What is Ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. This includes bone and joint infections, intra abdominal infections, certain type of infectious diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, skin infections, typhoid fever, and urinary tract infections, among others.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects that may not be reversible.
Ciprofloxacin should be used only for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.
What strengths are available of Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin sold by BudgetGenerics.com is Ciprofloxacin 250mg Tablet, Ciprofloxacin 500mg Tablet and Ciprofloxacin 750mg Tablet
Recommendations for use of Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is used to treat or prevent broad brand of infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia, gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted disease), typhoid fever (a serious infection that is common in developing countries), infectious diarrhea (infections that cause severe diarrhea), and infections of the skin, bone, joint, abdomen (stomach area), and prostate (male reproductive gland), Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat or prevent plague (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack) and inhalation anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread by anthrax germs in the air on purpose as part of a bioterror attack). Ciprofloxacin may also be used to treat bronchitis, sinus infections, or urinary tract infections but should not be used for bronchitis and sinus infections, or certain types of urinary tract infections if there are other treatment options. Ciprofloxacin extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used to treat kidney and urinary tract infections; however, some types of urinary tract infections should only be treated with ciprofloxacin extended release tablets if no other treatment options are available. Ciprofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections.
Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Dosage and direction of taking Ciprofloxacin 400mg
Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Ciprofloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Ciprofloxacin tablet orally as prescribed by your doctor with a full glass of water with or without food. Usually it is prescribed twice a day, once in the morning and one at night. You can take with a glass of milk or food to avoid stomach upsets.
Swallow the whole capsule without chewing or splitting or crushing it. There is a bitter taste if you crush Ciprofloxacin. Increase the amount of fluids taken unless the doctor advised otherwise
Always try to take Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) at evenly paced times. If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is too close to your next dose then skip the missed dose and take the regular dose. Should never double the dose in order to make up for the missed dose.
This is an antibiotic which needs to complete the fully prescribed amount, even if the symptoms improve after a few doses. The bacteria may continue to grow if you stop the medication early resulting in a return of the infection.
Take Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
If you are taking any of the following medications or supplements, you need to take Ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before of 6 hours after taking other products that may bind to it, decreasing its effectiveness.
sucralfate
quinapril
sevelamer
vitamin / mineral supplements (zinc or iron)
products containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium (antacids, calcium supplements, didanosine solution)
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with Ciprofloxacin. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
Continue to take Ciprofloxacin even if you feel better. If you stop taking Ciprofloxacin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Missed Dose of Ciprofloxacin
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose of Ciprofloxacin
If you think you have taken more than the required dose contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
How does Ciprofloxacin work?
Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections.
Antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Precautions before taking Ciprofloxacin
Prior to taking Ciprofloxacin inform your doctor if you
have any allergies to Ciprofloxacin or to macrolide antibiotics or to any other allergies
have diabetes
have kidney disease
have mental / mood changes (depression)
have myasthenia gravis - a type of muscle disease
heart disease - had a heart attack recently,
nerve problems such as peripheral neuropathy
have seizures
have joint/ tendon problems
have QT prolongation in the EKG
have family history of the above
Ciprofloxacin may cause QT prolongation which affects the heart rhythm.
Risk of QT prolongation will be increased by low levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood. This risk may increase if you are taking certain drugs or certain conditions like diarrhea, sweating and vomiting. Discuss with your doctor how to use Ciprofloxacin safely and effectively.
Ciprofloxacin rarely cause serious changes in blood sugar, especially with diabetes. You need to do regular checks on your blood sugar and share the results with your doctor.
While you are taking Ciprofloxacin do not take any live bacterial immunizations (such as typhoid vaccine) as it may not work well unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Inform your doctor or the dentist of all the products that you use (prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, protein shakes, herbal products, vitamin supplements) before having surgery.
If you are on a salt restricted diet or if you have congestive heart failure you need to check with your doctor as some Ciprofloxacin products may contain sodium which may worsen by the increased salt intake.
Ciprofloxacin may make you dizzy, confused or disoriented. Consumption of alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not operate machinery, drive a car or do anything that require alertness until you can do it safely. Understand know how this medication affects you.
You need to limit your time in the sun as Ciprofloxacin may make you more sensitive to the sun. Tanning booths and sun lamps should be avoided. Wear protective clothing and sun screen whenever you expose yourself to the sun.
FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Ciprofloxacin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known if Ciprofloxacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take before having surgery or treatment. Taking Ciprofloxacin together with certain medicines or products may cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Side Effects of Ciprofloxacin
Your doctor prescribed this medicine after carefully analyzing the benefits over the risks involved. Most people do not experience any serious side effects. However, you may experience the following side effects.
Your doctor prescribed this medicine after carefully analyzing the benefits over the risks involved. Most people do not experience any serious side effects. However, you may experience the following side effects.
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Nausea
Headache
Trouble sleeping
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects mentioned below.
Signs of a new infection
Signs of liver problems (unusual tiredness, stomach / abdominal pain, yellowing eyes, skin, dark urine, nausea)
Unusual bruising, bleeding
Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, colour of urine)
Prolonged use of Ciprofloxacin may cause oral thrush or yeast infection. If you notice white patches in your mouth, a vaginal discharge contact your doctor immediately.
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Interaction with Ciprofloxacin
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. Do not start, stop and change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's permission.
During pregnancy Ciprofloxacin must be used if it’s absolutely necessary.
Caution should be exercised when prescribing Ciprofloxacin to a nursing mother.
Some of the medications that may interact with Ciprofloxacin is
blood thinners - warfarin, strontium, acenocoumarol
The removal of other medications from your body is slowed down by Ciprofloxacin which may affect how they work. The following medications may be affected.
tasimelteon
duloxetine
pirfenidone
tizanidine
Ciprofloxacin may increase or prolong the effects of caffeine. It is recommended to avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine and avoid eating large amounts of chocolates.
Storage of Ciprofloxacin
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 77°F); protect drug from excessive light, humidity, and temperature over 30°C (86°F)
Keep Ciprofloxacin tablets in the container that they came in and keep the container tightly closed.
Throw away capsules that are no longer needed or expired (out of date).
Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help to protect the environment.
Ciprofloxacin should not be used after the given expiration date.
Scientific Information about Ciprofloxacin or Generic Cipro
Formula: Ciprofloxacin | C16H15N5O7S2.3H2O
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