Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
Cipro which contains an active ingredient ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic drug which belongs to a group of drugs known as fluoroquinolones. Ciprofloxacin helps body fight the bacteria and is essentially used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is also often used in the treatment of antrax exposure.
Dosage
The dosage of Cipro (ciprofloxacin) can vary depending on the specific infection being treated, the severity of the condition, and individual factors such as age and weight. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the prescribing information on the medication label. The following are general dosage guidelines:
Urinary Tract Infections (Uncomplicated):
- Adults: 250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 3 days.
Urinary Tract Infections (Complicated):
- Adults: 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.
Respiratory Tract Infections:
- Adults: 500 to 750 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.
Skin and Skin Structure Infections:
- Adults: 500 to 750 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.
Bone and Joint Infections:
- Adults: 500 to 750 mg orally every 12 hours for 4 to 8 weeks.
Gastrointestinal Infections:
- Adults: 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 5 to 7 days.
Composition
Cipro basically consists of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride which forms the active ingredient. Tablets & oral Suspensions form a synthetic broad spectrum of antimicrobial agents.
Cipro drug is available in tablet and oral suspension forms. A tablet is available in a 250 mg or 500 mg ciprofloxacin strength. The tablet appears white to slight tinge yellowish. The inactive ingredients in the tablet include corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide,titanium dioxide & polyethylene glycol.
Ciprofloxacin drug available in the form of oral suspension has 5 g of ciprofloxacin in 100 mL 10 g of ciprofloxacin in 100 millilitre. Ciprofloxacin is a white to a slight yellowish suspension having a strawberry flavor with yellow orange droplets.
Uses
Ciprofloxacin is used for the treatment of infections of the skin, lungs, bones, airways, joints, urinary tract, etc. Ciprofloxacin is also used in treating infectious diarrhea caused due to E. coli.
Campylobacter jejuni bacteria. Anthrax, patients having fever & low white blood cells along with inter abdominal infections are also treated using ciprofloxacin.
Side effects
The side effects of cipro include:
- hives
- Skin rashes
- Fast heartbeat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, throat and tongue
- Swelling, rupturing or tearing of the tendon
- Permanent nerve damage
- Sudden pain
- Bruising, tenderness, movement problem or stiffness of joints
- Numbness, tingling or burning pain
- Being sensitive to temperature or light touch
- headache with pain in the chest
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Pounding heartbeats
- Nausea
- Upper stomach pain
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Clay coloured stools
- Jaundice which is yellowing of skin or eyes
- Muscle weakness
- Diarrhea which is watery or bloody
- Sudden weakness or feeling of illness
- Fever, chills and sore throat
- Mouth sores
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Depression, confusion or hallucinations
- Paranoia, tremors or feeling of restless or anxiousness
- Unusual thoughts
- Unusual behaviour
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- seizure (convulsions)
- Increased pressure inside skull which might cause severe headaches, dizziness, ringing of ears, nausea, pain behind the eyes, vision problems
- vaginal itching or vaginal discharge
Contraindications
One should not administer Cipro if he or she is consuming tizanidine. Cipro should also be avoided if one is suffering from a muscle disorder or if one is allergic to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones like levofloxacin, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin and others.
Pregnancy and Cipro
Cipro is an FDA category C drug, which infers that the results if this drug are not known if it would harm a baby. Hence women are advised to tell the doctor if they intend to get pregnant or they are pregnant before administering this drug. Also this drug might pass into the breast milk and hence this medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding else it might harm the baby being nursed.
Some frequently asked questions about Ciprofloxacin
What is ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic medication from the fluoroquinolone class. It is commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain types of gastrointestinal infections.
How does ciprofloxacin work?
Ciprofloxacin works by inhibiting the bacterial DNA synthesis and preventing the growth and reproduction of bacteria. It does this by targeting specific enzymes called DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are essential for bacterial replication.
What types of infections are treated with ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. It is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, and gastrointestinal infections caused by certain bacteria.
What is the usual dosage of ciprofloxacin?
The dosage of ciprofloxacin can vary depending on the specific infection being treated, the severity of the condition, and individual factors such as age and weight. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the prescribing information on the medication label.
What are the common side effects of ciprofloxacin?
Common side effects of ciprofloxacin may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and dizziness. It is important to be aware of any potential allergic reactions or more serious side effects such as tendon rupture, nerve damage, or severe skin reactions. Contact your healthcare professional if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Can ciprofloxacin interact with other medications?
Ciprofloxacin may interact with certain medications, including antacids, sucralfate, iron supplements, and certain blood thinners. It is important to inform your healthcare professional about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Can anyone take ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to inform your healthcare professional about your complete medical history, including any allergies, kidney problems, seizures, or a history of tendon disorders. They will determine if ciprofloxacin is appropriate for you and adjust the dosage if needed.
