What is the brand name for Ciprofloxacin?
The brand name for Ciprofloxacin is Cipro.
PTCE Top 200 · #155
Ciprofloxacin
Cipro
Ciprofloxacin is the generic name for the brand-name drug Cipro. It is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat UTI, GI infections. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Ciprofloxacin ranks #155 and is one of the most frequently tested infectious disease medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Ciprofloxacin |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Cipro |
| Drug class | Fluoroquinolone antibiotic |
| Class group | Infectious Disease |
| Common use | UTI, GI infections |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Ciprofloxacin used for?
Treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria (e.g., urinary tract infections, certain GI/respiratory infections) when appropriate; reserve for serious infections due to risks.
What drug class is Ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is a Fluoroquinolone antibiotic in the Infectious Disease group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Ciprofloxacin
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightRash
- arrow_rightInsomnia
Major interactions
- arrow_rightTizanidine → contraindicated (profound hypotension/sedation)
- arrow_rightQT-prolonging drugs → arrhythmia risk
- arrow_rightCations (antacids/iron/calcium) → reduced absorption (separate dosing)
- arrow_rightWarfarin → increased INR/bleeding risk
- arrow_rightTheophylline → increased levels/toxicity
- arrow_rightSteroids → increased tendon rupture risk
Is Ciprofloxacin a controlled substance?
No. Ciprofloxacin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
WARNING: Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, are associated with serious adverse reactions (tendinitis/tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, CNS effects, and exacerbation of myasthenia gravis); reserve for use when no alternatives for certain uncomplicated infections.
How to remember Ciprofloxacin (PTCE mnemonic)
CIPRO 'CRACKs' tendons — cipro-FLOXACIN is a fluoroquinolone. Boxed: tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, CNS, aortic dissection; SEPARATE from Ca/Mg/Al/Fe/dairy (chelation); ↑QT, ↑warfarin.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Cipro carries the fluoroquinolone tendon-rupture boxed warning AND the counseling classic: separate it from dairy, antacids, and multivitamins — chelation kills absorption.
Ciprofloxacin FAQ
What is Ciprofloxacin used for?
Ciprofloxacin is used to treat UTI, GI infections. Treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria (e.g., urinary tract infections, certain GI/respiratory infections) when appropriate; reserve for serious infections due to risks.
What drug class is Ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is a Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (Infectious Disease group).
Is Ciprofloxacin a controlled substance?
No. Ciprofloxacin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Infectious Disease group
Drill Ciprofloxacin the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).