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. Cipro, or ciprofloxacin, is an antibiotic that doctors use to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections. It doesn’t treat viral infections. 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 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] 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). 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 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. Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) may treat, side effects, dosage, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications including drug comparison and health resources. Medscape - Infection dosing for Cipro, Cipro XR (ciprofloxacin), frequency-based adverse effects, comprehensive interactions, contraindications, pregnancy & lactation schedules, and cost.