From the Guidelines
Cipro (ciprofloxacin) should not be taken by children and adolescents under 18 years of age, pregnant women, and individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, due to potential serious risks. The use of fluoroquinolones, including Cipro, is contraindicated by the US Food and Drug Administration for children and adolescents < 18 years of age, as it may cause joint and cartilage damage 1. Additionally, Cipro is not generally recommended during pregnancy, except in exceptional circumstances, as it may harm fetal development 1. Individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to fluoroquinolone antibiotics should also avoid Cipro, as it can cause severe allergic reactions. Some key points to consider when evaluating who should not take Cipro include:
- Children and adolescents under 18 years of age, due to the risk of joint and cartilage damage 1
- Pregnant women, unless absolutely necessary, as it may harm fetal development 1
- Individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, due to the risk of severe allergic reactions 1 It is essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks of Cipro use in each individual case, considering the severity of the infection and the potential for adverse effects, as noted in guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Who should not take Ciprofloxacin Tablets USP? Do not take Ciprofloxacin Tablets USP if you: have ever had a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic known as a fluoroquinolone, or are allergic to any of the ingredients in Ciprofloxacin Tablets USP also take a medicine called tizanidine (Zanaflex®)
People who should not take Ciprofloxacin Tablets USP include:
- Those who have had a severe allergic reaction to a fluoroquinolone antibiotic
- Those who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Ciprofloxacin Tablets USP
- Those who take tizanidine (Zanaflex®), as serious side effects are likely to happen 2
From the Research
Individuals Who Should Not Take Cipro
- Children: According to 3, ciprofloxacin, like all fluoroquinolones, causes articular damage in juvenile animals, and was not recommended for children.
- Pregnant women: As stated in 3, ciprofloxacin was not recommended for pregnant women due to the potential risk of articular damage to the fetus.
- Individuals with a history of tendon ruptures: Studies such as 4, 5, and 6 suggest that ciprofloxacin may increase the risk of tendon ruptures, particularly in individuals with certain risk factors such as advanced age, corticosteroid use, or renal failure.
- Individuals with minimal change disease: As reported in 5, ciprofloxacin use in the setting of minimal change disease may increase the risk of tendon ruptures.
- Individuals taking corticosteroids: According to 5, the use of corticosteroids may increase the risk of tendon ruptures when taking ciprofloxacin.
- Individuals with renal failure or dialysis: As stated in 5, renal failure or dialysis may increase the risk of tendon ruptures when taking ciprofloxacin.
- Elderly individuals: Studies such as 4 and 5 suggest that advanced age may increase the risk of tendon ruptures when taking ciprofloxacin.