What is Ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is a prescription that treats bacterial infections in different parts of your body. It belongs to the class of medications known as quinolone antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin is available in various dosage forms, including tablets and powder for suspension.
Ciprofloxacin oral liquid and tablets help to treat anthrax infection after inhalational contact. Doctors also prescribe this medicine to treat and prevent plague. Remember, Ciprofloxacin might delay the symptoms of syphilis but is not effective against syphilis infections.
Ciprofloxacin is available under the US brand name Cipro. After a valid doctor’s prescription, you can buy Ciprofloxacin from licensed pharmacies.
However, Ciprofloxacin extended-release tablets only treat urinary tract infections.
What are the Medical uses of Ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is commonly used to treat the following infections caused by bacteria:
- Infectious diarrhoea
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections
- Lung infections
- Skin infections
- Sinus infections
- Bone and joint infections
- Abdominal infections
- Certain gonorrhoea infections
- Prostate infections
- Certain anthrax infections
It is important to know that Ciprofloxacin will not work for flu, colds, or other virus infections.
How does Ciprofloxacin work?
Ciprofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic that works by either killing bacteria or preventing their growth.
How to take Ciprofloxacin?
Make sure you take Ciprofloxacin in the same way as your doctor recommends. Shake the oral suspension for 15 seconds properly before measuring the dosage.
Use the dosing syringe provided with the medicine or a dose-measuring device. Avoid a kitchen spoon. Never take Ciprofloxacin oral suspension with a feeding tube.
You should always take Ciprofloxacin at the same time daily to maintain a constant level of medicine in your blood. Take this medicine with or without food as prescribed by the doctor.
Swallow the Ciprofloxacin extended-release tablet with a glass of water, and do not crush, chew, or break it. Drink plenty of liquids during the treatment with this medicine.
Even if your symptoms improve quickly, continue using Ciprofloxacin for the full prescribed length of time. Skipping doses can increase the risk of infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin will not treat viral infections like the common cold or flu. Do not share Ciprofloxacin with another person.
What if i Miss a dose of Ciprofloxacin?
If you take regular tablets or oral suspension, then take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose if your next dosage of Ciprofloxacin is due in less than 6 hours.
If you take extended-release tablets, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if the next Ciprofloxacin dose is due in less than 8 hours, then skip the missed dosage.
Never take two doses at one time, as it can increase the risk of severe side effects.
What if i consume an Overdose of Ciprofloxacin?
If you overdose, immediately seek medical help or visit the doctor.
What are the Side effects of Ciprofloxacin?
Most side effects of Ciprofloxacin do not require medical attention as they disappear once your body adjusts to the medicine.
However, following your doctor’s recommendation for the prescribed dosage can help to reduce the risk of severe side effects.
Some common side effects of Ciprofloxacin include:
- Skin rash
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen nose and throat
- Headache
- Feeling an urgent need to urinate
- Yeast infection
- Changes in liver function
Stop taking Ciprofloxacin and meet the doctor immediately if you experience:
- Low blood sugar
- Nerve damage symptoms
- Signs of tendon rupture
- Serious mood or behaviour changes
In rare cases, Ciprofloxacin might cause damage to your aorta, the main blood artery of your body.
It is not a complete list of side effects; you might experience other problems. Meet the doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What are the Drug interactions for Ciprofloxacin?
Some medications can make Ciprofloxacin less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medications, take Ciprofloxacin dose 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking other medicines:
- Sucralfate, antacids
- Didanosine powder or chewable tablets
- Vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc
Also, inform the doctor about all other medications you take, especially:
- A blood thinner (Warfarin, Coumadin)
- Clozapine, phenytoin, sildenafil, cyclosporine
- Drugs to treat depression or mental illness
- Heart medication or a diuretic or water pill
- Steroid medicine
- NSAIDs
- Oral diabetes medicine
- Products which contain caffeine
What are the Precautions and warnings for Ciprofloxacin?
Avoid taking Ciprofloxacin with dairy products like yogurt, milk, or calcium-fortified juice. However, you can have these products with your meals but not while taking this medicine.
Antibiotic medications can cause diarrhoea, which might be a sign of a new infection. If you experience bloody or watery diarrhoea, consult the doctor before taking anti-diarrhoea medicine.
Do not take Ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This medicine might contain some inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions.
Ciprofloxacin can make you sunburn easily, so avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when stepping out of the house. Inform the doctor if you have severe redness, rashes, burning, itching or swelling after being in the sun.
Before starting your treatment with Ciprofloxacin, inform the doctor about your medical history, especially of:
- Heart diseases
- Kidney disorders
- Stomach problems
- Liver diseases
- Diabetes
- Nerve disorders
- A seizure, head injury, or brain tumour
- Long QT syndrome
- Low levels of potassium in the blood
Ciprofloxacin might cause dizziness. Avoid driving or involving in hazardous activities unless you know how Ciprofloxacin will affect you. Your reactions might be impaired.
It is not known whether Ciprofloxacin will harm an unborn baby. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or plan pregnancy.
When taking Ciprofloxacin and for 2 days after the last dosage, do not breastfeed. If you take this medication for anthrax exposure, ask the doctor about breastfeeding.
How to Store Ciprofloxacin?
Store Ciprofloxacin at room temperature, away from moisture and direct heat. Do not allow the liquid medication to freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.
FaQs-
Is it safe to drink alcohol with Ciprofloxacin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol with Ciprofloxacin. However, it is better to consult a doctor once.
Is there any food or drink you need to avoid?
Do not take the liquid or tablets with dairy products (such as yoghurt, milk, and cheese) or drinks with added calcium.
Is Ciprofloxacin a strong antibiotic?
Yes, Ciprofloxacin treats various infections, but it can be reserved in cases where other antibiotics fail. It is not recommended for use in children under 18 due to severe side effects like tendon rupture.
Who should not take Ciprofloxacin?
People with epilepsy, kidney problems, diabetes, or those who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should not take Ciprofloxacin.
Can I take Ciprofloxacin on an empty stomach?
Yes, Ciprofloxacin is best when taken on an empty stomach with water. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
