Biofloxx 500 is ciprofloxacin 500 mg, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It treats complicated urinary infections, bacterial gut infections, bone and joint infections, and some skin and ear infections. It is powerful, deliberately held in reserve, and carries side effects other antibiotics do not.
What is Biofloxx 500 Dosage?
The South African Medicine Price Registry lists Biofloxx 500 as a Schedule 4 tablet containing ciprofloxacin 500 mg. (The register carries the ingredient twice, as ciprofloxacin and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride — the same thing recorded two ways.)
“Dosage” is not part of the product name — it appears here because the phrase people search is “Biofloxx 500 dosage”. This page does not set doses, and it should not: the dose and duration depend on the infection, its severity and your kidney function, and they are the prescriber’s decision. What follows is what the medicine is for and what to watch for.
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone. It blocks two bacterial enzymes — DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV — that unwind and rewind DNA during replication. Without them the bacterium cannot copy its DNA and dies.
It is broad-spectrum and unusually strong against gram-negative organisms — E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Campylobacter — which is why it is valuable in urinary and gut infections and in some infections other oral antibiotics cannot reach.
It is deliberately not first-line. Medicines regulators including the FDA and EMA have restricted fluoroquinolone use because of rare but serious and sometimes permanent side effects affecting tendons, nerves, muscles and the nervous system. The guidance is explicit: do not use them for mild infections another antibiotic can treat — uncomplicated sinusitis, bronchitis or a simple bladder infection where an alternative exists.
If it has been prescribed, it should be because the infection needs it.
What is Biofloxx 500 Dosage commonly used for?
- Complicated urinary tract infections and kidney infections (pyelonephritis).
- Bacterial gastroenteritis — travellers’ diarrhoea, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter.
- Typhoid fever.
- Bone and joint infections, including osteomyelitis, often over long courses.
- Skin and soft tissue infections, including some diabetic foot infections.
- Prostatitis, where its tissue penetration is particularly useful.
- Serious ear infections, including malignant otitis externa.
- Some chest infections, particularly where Pseudomonas is involved or in cystic fibrosis.
- Anthrax exposure, as prophylaxis.
It does not treat colds, flu or most sore throats and coughs — all viral.
Complete the course, and do not keep leftover tablets. Fluoroquinolone resistance is rising, and partial courses drive it.
How Biofloxx 500 Dosage fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoroquinolones | Ciprofloxacin (Biofloxx 500), levofloxacin, moxifloxacin | Reserved: complicated urinary, gut, bone and Pseudomonas infections |
| Nitrofurans | Nitrofurantoin | First-line for simple bladder infections |
| Aminopenicillins | Amoxicillin | Broad first-line cover |
| Penicillin + inhibitor | Co-amoxiclav | Where resistance defeats amoxicillin |
| Macrolides | Azithromycin (Azrotrin) | Atypical chest infections; penicillin allergy |
| Nitroimidazoles | Metronidazole | Anaerobes — often paired with ciprofloxacin |
For an uncomplicated bladder infection, nitrofurantoin is generally preferred precisely so ciprofloxacin stays in reserve. See the antibiotics and antimicrobials hub.
What to check before using Biofloxx 500 Dosage
The interactions that stop it working are the ones most often missed. Ciprofloxacin binds to metal ions and is then not absorbed:
- Antacids, and supplements containing calcium, magnesium, iron or zinc — including multivitamins and large amounts of dairy.
- Take ciprofloxacin at least two hours before, or six hours after any of these. Getting this wrong can render the antibiotic useless while you believe you are being treated.
Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have a history of tendon problems, or take corticosteroids — the combination substantially raises tendon rupture risk.
- Have epilepsy or a seizure history — ciprofloxacin lowers the seizure threshold.
- Have myasthenia gravis, where it can cause serious worsening.
- Have a heart rhythm problem or long QT interval, or take other QT-prolonging medicines.
- Take theophylline, tizanidine (contraindicated), warfarin, methotrexate, clozapine, or large amounts of caffeine — ciprofloxacin raises levels of several substantially.
- Have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes.
- Have an aortic aneurysm or risk factors for one.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, or under 18 — fluoroquinolones are generally avoided in children.
Practical points: drink plenty of fluid; avoid strong sun and sunbeds, as it causes photosensitivity; space doses evenly; and stop exercising and contact your doctor at the first sign of tendon pain.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Common effects are nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness and rash.
Stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately for:
- Pain, swelling or inflammation in a tendon — most often the Achilles. Rupture can occur suddenly, can happen weeks after the course, and can be permanent. Rest the limb and seek advice the same day.
- Numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in the hands or feet — peripheral neuropathy, which can be irreversible if the medicine is continued.
- Confusion, hallucinations, severe anxiety, depression, agitation, or thoughts of self-harm.
- Seizures.
- Sudden severe pain in the chest, abdomen or back — get emergency help; fluoroquinolones are associated with aortic aneurysm and dissection.
Get emergency help also for swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, a widespread blistering rash, palpitations or fainting, or severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea with fever during or after the course.
Contact your doctor if the infection is not improving after two to three days, if you develop joint or muscle pain, or if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes. With this class, report something early rather than finishing the course and hoping — several of its serious effects are far more recoverable when the medicine is stopped promptly.
Related medicine guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Biofloxx 500 used for? Complicated urinary and kidney infections, bacterial gut infections including typhoid and travellers’ diarrhoea, bone and joint infections, prostatitis, and some skin and ear infections. It contains ciprofloxacin 500 mg.
What is the dosage? That depends on the infection, its severity and your kidney function, and it is set by your prescriber. Follow the label on your pack rather than a general figure.
Why isn’t it used for simple infections? Fluoroquinolones carry rare but serious and sometimes permanent side effects, so regulators advise against using them where another antibiotic would do.
Can I take it with milk or an antacid? No — separate them. Calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc bind ciprofloxacin and stop it being absorbed. Take it two hours before or six hours after.
What should I do if my ankle hurts? Stop the medicine, rest the limb and contact your doctor the same day. Tendon rupture is a recognised risk and can occur weeks after the course.
Can I go in the sun? Avoid strong sun and sunbeds — it causes photosensitivity.
Will it treat flu? No. Colds and flu are viral, and antibiotics have no effect on them.
Can children take it? Fluoroquinolones are generally avoided in children and under-18s except in specific circumstances decided by a specialist.