What Causes Swelling Around Ankles After Taking Cipro?

Posted on Mon, 8 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 8 Sep 2014 Answered on

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm on Cipro for gastroenteritis and I noticed a feeling like a band around my ankle could the cipro cause this ? Also what could I be given instead of Cipro? for example azithromycin?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rare side effect of Cipro...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

It is true that Cipro can cause joint pain/swelling, but it is a rare side effect. Other causes should be ruled out first before determining Cipro as the main cause.

If the therapy is initiated empithirically, then, should use an broad-sprectum antibiotic to cover all types of bacteria (gram positive/negative).

If you started the therapy based on stool culture, then, should follow the antibiogram results.

I'd recommend Metronidazole instead of Azithromycin.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Klerida

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 minutes later)

I was given both. I had diarrhea for 7 daya then my doctor gave me cipro and flagyl. is it possible to just take flagyl?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Should know what caused gastroenteritis...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Ok, then, Did your doctor mention the cause of your diarrhea:
- bacteria?
- virus?
- parasites?

Metronidazole will cover most of gram-negative bacteria and protozoa, while Cipro will cover the rest of bacteria.

If it was virus, then, no need for antibiotic. However, if you have been having diarrhea with blood or mucus, then, antibiotics are a must.

In your case, it is better to finish the treatment as suggested by your doctor. You can report ankle swelling to him (can call his office) and ask him/her to stop Cipro.

I advise to continue with Flagyl only if your doctor is ok to stop Cipro, and to add:
- tasectan or pepto-bismol for diarrhea
- increase water intake with oral rehydration salt to prevent dehydration
- probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora

I need to know the cause of your gastroenteritis before giving final conclusions.

Dr.Klerida

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (5 minutes later)

She believes bacteria

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Call your doc's office then...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

Such problems are not based on "belief" but on actual fact. If she ran stool culture and ran antibiogram, then, I'd be sure it is bacteria.

At this point, I advise to call your doctor's office and report the ankle swelling. Stop taking Cipro and continue with Flagyl until you reach your doctor.

Do not forget to follow other advice!
Wish fast recovery!
Dr. Klerida

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 hours later)

I went to see my doctor she stopped the Cipro still on flagyl. Also a bland diet and probiotics.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Wish fast recovery...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

Ok, then, that's perfect.

Wish you will be good soon!

Let me know if I can assist you further! Otherwise, kindly close this discussion!

Thank you!
Dr.Klerida

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

what type of food is bland

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Low-fat dairies,lean meat,fruits/vegetables...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

Bland foods include light foods that do not irritate intestinal mucosa:
- dairies: low-fat cheese/yogurt, soya milk
- lean meat: fish, poultry
- Fruits and vegetables: carrots, apples, celery, etc.
- cooked vegetables: potato puree, carrots, peas, squash, etc.

Avoid:
- citrus foods: tomato, orange, lemon, etc.
- spicy foods
- fatty foods: meat, etc.

Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 minutes later)

thank you! !

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wish a speedy recovery!

Detailed Answer:
You're most welcomed!

Wish fast recovery!

If no more questions, kindly close this discussion!
Dr.Klerida

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