Cipro (Ciprofloxacin)

Common Use

Cipro is an antimicrobial broad-spectrum antibiotic related to the fluoroquinolones group. This medication inhibits DNA-gyrase, an enzyme in bacteria responsible for DNA replication and synthesis of bacterial cellular proteins, causing their death and performing bactericidal activity. Cipro is effective against propagating bacteria and those in a resting state. It is used to treat various conditions and illnesses caused by bacterial infections of the pulmonary system, kidney and urogenital system, gastrointestinal system (mouth, teeth, jaws, bladder, and biliary tract), skin, mucous membranes, soft tissues, and others. It is active against many gram-negative aerobic and gram-positive bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Chlamydia, Streptococcus, and some species of Staphylococcus.

Dosage and Directions

Take Cipro exactly as prescribed by your doctor with a large glass of water, with or without food, at even intervals. Drink more water than usual during treatment with this medication. Do not take it with any milk products, as they diminish the activity of Cipro. Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet; swallow it whole. When taking the oral liquid, swallow it without chewing the medicine.

Precautions

Before taking Cipro, discuss with your doctor if you have any kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, joint problems, diabetes, a history of seizures, low potassium levels in your blood, or heart rhythm disorders. Avoid long exposure to UV radiation.

Contraindications

Do not use Cipro if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have epilepsy, are an infant or teenager younger than 18 years old, or have hypersensitivity to Cipro and other drugs in the fluoroquinolones group.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects may include:

• nausea;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• abdominal pain;
• rash;
• headache;
• restlessness;
• confusion;
• hallucinations;
• pale or yellowed skin;
• dark-colored urine;
• easy bruising or bleeding.

If you experience any of these signs, stop taking Cipro and contact your doctor.

Drug Interaction

Cipro is not recommended to be taken with medications that decrease stomach acidity, alkaline mineral waters, or medications containing aluminum, zinc, iron, or magnesium ions due to their ability to decrease Cipro absorption.

Missed Dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time for the next dose, just skip the missed portion and continue taking the medicine according to the schedule.

Overdose

Signs of overdose may include:

• seizures;
• difficulty urinating;
• weakness;
• combination of blue lips and pale skin.

If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15-25 degrees C, away from light and moisture, children, and pets. Do not freeze Cipro if taking it as a liquid; store it in the refrigerator.