Ciprofloxacin (for meningococcal prophylaxis)

You have been given ciprofloxacin because within the past 7 days you have had close contact with a person who has meningococcal disease and ciprofloxacin will help to prevent its spread. As a contact of someone with meningococcal disease, you are at increased risk of getting the disease, but overall the risk is still quite low. The highest risk is for household contacts (1 in 300), followed by pre-school contacts (1 in 1500) and is even lower in other settings. 

Ciprofloxacin kills the meningococcal bacteria in your nose and throat, but it does not stop the disease if the bacteria have already spread beyond your nose and throat, so you still need to watch for any symptoms, and get medical help quickly. Read more about the symptoms of meningococcal disease. 

To stop the spread of meningococcal disease, for adults and children over 12 years, ciprofloxacin is given as a single dose of 500 mg or 750 mg. Doses for children under 12 years of age are based on their weight and your doctor will let you know what this will be.

Note: Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor before you start taking ciprofloxacin. Another antibiotic may be better for you.

• Swallow your tablet with a glass of water.
• You can take ciprofloxacin with or without food.
• Do not drink milk or take indigestion remedies (antacids) or medicines with iron or zinc (such as multivitamin tablets) from 2 hours before to 2 hours after you have taken the dose. This is because these other medicines interfere with ciprofloxacin and stop it from working well. 

Most people do not get any side effects with a single dose of ciprofloxacin but, like any medicine, it can have mild side effects (eg, a tummy upset) for some people.

Contact your doctor straight away if you have any painful swelling and inflammation in your tendons or joints, burning, tingling, numbness or feelings of weakness in your body. If you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, swelling of the face and problems breathing call tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.

Ciprofloxacin can interfere with other medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting ciprofloxacin and before starting any new products.