Ciprofloxacin
About Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin belongs to the class of antibiotic medication known as fluoroquinolones used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, ear, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, genital tract infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, skin & soft tissue infections, and bone & joint infections. Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat inhalational anthrax post-exposure and as empirical therapy for febrile neutropenic patients.
Ciprofloxacin is antibacterial in nature and kills the bacteria that trigger various infections. Ciprofloxacin contains Ciprofloxacin which inhibits the division and repair of bacterial cells, thereby killing the bacteria. As a result, it treats a wide range of bacterial infections.
Ciprofloxacin will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. Ciprofloxacin may cause side effects such as injection site reactions, nausea, headache, diarrhoea, vomiting, restlessness, and rash. The majority of these side effects subside over time without the need for medical intervention. However, contact your doctor if the side effects continue to bother you.
Do not take Ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, or any of the components in this medication. Inform your doctor if you have QT prolongation, CNS disorders, or hypokalaemia. Concomitant use of tizanidine is not recommended. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing a baby. Avoid activities that require concentration or coordination, such as operating machinery or driving, as Ciprofloxacin may make you restless and lightheaded.
Uses of Ciprofloxacin
Medicinal Benefits
Ciprofloxacin contains Ciprofloxacin which is antibacterial in nature and kills the bacteria that trigger various infections. It inhibits the division and repair of bacterial cells, thereby killing the bacteria. As a result, it treats and prevents a wide range of bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, ear, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, genital tract infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, skin & soft tissue infections, and bone & joint infections. Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat inhalational anthrax post-exposure and as empirical therapy for febrile neutropenic patients.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ciprofloxacin
- Injection site reactions
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Rash
Drug Warnings
Do not take the Ciprofloxacin if you are allergic or have had a severe reaction to ciprofloxacin or other quinolone or fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, gemifloxacin, and delafloxacin. Inform your doctor if you have heart disorders, peripheral neuropathy, electrolyte imbalances, muscle weakness, epilepsy, diabetes, low blood potassium levels, joint problems, and CNS disorders. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding. Ciprofloxacin may cause tendon problems, peripheral neuropathy, CNS problems, and myasthenia gravis (muscle problems); consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of these conditions. Children below 18 years of age have a higher chance of getting bone, tendon (musculoskeletal), or joint problems such as pain or swelling while taking Ciprofloxacin; therefore, it should not be used as the first choice of treatment in children.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ciprofloxacin may interact with medications used to treat muscle stiffness (tizanidine), anticoagulant (warfarin), medicines used to treat asthma (theophylline, aminophylline), steroidal medications (prednisolone), a drug for epilepsy (phenytoin), a medicine used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (methotrexate).
Drug-Food Interactions: Limit the consumption of dairy products (like milk or yoghurt), calcium-enriched products, and caffeine-containing foods or beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have colitis (inflammatory reaction in the colon), CNS disorders, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), peripheral neuropathy, QT interval prolongation, abnormal electrocardiogram, arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, electrolyte abnormalities, hypokalemia, magnesium imbalance, tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown if alcohol affects Ciprofloxacin. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeBreastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Ciprofloxacin and for 2 days after the last dose.
Driving
cautionCiprofloxacin may make you restless and lightheaded. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Liver
cautionCaution is advised if you have a history of liver problems. Regular monitoring of liver function is advised and if signs and symptoms of hepatitis develop, treatment should be discontinued immediately.
Kidney
cautionCiprofloxacin should be used with caution if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage.
Children
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Ciprofloxacin in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of caffeine-containing foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate.
- Probiotics should be taken after finishing the entire course of Ciprofloxacin in order to replenish good bacteria that may have been lost in the intestines. The risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea can be decreased by taking probiotics after receiving antibiotic treatment. Some fermented foods, including yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut, and kimchi, can help rebuild the beneficial bacteria in the intestine.
- Increase your intake of fibre-rich foods since they are simpler for gut bacteria to digest, which encourages their growth.
- While taking Ciprofloxacin, make sure to drink lots of water or other fluids every day.
- Avoid drinking alcohol since it may cause dehydration and interfere with your sleep, which makes it difficult for your body to help Ciprofloxacin fight infections.
Special Advise
- Liver function should be checked regularly and treatment with Ciprofloxacin should be stopped immediately if signs and symptoms of hepatitis appear.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fever, chills, and fatigue. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Ciprofloxacin belongs to the class of antibiotic medication known as fluoroquinolones used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, ear, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, genital tract infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, skin & soft tissue infections, and bone & joint infections.
Ciprofloxacin inhibits the division and the repair of bacterial cells, thereby killing the bacteria. As a result, it treats and prevents a wide range of bacterial infections.
No, Ciprofloxacin should not be taken along with dairy products as they might affect the absorption and efficacy of Ciprofloxacin.
Ciprofloxacin should not be taken along with tizanidine (skeletal muscle relaxants). If you use tizanidine, notify your doctor.
Ciprofloxacin can make your skin sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity). As a result, extended exposure to sunlight or UV light should be avoided. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen before heading out.
No. Ciprofloxacin is an antibacterial medicine that acts only against bacterial infections and not against viral infections such as cough, cold and flu.
Ciprofloxacin may cause diarrhoea. Drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration or excessive fluid loss from the body. Consult your doctor if the condition persists or worsens.
