Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is a good and inexpensive antibiotic. It is used to treat and prevent bacterial infections such as:

• Chest infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, lower respiratory infections
• Lung infections like cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Typhoid fever
• Urethral gonorrhea and cervical gonorrhea
• Infectious diarrhea
• Skin infection
• Bone and joint infections such as septic arthritis and osteomyelitis
• Urinary tract infections such as urethritis, and kidney infection
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Abdominal infections such as abdominal abscesses, and peritonitis
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis
• Infection of the testicles
• Acute uncomplicated cystitis
• Eye infection such as conjunctivitis
• Prevention of meningitis, and in people having intestinal, or stomach surgery

Ciprofloxacin is effective against a large group of bacteria including some gram-positive and many gram-negative bacteria. Specifically, it’s most active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It’s a second-generation fluoroquinolone that kills the bacteria. This is done by inhibiting the production of their genetic material called DNA-gyrase. This enzyme is involved in the repair and replication of the bacterial DNA. Without the enzyme, bacteria can’t repair themselves and reproduce. This kills the bacteria and clears up the infection.

The dose of this medicine is based on the following:

• Your condition being treated
• The severity of your condition
• Your age
• The strength of the medicine
• Your kidney’s function
• Your other medication

The typical recommended dose for most adult infections is 250 mg to 750 gm two times a day or every 12 hours. The dose in treating gonorrhea is 250 mg taken as a single dose. For the treatment of serious kidney infections, the dose is 250 mg to 500 mg two times a day or every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food. Take it with plenty of fluid to prevent unwanted effects such as the formation of crystal in the urine. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablet. Do not take the medicine with milk, yogurt, or other dairy products. In case you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember but if it’s almost time for you to take it, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pale skin
• Sleepiness
• Stomach pain
• Unusual tiredness
• Vaginal itching or discharge

Stop taking this medicine if you will experience any of the following side effects:

• Allergic reactions with signs like rashes, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, blistering or peeling of the skin
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Sudden pain in the chest, back or stomach
• Decreased urination
• Loss of consciousness
• Extreme thirst or hunger
• Ongoing or worsening of cough
• Difficulty swallowing
• Problems with balance and unsteady walk
• Psychotic reactions
• Inflammation of the pancreas

Ciprofloxacin may affect your brain and nervous system and cause serious side effects like:

• Epilepsy
• Seizures
• Narrowing of the blood vessels in or near the brain
• Stroke
• Changes in the brain structure

What should I know before taking Ciprofloxacin?

• Do not use this antibiotic in treating certain bacterial infections unless there are no other alternative medications, which includes:
  • Acute bacterial sinusitis
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
  • Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
• Extra monitoring and a lower dose are needed for people with:
  • Kidney problems
  • Heart disease
  • History of psychiatric illness
  • Diabetes
  • Using corticosteroid medications
  • History of convulsion, epilepsy
  • A genetic blood disorder called G6PD deficiency
  • A muscular disorder called myasthenia gravis
  • A family history of an abnormal heart rhythm as seen on ECG
  • Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood
• Do not take this medicine if:
  • You are allergic to quinolone type of antibiotic
  • Have tendon disorders like tendonitis
• Ciprofloxacin can cause inflammation of the bowel. If you get diarrhea that becomes worse or that contains blood or mucus, consult with your doctor right away.
• This medicine can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, sunbeds, or sunlamps while under medication to avoid getting skin reactions or rashes.
• Ciprofloxacin may worsen the muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis and can cause serious breathing difficulty or death.

Getting the Best Result from Ciprofloxacin

• Ciprofloxacin works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To do this, take it at the same time each day or at an evenly spaced time. Do not miss a dose. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• Do not take multivitamins and supplements that contain iron, zinc, aluminum, or magnesium at the same time with Ciprofloxacin. Leave at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after taking this medicine.
• Continue taking Ciprofloxacin even if you feel better or your infection may seem to clear up. If you stop using the medicine too soon your infection may not clear up and the bacteria may become resistant to the antibiotic.
• Taking Ciprofloxacin may increase your risk of developing tendinitis or a tendon rupture during the treatment or for up to several months after the treatment. The risk is highest for people who are above 60 years of age. If you will experience swelling, pain, stiffness, tenderness, and difficulty in moving your muscles stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away.
• Like other antibiotics, this medicine can interact with other medicines and may lead to adverse reactions. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medications including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• You should begin to feel better during the first few days of your treatment. However, if your symptoms persist or get worse, stop taking your medication, and contact your doctor right away.