Cipro

Cipro Drug Information

• Cipro Overview

  Cipro is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for virus infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

• Cipro Warnings

  Quinolone antibiotics (including ciprofloxacin) may cause serious and possibly permanent tendon damage (such as tendonitis, tendon rupture), nerve problems in the arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy), and nervous system problems.pain/numbness/burning/tingling/weakness in your arms/hands/legs/feet, changes in how you sense touch/pain/temperature/vibration/body position, severe/lasting headache, vision changes, shaking (tremors), seizures, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, depression, rare thoughts of suicide). Tendon damage may occur during or after treatment with Cipro. Stop exercising, rest, and get medical help right away if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling. Your risk for tendon problems is greater if you are over 60 years of age, if you are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone), or if you have a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Cipro may make a certain muscle condition (myasthenia gravis) worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have new or worsening muscle weakness (such as drooping eyelids, unsteady walk) or trouble breathing. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using Cipro.

• How to Use Cipro

  Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ciprofloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Cipro by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day in the morning and evening. The tablet may have a bitter taste if you split, chew, or crush it before taking it. The manufacturer recommends swallowing the tablet whole for this reason. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Cipro unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Take Cipro at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking other products that may bind to it, decreasing its effectiveness. Ask your pharmacist about the other products you take.quinapril, sevelamer, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals (including iron and zinc supplements), and products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium (such as antacids, didanosine solution, calcium supplements). Calcium-rich foods, including dairy products (such as milk, yogurt) or calcium-enriched juice, can also decrease the effect of Cipro. Take Cipro at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after eating calcium-rich foods, unless you are eating these foods as part of a larger meal that contains other (non-calcium-rich) foods. These other foods decrease the calcium binding effect. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about safely using nutritional supplements/replacements with Cipro. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take Cipro at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take Cipro until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Cipro Precautions

  Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolone antibiotics such as norfloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or ofloxacin; or if you have any other allergies. Cipro may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Cipro, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,diabetes, heart problems (such as recent heart attack), joint/tendon problems (such as tendonitis, bursitis), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as depression), myasthenia gravis, nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy), seizures, conditions that increase your risk of seizures (such as brain/head injury, brain tumors, cerebral atherosclerosis), blood vessel problems (such as aneurysm or blockage of the aorta or other blood vessels, hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, certain genetic conditions (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome). Ciprofloxacin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using ciprofloxacin,certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using ciprofloxacin safely. Cipro may rarely cause serious changes in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Watch for symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Ciprofloxacin may increase the blood-sugar-lowering effects of the medication glyburide. Also watch for symptoms of low blood sugar such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking fruit juice or non- diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of Cipro. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Your doctor may need to switch you to another antibiotic or adjust your diabetes medications if any reaction occurs. Cipro may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Cipro may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Ciprofloxacin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using Cipro unless your doctor tells you to. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of Cipro, especially joint/tendon problems. Older adults may be at greater risk for tendon problems (especially if they are also taking corticosteroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone), QT prolongation, and a sudden tear/break in the main blood vessel (aorta). During pregnancy, Cipro should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Cipro passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Cipro Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Cipro, 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.

• Cipro Interactions

  See also How to Use and Precautions sections. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval."blood thinners" (such as acenocoumarol, warfarin), strontium. Many drugs besides ciprofloxacin may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol, among others. Cipro can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include duloxetine, flibanserin, pirfenidone, tasimelteon, tizanidine, among others. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking over-the-counter products that contain caffeine. Cipro may increase and/or prolong the effects of caffeine.

• Cipro Side Effects

  What are Cipro side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Cipro may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Cipro as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Cipro

  The side effects of Cipro may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Cipro. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Cipro may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Cipro, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Cipro.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Cipro, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Cipro and the side effects associated with Cipro are described in the following:

  Common Cipro Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • gastrointestinal irritation

  Less Frequent Cipro Side Effects

  Severe

  • abnormal hepatic function tests

  Less Severe

  • CNS toxicity
  • dyspepsia
  • nausea
  • chest pain
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • fever
  • skin rash

  Rare or Very Rare Cipro Side Effects

  Severe

  • Clostridium difficile infection
  • aplastic anemia
  • leukopenia
  • eosinophilia
  • rhabdomyolysis
  • pancytopenia
  • depersonalization
  • pulmonary edema
  • hypertension
  • paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
  • neuromuscular blockade
  • torsades de pointes
  • atrial fibrillation
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
  • hypotension
  • prolonged QT interval
  • asthma
  • serum sickness
  • anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • drug-induced hepatitis
  • interstitial nephritis
  • hematuria
  • allergic dermatitis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • maculopapular rash
  • cerebral thrombosis
  • tendonitis
  • tendon rupture
  • rotator cuff tendon rupture
  • tendon rupture extensor of hand and wrist
  • tendon rupture flexor of hand and wrist
  • non-traumatic rupture of achilles tendon
  • hypertonia
  • hallucinations
  • syncope
  • seizure disorder
  • tonic clonic seizure
  • facial edema
  • jaundice
  • dyspnea
  • hyperuricemia
  • hyperglycemia
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction
  • hypertriglyceridemia
  • hemolytic anemia
  • anemia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • agranulocytosis
  • methemoglobinemia
  • angina
  • vasculitis
  • hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • acute hepatic failure
  • pancreatitis
  • acute renal failure
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • erythema nodosum
  • intracranial hypertension
  • drug-induced psychosis
  • suicidal ideation
  • severe diarrhea
  • hypoglycemic disorder
  • dissection of aorta
  • hyperbilirubinemia
  • increased aspartate transaminase
  • increased alanine transaminase
  • colitis
  • thrombocytosis

  Less Severe

  • oral candidiasis
  • vulvovaginal candidiasis
  • petechiae
  • acute confusion
  • lymphadenopathy
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • nightmares
  • agitation
  • depression
  • migraine
  • visual changes
  • tinnitus
  • vaginitis
  • stomatitis
  • epistaxis
  • constipation
  • skin photosensitivity
  • gait abnormality
  • pruritus of skin
  • urticaria
  • arthralgias
  • back pain
  • myalgias
  • limb pain
  • drowsy
  • paranoid disorder
  • dizziness
  • insomnia
  • general weakness
  • malaise
  • hyperhidrosis
  • pain
  • tremor
  • dysgeusia
  • hypesthesia
  • paresthesia
  • urinary retention
  • anorexia
  • headache disorder
  • tachycardia
  • palpitations
  • dysphagia
  • flatulence
  • hiccups
  • acute abdominal pain
  • polyuria
  • nervousness
  • peripheral neuropathy
  • diplopia
  • nystagmus
  • skin pigmentation enhancement
  • chills
  • ataxia
  • dysesthesia
  • flushing
  • muscle weakness
  • arthritis
  • disturbance of attention
  • memory impairment
  • delirium
  • crystalluria
  • thrombophlebitis
  • peripheral edema
  • gastritis
  • parosmia
  • alopecia

• Cipro Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Cipro when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.