Common Questions and Answers about How long does it take for antibiotics to start working. antibiotics. Hi, Antibiotics have to be taken for 7-10 days. Repeated courses are needed when symptoms recur. Some patients may need monthly rotating antibiotic therapy. ===== The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician. If it's bacterial prostatitis, Cipro can be used and it works effectively, and you can feel the difference in 1-3 days, but if it's not bacterial prostatitis, actually almost 80% of prostatitis has been non bacterial. As you are treated with Cipro, you may start to feel better, but that does not mean the infection is entirely gone. Take all of the medication that was prescribed to you unless your healthcare professional tells you to stop. Stopping an antibiotic before the bacterial infection is completely gone can result in serious consequences. How long does it take for Ciprofloxacin to work for UTI? Ciprofloxacin should be taken for 3-14 days depending on your infection. Marked symptomatic relief in case of bladder infection is expected in 24-48 hours, although milder symptoms may persist for 5-7 days. How long does it take to work? Since he was born he has been getting alot of colds that last a month to 2months long and ends up on antibiotics. Then he is well for 3 or 4 weeks then we start all over again. We have had alot of sleepless nights out of all the colds he has had. Can please help us? Thank you You should begin to notice some easing of your symptoms a few days after you start taking ciprofloxacin. However, it may be a week or more before you get the full benefit of this drug. You should always take antibiotics for the entire time your physician prescribes, even if your symptoms start to disappear. Always consult your physician before taking any prescription medication and follow his instructions. Helpful, trusted answers from doctors: Dr. Miller on how long should antibiotics take to start working: What is being treated, is it the right drug, are the bugs resistent, the health of the patient and other factors. No short answer. Helpful, trusted answers from doctors: Dr. Miller on how long should antibiotics take to start working: What is being treated, is it the right drug, are the bugs. Our sinuses are hard to reach, so it can be two to three days before antibiotic treatment begins to take effect. It is critical to continue the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.