From the Guidelines
Blurred vision and sweating are potential side effects of ciprofloxacin (Cipro), although they are not the most commonly reported adverse events. When considering the use of ciprofloxacin, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the potential risks, including rare but serious side effects. The study published in MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1 discusses the adverse events associated with antimicrobial prophylaxis, including ciprofloxacin, but does not specifically mention blurred vision and sweating as common side effects. However, it does note that any antimicrobial agent can have undesirable side effects, including allergic reactions. Some key points to consider about ciprofloxacin side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal upset and other conditions are expected when normal body flora are disrupted by antimicrobial use
- Long-term fluoroquinolone use has been associated with tendinitis and tendon tears
- Commonly reported adverse events during the bioterrorism events of 2001 included diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and fatigue If you experience blurred vision while taking Cipro, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately as this could potentially indicate a rare but serious adverse effect. Vision changes in particular warrant prompt medical attention as fluoroquinolones have been associated with rare cases of retinal detachment and other ocular issues. These side effects occur because ciprofloxacin can affect various body systems beyond its intended antimicrobial action, including neurological and autonomic pathways.
From the FDA Drug Label
SPECIAL SENSES: blurred vision, disturbed vision (change in color perception, overbrightness of lights), decreased visual acuity, diplopia, eye pain, tinnitus, hearing loss, bad taste, chromatopsia SKIN/HYPERSENSITIVITY: allergic reaction, pruritus, urticaria, photosensitivity/phototoxicity reaction, flushing, fever, chills, angioedema, edema of the face, neck, lips, conjunctivae or hands, cutaneous candidiasis, hyperpigmentation, erythema nodosum, sweating
Yes, blurred vision and sweating are listed as potential side effects of ciprofloxacin (Cipro) 2.
From the Research
Side Effects of Ciprofloxacin
- The most common side effects of ciprofloxacin include gastrointestinal reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, which occur in 2-8% of patients treated 3.
- Central nervous system (CNS) effects, such as dizziness or mild headache, are seen in 1-4% of patients, but are usually minor 3.
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including skin rashes or pruritus, affect about 1% of patients 3.
- Serious side effects, such as pseudomembranous colitis, interstitial nephritis, and grand-mal convulsion, have been observed in only a few patients 3.
Specific Side Effects: Blurred Vision and Sweating
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that blurred vision and sweating are common side effects of ciprofloxacin.
- However, CNS effects, such as dizziness or mild headache, have been reported, which may be related to blurred vision 3.
- One study reported a case of ciprofloxacin-induced encephalopathy, which may be associated with a range of neurological symptoms, including blurred vision 4.
- Another study reported a case of ciprofloxacin-associated seizures in a patient with underlying thyrotoxicosis, which may be associated with a range of symptoms, including sweating 5.
Ophthalmic Use of Ciprofloxacin
- A study on the use of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution found that it was as safe and effective as chloramphenicol ophthalmic solution in the treatment of conjunctivitis and blepharitis of bacterial aetiology 6.
- The study reported no serious adverse effects, but one patient suffered from chemosis and erythema, which resolved on discontinuation of therapy 6.