How long does Cipro take to work?
Although ciprofloxacin starts working within hours of taking it, you may not notice an improvement in your symptoms for 2 to 3 days. For some infections, such as osteomyelitis (a bone infection), it may take up to a week before you show any improvement.
Taking ciprofloxacin with dairy products, such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium supplements can also affect absorption and delay how quickly ciprofloxacin starts to work.
Even once you feel better, it is important to finish the course of ciprofloxacin that your doctor prescribed. This will ensure the infection doesn’t return quickly.
References
- Ciprofloxacin. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ciprofloxacin/#:~:text=For%20most%20infections%2C%20you%20should,feel%20worse%20at%20any%20time.
- Ciprofloxacin. Revised 08/2021. AHFS DI Essentials https://www.drugs.com/monograph/ciprofloxacin.html
Read next
Related medical questions
- How long does ciprofloxacin stay in your system when finished?
- Can I use Cipro to treat a bacterial vaginitis infection?
- Ciprofloxacin - can you crush Cipro 500 tablets and mix with food?
- What is the best antibiotic to treat a sinus infection?
- What medications can affect your taste or smell?
- What antibiotics are used to treat UTI?
- What are the common side effects of antibiotics?
- What antibiotics kill Covid-19 (coronavirus)?
- What's the difference between Bacteria and Viruses?
- What's the difference between amoxicillin and penicillin?
- Can Flagyl be used to treat diarrhea?
- Does Flagyl treat UTI infections?
- Can Cephalexin treat an abscess in the mouth or gum infection?
- Should doxycycline be taken with food?
- Does Bactrim cause headaches?
- Can I drink alcohol while taking Zithromax?
- Does Garlic interact with any drugs?
- Is Zithromax available over the counter?
- I think I have an allergy to my antibiotic! What can I do to treat my infection?
- How do antibiotics work to kill bacteria?
- Do I have to Finish my Antibiotics even if I feel better?
- How can I treat a sore throat at home?
- What is a viral infection?
- How do Vaccines Work?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Cipro (68 questions, 157 members)
- Ciprofloxacin (54 questions, 133 members)
- Bacterial Infection (135 questions, 276 members)
- Traveler's Diarrhea (9 questions, 5 members)
- Urinary Tract Infection (197 questions, 597 members)
- Sinusitis (92 questions, 231 members)
- Skin and Structure Infection (15 questions, 30 members)
- Osteomyelitis (4 questions, 26 members)
- Surgical Prophylaxis (3 questions, 5 members)
- Tuberculosis - Active (2 questions, 11 members)
- Pneumonia with Cystic Fibrosis (1 questions, 3 members)