What Causes Severe Shoulder Pain After Taking Ciprofloxacin?

Posted on Fri, 25 Sep 2015

Question: I have recently taken Cipro, two sessions about 6 months apart and have been experiencing severe shoulder pain. I went back to my Dr. after first session and explained the pain and was sent for brain scan and neck x-ray. They came back very normal and benign. I then started next cipro due to urinary track discomfort and the pain was unbearable. I then stopped cipro. The pain is still there though not as severe. ???

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Chronic suppressive therapy

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Ciprofloxacin is commonly used as chronic suppressive therapy in recurrent or persistent pyuria or UTIs. Prolong use or high dose administration can cause tendonitis, myalgias and even tendon rupture. Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole , nitrofurantoin or cefixime are alternatives that can be considered if the painful episodes don't subside. NSAIDs, muscle relaxants and physiotherapy would be required for dealing with the pain for now.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 minutes later)

Are the symptoms of shoulder discomfort going to subside ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

With early initiation of anti inflammatory medication, rehabilitation via physiotherapy and stopping the cipro, the shoulder will most likely recover within a month's time.

Thanks.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar