Ciprofloxacin 500 mg and Metronidazole 300 mg Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Sudden severe pain, swelling, or difficulty moving a joint, especially the Achilles tendon
- New numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the hands or feet
- Seizure, confusion, or loss of consciousness
- Severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea with fever or stomach cramps
- Spreading skin rash, blisters, peeling skin, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or severe upper abdominal pain
- Sudden severe chest, back, or abdominal pain
- Sudden flashes of light, floaters, or vision loss
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Decreased urine output or swelling in the legs
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is hicipro m 500mg/300mg tablet used for?
This medicine is a prescription antibiotic tablet containing ciprofloxacin 500 mg and metronidazole 300 mg. It is used for specific mixed bacterial infections, usually taken twice daily with water, and must be completed exactly as prescribed. It should not be used for viral illnesses, and alcohol must be avoided completely during treatment.
- Generic Name: Ciprofloxacin (500mg) + Metronidazole (300mg)
- Manufacturer: The Pharmed Research Lab Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 hicipro m 500mg/300mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा सिप्रोफ्लोक्सासिन 500 मिलीग्राम और मेट्रोनिडाजोल 300 मिलीग्राम का संयोजन है। यह डॉक्टर के पर्चे पर मिलने वाली एंटीबायोटिक गोली है, जो कुछ विशेष प्रकार के बैक्टीरियल संक्रमणों के लिए दी जाती है, जैसे पेट के अंदर के गंभीर संक्रमण, पेल्विक इन्फ्लेमेटरी डिजीज, दांतों के फोड़े और डायबिटीज से जुड़े पैर के संक्रमण। यह दवा वायरस से होने वाले सर्दी-जुकाम या साधारण बुखार के लिए नहीं है। इसे डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें और पूरा कोर्स पूरा करें, भले ही आपको जल्दी आराम लगने लगे। इस दवा के साथ शराब बिल्कुल न लें, क्योंकि इससे गंभीर प्रतिक्रिया हो सकती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा से आमतौर पर मतली, उल्टी, दस्त, पेट में असहजता, मुँह में धातु जैसा स्वाद, सिरदर्द और चक्कर आ सकते हैं। कुछ लोगों का पेशाब गहरा या चाय जैसा दिख सकता है, जो आमतौर पर हानिकारक नहीं होता। कभी-कभी टखने या कंधे के टेंडन में दर्द या सूजन, हाथ-पैर में झुनझुनी या सुन्नपन, दौरे, गंभीर दस्त, त्वचा पर गंभीर दाने, आँखों या त्वचा का पीला पड़ना जैसी गंभीर समस्याएँ हो सकती हैं। ऐसा होने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें और पूरा कोर्स पूरा करें। इसे पानी के साथ लें और अगर पेट खराब लगे तो भोजन के साथ लें। शराब बिल्कुल न लें और दवा खत्म होने के 48 घंटे बाद तक भी न लें। दूध, दही, चीज़, आयरन, कैल्शियम, जिंक और एंटासिड इस दवा के साथ न लें, इन्हें कम से कम 2 घंटे के अंतराल पर लें। धूप में ज्यादा न रहें और सनस्क्रीन लगाएँ। अगर चक्कर आएँ तो गाड़ी न चलाएँ। कोई भी नई समस्या होने पर डॉक्टर को बताएँ।
💊 hicipro m 500mg/300mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Complicated intra-abdominal infections","description":"Used when a clinician suspects a mixed infection involving aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, often after bowel perforation, appendicitis with abscess, or abdominal surgery.","evidence":"Well-established in combination antibiotic therapy"},{"condition":"Pelvic inflammatory disease","description":"Prescribed as part of a broader regimen for upper genital tract infections in women when both gonococcal or enteric organisms and anaerobes are possible.","evidence":"Established in guideline-based combination therapy"},{"condition":"Dental and odontogenic infections","description":"Used for severe dental abscesses or spreading oral infections where anaerobic bacteria and Gram-negative organisms are both likely.","evidence":"Commonly used in clinical practice"},{"condition":"Diabetic foot infections","description":"May be used when a clinician determines that a mixed aerobic and anaerobic infection is present and the patient does not require immediate surgical debridement alone.","evidence":"Used in selected cases under specialist care"},{"condition":"Gynecological and postoperative pelvic infections","description":"Prescribed for certain post-surgical or post-procedure pelvic infections with mixed bacterial involvement.","evidence":"Used in specialist settings"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Selected gastrointestinal infections","description":"Occasionally used off-label for specific diarrheal illnesses when stool testing confirms susceptible organisms and the clinician decides a combination is appropriate.","evidence":"Limited and specialist-dependent"},{"condition":"Certain skin and soft tissue infections","description":"May be considered off-label for mixed anaerobic and Gram-negative soft tissue infections when standard options are unsuitable.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infections, especially complicated intra-abdominal infections and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Also treats: Dental abscesses with mixed organisms, Diabetic foot infections with mixed organisms, Post-surgical pelvic infections, Selected gynecological infections
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Ciprofloxacin (500mg) + Metronidazole (300mg) |
| Brand Name | hicipro m 500mg/300mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | The Pharmed Research Lab Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | GASTRO INTESTINAL |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store this medicine at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it in the original blister pack or container with the label intact. Do not refrigerate unless specifically instructed. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture, but the exact expiry date is printed on the pack. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date shown on the packaging. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. The World Health Organization does not specifically recommend this fixed-dose combination for all situations. Clinicians should follow local antibiograms and national treatment guidelines. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. The Indian Council of Medical Research publishes antibiotic use guidelines that should be consulted for specific infections. This combination should be used only when a clinician determines it is appropriate based on the infection and local resistance patterns. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine contains two antibiotics that attack bacteria in different ways. Ciprofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes that are essential for copying and repairing bacterial DNA. When these enzymes are blocked, the bacterium cannot replicate its genetic material and dies. Metronidazole is a prodrug that enters anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites, where its nitro group is reduced by ferredoxin-like electron transport proteins. The reduced form creates reactive radicals that break bacterial DNA strands and disrupt their helical structure, leading to bacterial cell death. Because the two agents target different organisms and different molecular pathways, the combination can cover a broader range of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria than either agent alone.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take hicipro m 500mg/300mg tablet
Strength: Immediate-release oral tablet containing ciprofloxacin 500 mg and metronidazole 300 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one tablet taken orally twice daily, approximately every 12 hours, for a duration determined by the infection being treated. The exact dose and duration depend on the type and severity of the infection, the patient's kidney and liver function, body weight, and other medicines being taken. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not adjust the dose on your own, and do not stop early even if symptoms improve. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. This combination is generally not used in children because ciprofloxacin can affect growing joints and cartilage, and metronidazole dosing in children requires specialist supervision. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults may need a lower dose or longer dosing interval because kidney function often declines with age. Elderly patients are also at higher risk of tendon rupture, confusion, falls, and heart rhythm problems with this medicine. A qualified clinician should assess kidney function and other medicines before prescribing this combination. |
| Renal Impairment | Ciprofloxacin dose reduction is often needed when kidney function is reduced. Metronidazole generally does not require major dose adjustment in mild to moderate kidney impairment, but its metabolites can accumulate in severe kidney disease. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on measured kidney function and the infection being treated. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Metronidazole is metabolized in the liver, so dose reduction may be needed in severe liver disease. Ciprofloxacin also undergoes some liver metabolism. People with liver disease should be monitored for signs of liver injury, and the dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is generally one tablet twice daily, providing ciprofloxacin 1000 mg and metronidazole 600 mg per day. Higher doses should only be used if specifically prescribed by a qualified clinician. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of hicipro m 500mg/300mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Major | |
| Tizanidine | Major | |
| Theophylline | Major | |
| Amiodarone | Major | |
| Antacids | Moderate | |
| Iron supplements | Moderate | |
| Metformin | Moderate | |
| Phenytoin | Moderate | |
| Caffeine | Minor | |
| Probenecid | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists
- Tizanidine
- Theophylline
- QT-prolonging drugs such as amiodarone, sotalol, or certain antipsychotics
- Alcohol
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc, and calcium supplements
- Dairy products
- Caffeine
- Oral diabetes medicines and insulin
- Phenytoin and other anticonvulsants
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol must be completely avoided while taking this medicine and for at least 48 hours after the last dose. Metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol, which may include severe flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure. Alcohol can also worsen dizziness and liver-related side effects.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy or hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin, other quinolones, metronidazole, or any component of this tablet","Concurrent use with tizanidine","History of tendon disorder or tendon rupture related to fluoroquinolone use","Myasthenia gravis, because fluoroquinolones can worsen muscle weakness","Severe liver disease with active liver injury","First trimester of pregnancy unless specifically approved by a specialist","Breastfeeding without specialist approval"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, can cause disabling and potentially irreversible tendon, muscle, joint, nerve, and central nervous system side effects.","Stop this medicine and seek medical advice at the first sign of tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation.","Avoid alcohol completely during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last dose.","Do not take antacids, iron, zinc, calcium, or sucralfate within 2 hours before or 6 hours after this medicine.","Use sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure because ciprofloxacin can cause photosensitivity.","Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, heart rhythm problems, or a history of seizures.","Do not use this medicine for viral infections such as colds or flu, because it will not help and may cause harm.","Complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better early, to reduce the risk of resistance."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Ciprofloxacin and metronidazole both pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking this combination unless a qualified clinician advises otherwise. If breastfeeding must continue, the clinician may recommend timing feeds to reduce infant exposure and monitoring the baby for diarrhea, thrush, or irritability.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine can cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and in serious cases seizures, confusion, or heart rhythm changes. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and may include activated charcoal if the overdose is recent, intravenous fluids, and monitoring of heart rhythm, blood sugar, kidney function, and liver function. If you suspect an overdose, contact emergency medical services or a poison control center immediately and do not try to treat yourself at home.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if less than half of the usual dosing interval has passed. If more than half of the interval has passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure, contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, with a full glass of water, and complete the entire course even if you start feeling better after a few days. Do not share this medicine with anyone else and do not save leftover tablets for future use. Avoid alcohol completely during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last dose, because metronidazole can cause a severe reaction with alcohol. Avoid excessive sunlight and use sunscreen, since ciprofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to light. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy, drowsy, or confused. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines, antacids, iron or zinc supplements, and seizure medicines. Keep well hydrated and report any new joint pain, tendon swelling, numbness, tingling, vision changes, or severe diarrhea without delay. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting this medicine.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults are at higher risk of tendon rupture, confusion, falls, kidney problems, and heart rhythm disturbances with this medicine. Kidney function should be checked before and during treatment, and the dose may need to be reduced. Elderly patients should also be monitored for interactions with other medicines, especially blood thinners and heart medicines.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are trying to conceive, discuss this medicine with your doctor before starting. Ciprofloxacin is generally avoided in pregnancy unless no safer alternative is available. Metronidazole is sometimes used in specific situations under specialist supervision. Effective contraception may be recommended during treatment. Do not start or stop this medicine without medical advice if you are planning pregnancy.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine may be prescribed after certain abdominal or pelvic surgeries when a mixed bacterial infection is suspected. It is important to complete the prescribed course and to report any fever, wound discharge, increasing pain, or redness to your surgeon. Adequate hydration and early mobilization, as advised by your surgical team, are important. Avoid alcohol completely during recovery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
If you are taking this medicine for a dental infection, tell your dentist before any procedure. This medicine can interact with other medicines used during dental work, and it may affect bleeding risk if you are also taking blood thinners. Do not stop the antibiotic on your own before a dental procedure. Your dentist and doctor will decide whether any adjustment is needed.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting while taking this medicine, especially if you have joint pain, tendon pain, or dizziness. Fluoroquinolones can increase the risk of tendon injury during physical activity. If you develop any tendon pain or swelling, stop exercising and seek medical advice immediately. Light walking is generally fine if you feel well.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion in some people. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or working at heights until you know how the medicine affects you. If your work involves physical exertion, take extra care because of the risk of tendon injury. Most people can continue desk work, but report any new symptoms to your doctor promptly.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine on your own before completing the prescribed course, even if you feel better. Stopping early can allow the infection to return and can promote antibiotic resistance. However, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical advice if you develop tendon pain or swelling, new numbness or tingling, a seizure, severe diarrhea, a severe skin rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or any other serious side effect. Your doctor will decide whether treatment should be changed or stopped.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term or repeated use of this medicine can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance, fungal overgrowth, and Clostridioides difficile infection. Prolonged use of ciprofloxacin has been associated with tendon damage, peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system effects. Metronidazole use for longer than 10 days may increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function may be needed during prolonged therapy. This medicine should not be used for longer than necessary.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Using laboratory testing to identify the exact bacteria and choosing a narrower antibiotic can reduce side effects and resistance.
Evidence: Well-establishedSurgical or procedural drainage of an abscess or infected collection is often essential and may reduce the duration of antibiotic therapy.
Evidence: Well-establishedAdequate hydration, rest, and pain control can help while the antibiotic works.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Antibiotics do not interfere with most vaccines, but if you are acutely unwell with a fever, your doctor may recommend delaying non-urgent vaccinations until you recover. Live vaccines should generally be avoided during severe acute illness. Discuss your vaccination schedule with your doctor if you are due for any vaccine while taking this medicine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specifically instructed
✅ DO
Keep in the original blister pack or container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of the reach of children and pets
❌ DON'T
Do not use after the expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When travelling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. Keep a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter with you, especially for international travel, because antibiotics may be subject to customs checks. Store the tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and do not leave them in a hot car. If you are crossing time zones, try to keep doses about 12 hours apart and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need help adjusting the schedule. Continue to avoid alcohol during travel and separate the medicine from dairy, antacids, and mineral supplements.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: You may start to feel better within 24 to 72 hours, but the full benefit depends on completing the entire prescribed course. Do not stop early even if you feel well.
A: Yes, you can take it with food, especially if it upsets your stomach. However, avoid taking it with dairy products, antacids, or mineral supplements within 2 hours before or 6 hours after.
A: No. Alcohol must be completely avoided during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last dose because metronidazole can cause a severe reaction.
A: If less than 6 hours have passed, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If more than 6 hours have passed, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time. Never double the dose.
A: No. You must complete the full prescribed course to fully clear the infection and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
A: This medicine is generally avoided in pregnancy unless a qualified clinician decides it is clearly needed. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be used for any fever or cold.
Fact: This medicine only works against certain bacteria. It does not treat viral colds, flu, or most fevers. - Myth: You can stop the antibiotic once you feel better.
Fact: You must complete the full prescribed course to fully clear the infection and reduce the risk of resistance. - Myth: It is safe to drink alcohol with antibiotics.
Fact: Alcohol must be completely avoided with this medicine because metronidazole can cause a severe reaction. - Myth: Antibiotics can be shared with family members.
Fact: This medicine is prescribed for a specific person and infection. Sharing it can cause harm and resistance. - Myth: Taking antibiotics with milk is always fine.
Fact: Dairy can reduce the absorption of ciprofloxacin. Separate dairy intake by at least 2 hours.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Ciprofloxacin 500 mg tablet
- Metronidazole 300 mg tablet
- Ciprofloxacin and metronidazole combination tablet from another manufacturer
Brand Alternatives
- Ciplox M 500 mg/300 mg tablet
- Cifran M 500 mg/300 mg tablet
- Metrogyl C 500 mg/300 mg tablet
- Zoxan M 500 mg/300 mg tablet