Adverse Side Effects -- CIPRO

I am 26 year old male and was given cipro for a Staph infection 500MG/2X'S per day for 10 days. On the 7th day of taking the medication, I had extreme difficulty breathing, tightness in my chest and immediately got off (okayed by my doctor). It has now been 7 days since I have been off the meds and I am still having difficulty breathing, can not take a full yawn and my left heal is in minor pain. This has caused an extreme amount of anxiety (also perhaps caused by the cipro or brought on by the stress of the whole matter -- don't know) and I am concerned that these symptoms will remain for the rest of my life. I am currently taking probiotics with live stains, but this has not seemed to help at all. I saw my GP and dermatologist (who prescribed) the other day and they both said my breathing sounded normal and they did not know what was wrong. Both recommended to relax and symptoms should subside. I have been reading all over the internet about the horror stories associated with Cipro which is having me to believe otherwise. Any reassurance, insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

While many symptoms have been described in response to Cipro, the evidence for respiratory disease secondary to the drug is scant to non-existent.  Nevertheless, the acute onset of shortness of breath is a symptom that should be taken seriously and investigated, irrespective of any association with Cipro.  You mention “an extreme amount of anxiety…” and, indeed, this could incite and perpetuate “difficulty breathing & tightness in my chest.”   You and your doctor would be the best persons, working together, to assess the likelihood of anxiety as a cause and other causes that might afflict a 26 year old male.  This might require a chest X-ray and/or a breathing test.  The important thing is for you to discuss these with your doctor and stay in close touch with him/her.

You mention “minor pain” of your left heel.  I suspect that you’ve encountered reports of Achilles tendon rupture associated with Cipro, known to be a rare but a real risk.  That knowledge plus anxiety could account for the “minor pain.”  While unlikely, it might be wise for you to avoid exercise that would result in stress on your Achilles tendons, for another week or so.

Your fear that, “these symptoms will remain for the rest of my life.” is, I believe totally unwarranted.

Good luck