Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking or using ciprofloxacin - Brand names: Ciproxin, Ciloxan, Cetraxal

Ciprofloxacin and pregnancy

Ciprofloxacin tablets and liquid are not generally recommended during pregnancy. However, it's OK to use the ear or eye drops.

If you're trying to get pregnant or you're already pregnant, talk to your doctor about taking ciprofloxacin. It is likely that they will recommend an alternative antibiotic that is safer to take in pregnancy.

Ciprofloxacin and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take ciprofloxacin while you are breastfeeding.

Ciprofloxacin passes into breast milk in small amounts and is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby. However, there has been one report of severe diarrhoea in a breastfed baby.

Although other medicines might be preferred while you are breastfeeding, it is important that you take a medicine that works for you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to help you decide.

If your baby is not feeding as well as usual, is being sick or has diarrhoea, has oral thrush (mouth thrush) or a skin rash, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife.

Ciprofloxacin and fertility

There's no good evidence to suggest that taking ciprofloxacin will reduce fertility in either men or women.

However, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.

Find out more about how ciprofloxacin can affect you and your baby during pregnancy on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.