Based on the information provided, your symptoms are consistent with a significant throat infection or possibly infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever), but ciprofloxacin is not typically a first-line antibiotic for either condition. Glandular fever is caused by a virus, so antibiotics are generally not effective unless there is a confirmed secondary bacterial infection. If your clinician suspected a bacterial throat infection and prescribed ciprofloxacin for a specific reason (such as antibiotic allergies or culture results), it is important to take it only as directed and not stop it without consulting them. However, because you have a fever, dizziness, fatigue, poor oral intake, and are eating and drinking very little, you are at risk of dehydration and should prioritize fluids. You should contact the prescribing clinician promptly to confirm the diagnosis and whether ciprofloxacin is the most appropriate treatment, especially given your history of antibiotic allergy. Seek urgent medical assessment today if you are unable to swallow fluids, develop worsening dizziness, difficulty breathing, severe throat swelling, persistent high fever, confusion, or signs of significant dehydration such as very little urine, marked weakness, or fainting. You can opt for personal consultation.
Hello
If you truly have Infectious mononucleosis, ciprofloxacin is not routinely used, because glandular fever is caused by a virus and antibiotics do not treat it. Antibiotics are only appropriate if your clinician suspects a secondary bacterial throat infection in addition to glandular fever.
Your symptoms (fever, severe sore throat, fatigue, body aches, dizziness, poor eating and drinking) are common with glandular fever, but dizziness may be a sign of dehydration, especially since you’re drinking very little.
You should:
* Increase fluids as much as possible (small, frequent sips if swallowing is painful). * Use paracetamol or ibuprofen (if safe for you) for fever and throat pain. * Contact the prescriber today to clarify why ciprofloxacin was chosen, particularly since you report an antibiotic allergy. Make sure they know which antibiotic caused your allergy and what reaction you had.
You should seek urgent medical assessment today if you are unable to keep fluids down, feel faint, have worsening dizziness, difficulty breathing, severe one-sided throat swelling, or persistent high fever despite medication. If your symptoms are mainly due to glandular fever, supportive care rather than antibiotics is usually the main treatment.
Take care
Hello,
I’m sorry you’re feeling so unwell.
If you have glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis), which is caused by a virus, ciprofloxacin is not routinely used because antibiotics do not treat viral infections. Antibiotics are only appropriate if your doctor suspects or has confirmed a secondary bacterial throat infection in addition to glandular fever.
However, ciprofloxacin is generally not a first-line antibiotic for throat infections. It has limited activity against the bacteria that most commonly cause bacterial sore throats and is usually reserved for specific infections. The reason it was prescribed depends on your doctor’s assessment, so it is important not to stop or change the medication without discussing it with the prescribing clinician, especially since you also mentioned an antibiotic allergy.
What concerns me most is that you have:
High temperature.
Moderate dizziness.
Very poor fluid and food intake.
Inflamed throat and ears.
These symptoms suggest you may be becoming dehydrated, which can worsen dizziness and make recovery more difficult.
Prescription / Advice:
Contact the doctor who prescribed the ciprofloxacin today to clarify whether you have confirmed glandular fever alone or a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
Increase your fluid intake with small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solution. If swallowing is painful, try cold fluids, ice chips, or ice lollies.
For fever and throat pain, Paracetamol can be used as directed, provided you have no contraindications. Avoid taking additional antibiotics unless advised.
Rest and eat soft foods as tolerated.
Seek urgent medical care today if you are unable to keep fluids down, feel faint, become increasingly drowsy or confused, have difficulty breathing, develop severe one-sided throat swelling, or your fever continues to worsen despite treatment.
If the diagnosis is truly glandular fever, the main treatment is supportive care (rest, hydration, and symptom relief), and recovery can take several weeks.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain Family Medicine Specialist
Hello Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is typically used to treat bacterial infections, but it is not usually the first choice for viral infections like glandular fever (often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus) or throat infections unless there is a secondary bacterial infection present.
Your Symptoms: - Lightheadedness and dizziness - High temperature - Achy bones - Inflamed throat and ears - Reduced appetite and fluid intake
These symptoms suggest a viral infection, and if it is indeed glandular fever, antibiotics like ciprofloxacin would not be effective against the virus itself.
What You Should Do: 1. Consult Your Doctor: It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and the appropriateness of ciprofloxacin for your condition. They may need to reassess your diagnosis and treatment plan. 2. Stay Hydrated: Even if you’re drinking very little, try to sip on fluids regularly. Dehydration can worsen dizziness and overall symptoms. 3. Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the infection, so prioritize rest. 4. Monitor Symptoms: If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms (like difficulty breathing, severe pain, or persistent high fever), seek medical attention promptly.
Thank you
