Ciprofloxacin is used to treat a wide variety of infections, including infections of bones and joints, endocarditis, bacterial gastroenteritis, malignant otitis externa, bubonic plague, respiratory tract infections, cellulitis, urinary tract infections, prostatitis, anthrax, and chancroid. [4] Key takeaways Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat certain bacterial infections. It can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic, it is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. It is also used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague. Ciprofloxacin extended-release is only approved for use in adults. Find patient medical information for Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Cipro is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Cipro is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. Cipro is also used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. Ciprofloxacin oral liquid and tablets are also used to treat anthrax infection after inhalational exposure. This medicine is also used to treat and prevent plague (including pneumonic and septicemic plague). Ciprofloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for virus infections (such as common cold, flu). Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) may treat, side effects, dosage, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications including drug comparison and health resources. Taking ciprofloxacin may affect your brain or nervous system and cause serious side effects. This can occur after the first dose of ciprofloxacin. That antibacterial drugs including CIPRO Tablets and CIPRO Oral Suspension should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (for example, the common cold).