57 | ₹4.56 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ciprobid 500 | Zydus Cadila | 10 | ₹45.64 | ₹4.56 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ciplox 500 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹45.66 | ₹4.57 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Urinary tract infections, including kidney infection and prostatitis.
- Typhoid fever and bacterial diarrhoea, when a doctor confirms the bug is sensitive.
- Bone and joint infections.
- Some chest, skin and ear infections when other antibiotics are unsuitable.
- Prevention after exposure to certain serious infections, under specialist advice.
How to take it
Ciprofloxacin 500 mg is usually taken twice a day, 12 hours apart, with a full glass of water, with or without food. Do not take it with milk, curd or calcium-fortified drinks alone – leave 2 hours – and keep antacids, iron, zinc and multivitamins 2 hours before or 6 hours after the dose. Drink plenty of water during the course. Most courses are 3 to 7 days for urinary infections and longer for typhoid or bone infections; finish the course even if you feel better. Doctors reserve ciprofloxacin for when other antibiotics will not work, because it can rarely cause lasting tendon, nerve or mood problems. Stop and see a doctor at once if you get tendon pain, tingling in the limbs, severe anxiety or an irregular heartbeat.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhoea.
- Headache or dizziness.
- Trouble sleeping or restlessness.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Tendon pain, swelling or rupture, most often the Achilles – can start within 48 hours; risk higher over 60 and with steroids.
- Numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in the hands or feet – nerve damage that may not reverse.
- Fits, hallucinations, severe depression or thoughts of self-harm.
- Sudden severe chest or back pain (aortic damage), or a severe allergic reaction – emergency.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid drinking heavily; alcohol increases dizziness and side effects and slows recovery.
Pregnancy
Not usually used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding; other antibiotics are preferred. Tell your doctor.
Kidney problems
The dose is reduced in chronic kidney disease. Drink plenty of water, as ciprofloxacin can crystallise in the urine.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; liver inflammation is a rare side effect.
Children
Not normally given under 18 because of the risk of joint and tendon damage, except for specific serious infections chosen by a specialist.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never take two doses together.
Interactions
- Antacids (Digene, Gelusil), iron, zinc, calcium, multivitamins and sucralfate – block absorption; separate by at least 2 hours.
- Milk and curd on their own – take 2 hours apart.
- Painkillers like diclofenac, ibuprofen, aceclofenac – higher risk of fits with quinolones.
- Tizanidine – must not be combined.
- Theophylline (Deriphyllin) and caffeine – levels rise, causing palpitations and restlessness.
- Warfarin, phenytoin, sotalol, quetiapine, some antidepressants and steroids (prednisolone) – tell your doctor; monitoring or avoidance may be needed.
Frequently asked questions
Ciplox 500 before or after food?
Either, with a full glass of water. Just do not take it with only milk or curd, and keep antacids, iron and calcium tablets at least 2 hours away.
Ciplox 500 vs Ciplox TZ – what is the difference?
Ciplox contains only ciprofloxacin. Ciplox TZ adds tinidazole, which also treats amoebic and other parasite infections of the gut. Your doctor chooses based on the likely cause of the diarrhoea.
Can I take Ciplox 500 with alcohol?
Avoid it. Alcohol adds to dizziness and dehydration during an infection, and with the TZ combination it can cause a severe reaction.
Is ciprofloxacin good for loose motions?
Only when a doctor confirms a bacterial cause, for example diarrhoea with fever or blood. Most loose motions are viral and need only ORS and fluids. Taking ciprofloxacin for every stomach upset breeds resistance.
How many days should I take Cifran 500?
Usually 3 days for a simple bladder infection, 7 to 14 days for kidney or typhoid infections and several weeks for bone infections, as your doctor decides. Finish the full course.
Is ciprofloxacin safe in pregnancy?
No. Quinolones are avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your doctor – safer antibiotics are usually used.
Why does my doctor warn about tendon pain on ciprofloxacin?
Quinolone antibiotics can inflame or rupture tendons, most often the Achilles at the heel, sometimes within the first two days and up to months later. Risk is higher over 60 and with steroid tablets. Stop and see a doctor if you get tendon pain or swelling.
Is Ciplox 500 available without prescription in India?
No. Ciprofloxacin is a Schedule H antibiotic and should only be dispensed against a prescription. It is also available as a generic at Jan Aushadhi stores.
Can I take Ciplox 500 with Combiflam for fever?
Combiflam contains ibuprofen, an NSAID, and NSAIDs with quinolones raise the risk of fits. Use paracetamol for fever instead, and ask your doctor.
Sources
- NHS – Ciprofloxacin (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Ciprofloxacin (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms