Cipro

The active ingredient in Cipro is Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride. It works by inhibiting specific enzymes (proteins) that bacteria need to grow and repair their DNA, which is essential for their survival. By stopping this process, the antibiotic kills the bacteria.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Cirpo. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Cipro:

• Take Cipro exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Be sure to follow all instructions on your prescription label and carefully read any medication guides or instruction sheets that come with it.
• Take Cipro at the same time every day, and you can take it either with food or on an empty stomach.
• If you are using the liquid form of Cipro, shake it for 15 seconds before measuring your dose. Always use the provided dosing syringe or another appropriate medicine-measuring device (avoid using a kitchen spoon). Do not administer the liquid Cipro through a feeding tube.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
• Complete the full course of Cipro as prescribed, even if your symptoms improve quickly. Skipping doses can increase the risk of developing an infection that is resistant to the medication. Keep in mind that Cipro is not effective for treating viral infections like the flu or the common cold.
• Never share your Cipro with anyone else, as it is specifically prescribed for you and your condition.

The most common side effects of Cipro seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Skin rash.
• Abnormal liver function test results.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Cipro. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Pain or swelling in your Achilles tendon, tendon problems, tendinitis, joints, or muscles.
• Seizures (convulsions).
• Changes in your thoughts or behavior.
• Nerve damage may cause numbness, tingling, a "pins-and-needles" feeling, burning sensations, or changes in how you feel light touch or temperature.
• Severe damage to blood vessels, leads to sudden chest, back, or stomach pain, shortness of breath, or pain in your arms or legs.
• Diarrhea is caused by an infection (C. difficile), which may have a foul smell, fever, and frequent bowel movements.
• Abnormal heart rhythm, causing a pounding chest, chest pain, shortness of breath, or feeling faint or lightheaded.
• Kidney problems, such as urinating less often or experiencing swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands.
• Liver problems may cause stomach bloating, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.
• Serious allergic or skin reactions, such as hives, blisters, red or peeling skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or trouble breathing.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Cipro. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Cipro, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Cipro can cause serious side effects, including tendon issues, nerve damage, mood or behavior changes, and low blood sugar. If you experience symptoms like headache, hunger, irritability, numbness, tingling, confusion, agitation, memory problems, thoughts of suicide, or joint pain, stop using Cipro and contact your doctor immediately.
• You should not eat or drink dairy products like milk and yogurt or calcium-fortified juices alone near the time that you take Cipro by mouth.
• In rare cases, Cipro may cause a tear or swelling of the tendon, particularly in the Achilles tendon, which can happen during or months after treatment. The risk is higher in children, older adults, people using steroids, or those who’ve had an organ transplant.
• Cipro can also rarely cause serious damage to the aorta, leading to severe pain in the chest, stomach, or back. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical help.
• This medicine may increase your risk for aortic aneurysm (bulge in the wall of the largest artery.
• Cipro is not suitable for people with certain conditions, including myasthenia gravis, a history of tendon or joint problems, or allergies to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones. It's also not safe to take if you're using tizanidine.
• Do not use any tanning beds, or sunlamps, and avoid sunburn by using sunscreen.
• Before using Cipro, inform your doctor if you have:
• Arthritis or tendon/bone/joint issues (especially in children).
• Diabetes, nerve problems, heart conditions, or circulation issues.
• A history of aneurysms, seizures or epilepsy, brain tumors, or head injuries.
• Liver or kidney disease, muscle weakness, or long QT interval.
• Low blood potassium (hypokalemia).

Contraindications refer to specific health conditions or circumstances where using a particular medication could be unsafe. If any of the following apply to you, inform your healthcare provider, as Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) may not be suitable:

• A severe allergic reaction to any quinolone antibiotics
• Concurrent use of tizanidine (Zanaflex) with Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

The time it takes for Cipro (ciprofloxacin) to take effect can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Generally, most people start feeling better within 1 to 3 days of beginning treatment. However, it is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course, even if you feel better, as stopping Cipro (ciprofloxacin) too soon could cause the infection to return and become harder to treat.

When Cipro is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Medications for ulcers like sucralfate, or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum (such as Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Tums, and similar products).
• Didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets.
• Vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc.

Inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, particularly:

• Clozapine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, phenytoin, probenecid, ropinirole, sildenafil, or theophylline.
• Blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
• Heart medications or diuretics ("water pills").
• Oral diabetes medications.
• Medications for depression or mental health conditions.
• Steroid medications such as prednisone.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and similar drugs.

Common dosage forms for adults:

Skin, bone, and joint infections: 500-750 mg every 12 hours. Skin infections last 1-2 weeks, and bone and joint infections last 1-2 months.

Stomach infections and diarrhea: 500 mg every 12 hours for 5-14 days, depending on the condition.

Sinus infections and typhoid fever: 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.

Lower respiratory infections: 500-750 mg every 12 hours for 1-2 weeks.

Prostate infections: 500 mg every 12 hours for 1 month.

Gonorrhea: 250 mg as a single dose.

Urinary tract infections:

Mild: 250 mg every 12 hours for 3 days.

Serious: 250-500 mg every 12 hours for 1-2 weeks.

For Children (1 year and older):

The dosage depends on weight, typically 10-20 mg/kg every 12 hours for 10-21 days.

Special Conditions:

Anthrax exposure:

Adults: 500 mg every 12 hours for 2 months.

Children: 15 mg/kg (up to 500 mg) every 12 hours for 2 months.

Plague:

Adults: 500-750 mg every 12 hours for 2 weeks.

Children: 15 mg/kg (up to 500 mg) every 8-12 hours for 2 weeks.

Dosage may change if you have kidney or liver disease. Ciprofloxacin can also be given via IV in a hospital by a healthcare provider.

For regular tablets or oral suspension, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is less than 6 hours before your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose.

Keep it at room temperature, ensuring it is protected from moisture and heat. Prevent the liquid medicine from freezing. Dispose of any remaining liquid after 14 days.

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

There are several generic versions available of Cipro at lower costs, with the active ingredient of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride.

Complete the full prescribed course, even if you start feeling better before it's finished. Stopping early can lead to the infection returning or bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics.

If you experience severe or unusual side effects (e.g., tendon pain, nerve issues, or mood changes), contact your doctor immediately. They may decide to stop the medication and provide an alternative.

Unlike some medications, you don’t need to taper off Cipro. You can stop taking it as directed by your healthcare provider.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Cipro is not recommended for pregnant women as it may harm the fetus.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

If your doctor or healthcare provider confirms your baby is healthy, it is generally safe to take ciprofloxacin while breastfeeding. The medication passes into breast milk in small quantities and is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby.