10/24/2025
Cipro is the brand name for ciprofloxacin, which is an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone class. It’s used to treat a variety of bacterial infections by stopping the bacteria from reproducing and repairing their DNA.
🔹 Common Uses
Cipro is often prescribed for:
* Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
* Respiratory infections (like bronchitis, pneumonia)
* Skin and soft tissue infections
* Gastrointestinal infections (like traveler’s diarrhea)
* Bone and joint infections
* Certain sexually transmitted infections
Cipro has some serious potential side effects, so it’s usually not a first choice unless necessary:
* Tendon rupture or inflammation (especially in older adults or those on steroids)
* Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
* Central nervous system effects (confusion, agitation, hallucinations, seizures)
* QT prolongation (heart rhythm issue)
* Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea)
*** It also carries a Health Canada and FDA BLACK BOX WARNING for the tendon, nerve, and CNS risks.
⚠️ INCREASED RISK IN EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME
Fluoroquinolones (like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin) are known to:
* Weaken connective tissue — they interfere with collagen synthesis and repair.
* Cause tendon inflammation and rupture (especially the Achilles tendon).
* Possibly increase the risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection — especially in people with connective tissue disorders like EDS, Marfan syndrome, or vascular disease.
Since EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME already involves fragile connective tissue, the combination can be dangerous — it can worsen joint instability, tendon pain, or vascular fragility.
