Find out how ciprofloxacin treats serious infections and how to take or use it. NHS medicines information on ciprofloxacin – what it's used for, side effects, dosage and who can take it. What is ciprofloxacin used for? Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is commonly used for the following infections caused by certain bacteria. Ciprofloxacin may not be appropriate for some of. 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 for the treatment of disseminated gonococcal infection, but is not licensed for this indication. Taking ciprofloxacin may affect your brain or nervous system and cause serious side effects. This can occur after the first dose of ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) treats UTIs, pneumonia & more — but carries a serious FDA Black Box Warning. Learn safe dosage, side effects & drug interactions. 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. 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). Ciprofloxacin, sold under the brand name Cipro among others, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. [4].