When you take ciprofloxacin, a powerful antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone class used for urinary, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections. Also known as Cipro, it works fast—but it’s not harmless. Many people use it without issue, but thousands end up in the hospital each year because of side effects no one warned them about.
One of the biggest dangers is tendon rupture, a sudden, painful tear that can happen even after you stop taking the drug. This isn’t rare—it’s been documented in over 1,000 cases linked to ciprofloxacin, especially in people over 60, those on steroids, or with kidney problems. Your Achilles tendon is most at risk, and the damage can be permanent. Then there’s peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage that causes burning, tingling, or weakness in your hands and feet. It can start within days and stick around for months—or years—after you stop the medicine. Even scarier, ciprofloxacin can trigger aortic aneurysm, a weakening of the main artery that can burst without warning. The FDA added this risk to the label after studies showed a 2x higher chance in users compared to other antibiotics. If you’re taking it for a mild infection like a sinus cold or simple UTI, ask if it’s truly necessary. Many times, safer options exist.
It doesn’t stop there. Ciprofloxacin messes with your gut bacteria, leading to severe diarrhea from C. diff. It can also cause heart rhythm problems, especially if you’re on other meds like blood thinners or antidepressants. And if you’re on corticosteroids, the combo is a recipe for tendon disaster. The FDA says fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin should only be used when no other choice exists—because the risks often outweigh the benefits for common infections.
What you’ll find below are real, detailed posts from people who’ve lived through these risks. From tendon tears after a simple walk, to nerve pain that didn’t go away, to how doctors missed the signs until it was too late. You’ll see what to watch for, when to stop the drug, and how to push back if your doctor pushes cipro too fast. This isn’t theoretical—it’s the kind of info you need before you swallow that first pill.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin carry a serious risk of tendon rupture, especially in older adults and those on steroids. Learn the signs, who's most at risk, and what to do if you're prescribed one.