Learn about the side effects of ciprofloxacin, from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals. Older adults (ages 65 years and older) have an increased risk of certain serious side effects from ciprofloxacin compared to younger people taking the medication. Do elderly adults have a higher risk of side effects with Cipro? Yes, older adults (ages 65 years and older) have a higher risk of some Cipro side effects than younger people. Many older adults report sudden confusion, memory loss and brain fog after taking Cipro. This is due to its effect on the central nervous system (CNS). Cipro can cross the blood brain barrier, resulting in anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and depression in older adults. The most common ciprofloxacin side effects are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin rashes and liver changes are also possible. Rare but serious side effects, such as tendon rupture, nerve damage, and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) changes, can be disabling and long-lasting. People who are under 18 or over 60 years old can be at greater risk for some side effects from ciprofloxacin. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in one of these age. Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, damage to your nerves (which may be permanent), serious mood or behavior changes (after just one dose), or low blood sugar (which can lead to coma). Ciprofloxacin should be used with significant caution in elderly patients and avoided when safer alternatives exist, due to substantially increased risks of tendon rupture, CNS toxicity, and dangerous drug interactions. 1, 2 However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney or heart problems, or develop severe tendon problems (including tendon rupture), which may require caution in patients receiving ciprofloxacin. Understand the potential for serious Cipro side effects in elderly. Learn about risks, precautions, and alternative antibiotics.