Cipro
Generic Name: Ciprofloxacin
What is Cipro?
Cipro is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the urinary tract, bladder (cystitis), prostate, lower respiratory tract, sinuses, skin, bone, joints, and abdomen. It may also be used to treat other bacterial infections, as determined by your doctor.What is the most important information I should know about Cipro?
Cipro works only against bacteria. It will not cure an infection caused by a virus, such as the common cold or flu.In rare cases, antibiotics can cause a serious allergic reaction. Stop taking Cipro and call your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following warning signs: skin rash, tingling, hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapid heartbeat, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
A rare but serious side effect of Cipro is tendon rupture or swelling of the tendon. Stop taking Cipro and call your doctor immediately if you notice any tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation.
Cipro may cause a rare heart problem called QT prolongation. Tell your doctor immediately if you have a change in heartbeat.
Cipro may cause damage to nerves in your arms, hands, legs, or feet. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following warning signs: pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Cipro may affect your blood sugar, so check your blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes.
Cipro may make your skin more sensitive to UV light. Wear proper sun protection.
Mild diarrhea is common with antibiotic use. However, a more serious form of diarrhea, although rare, may occur. Contact your doctor right away if you experience stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools. Do not treat the diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
Who should not take Cipro?
Do not use Cipro if you have a history of allergic reactions to ciprofloxacin, any member of the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics (such as Avelox and Levaquin), or any of the product's components. Also, you should not take Cipro if you are already taking a medication called tizanidine.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Cipro?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Cipro. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have tendon or joint problems, a history of seizures, a heart problem, are being treated for an abnormal heartbeat, a history of a brain or nervous system disorder, liver or kidney problems, a history of irregular heart beat, diarrhea, or skin sensitivity to the sun. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Bone, Joint, Lower Respiratory Tract, Prostate, Sinus, and Skin Infections
Adults: The usual recommended dose for mild or moderate infection is 500 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours. Your doctor will determine the duration of treatment based on the type of your infection. Higher doses of Cipro may be prescribed for more severe or complicated infections.
Urinary Tract Infection
Adults: The recommended dose for acute uncomplicated infection is 250 mg every 12 hours for 3 days.
The recommended dose for mild or moderate infection is 250 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days.
For severe or complicated infection, the recommended dose is 500 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days.
Children 1-17 years: Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage for your child, based on their body weight.
How should I take Cipro?
Cipro can be given orally (tablets or oral suspension) or administered intravenously (I.V.) in a hospital setting.Take Cipro in the morning and evening at the same time each day. Cipro may be taken with or without food. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking Cipro. Cipro should not be taken with dairy products (like milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone, but may be taken with a meal that contains these products.
Swallow Cipro tablets whole. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablet. Shake the Cipro oral suspension bottle well each time before use for about 15 seconds.
Cipro should be administered at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after magnesium/aluminum antacids, sucralfate, Videx (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution, or other products containing calcium, iron or zinc.
It is important to take the full dosage schedule of Cipro, even if you're feeling better in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances that the bacteria may become resistant to Cipro and similar antibiotics. If this happens, Cipro and similar antibiotics may not work in the future.
What should I avoid while taking Cipro?
Avoid taking Cipro with dairy products (like milk and yogurt) and calcium-fortified juices alone, since they may affect the absorption of Cipro. Avoid large amounts of food or drink that have caffeine.Cipro may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or engage in activities requiring mental alertness or coordination until you know how Cipro affects you.
Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and limit your time in the sun as Cipro can make your skin more sensitive to UV light and may cause sunburns. Wear sunscreen or protective clothing if outside in the sun.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Cipro?
If Cipro is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Cipro with the following: antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, caffeinated food or drinks, calcium-fortified juices, cyclosporine, dairy products, didanosine, food or drink high in iron, calcium, or zinc, glyburide, methotrexate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), phenytoin, probenecid, sucralfate, tizanidine, or warfarin.What are the possible side effects of Cipro?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: anxiousness or nervousness, changes in liver function tests, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, joint and muscle pain, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, pain or discomfort in the abdomen, rapid heartbeat, rash, tendon rupture or swelling, vaginal yeast infection
Can I receive Cipro if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Cipro during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Cipro?
If you miss a dose of Cipro, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once and do not take more than two doses in one day.How should I store Cipro?
Store tablets and oral suspension below room temperature and protect from freezing.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
