Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic, used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is also used in treating infections of the urinary tract, nose, throat, skin and soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia). It cures the infection by stopping the further growth of the causative microorganisms. Ciprofloxacin should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time. Avoid skipping any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Simply take the next dose as planned. You may experience nausea as a side effect of this medicine. This is usually temporary and resolves on its own, but please consult your doctor if it bothers you or persists for a longer duration. Diarrhea may also occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools.

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic. It works by stopping the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase. This prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing, thereby killing them.

• Urinary Tract Infections (uncomplicated & complicated)
• Lower & Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
• Skin and Skin Structure Infections
• Bone and Joint Infections
• Intra-abdominal Infections
• Infectious Diarrhea
• Typhoid Fever
• Gonorrhea
• Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
• Sinusitis
• Nosocomial Pneumonia

Ciprofloxacin is a synthetic quinolone anti-infective agent. Ciprofloxacin has broad spectrum of activity. It is active against most gram negative aerobic bacteria including Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ciprofloxacin is also active against gram-positive aerobic bacteria including penicillinase producing, non penicillinase producing, and methicillin resistant staphylococci, although many strains of streptococci are relatively resistant to the drug. The bactericidal action of Ciprofloxacin results from interference with the enzyme DNA gyrase needed for the synthesis of bacterial DNA.

Ciprofloxacin promotes breakage of double-stranded DNA in susceptible organisms and inhibits DNA gyrase, which is essential in reproduction of bacterial DNA.

Adult Dose (Oral):

Pediatric Dose (Oral): 20-40 mg/kg/day (max 1.5 g/day) q12h.

Renal Dose: CrCl >50: No adjustment; CrCl 30-50: 250-500 mg q12h; CrCl <30: 250-500 mg q18h or 200-400 mg IV q18-24h.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Avoid Ciprofloxacin with caffeine and chocolate as well as food containing caffeine and chocolate such as tea leaves, cocoa beans.

If you miss a dose of Ciprofloxacin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dyspepsia
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Serious Side Effects: Tendon pain/rupture, seizures, confusion, allergic reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), photosensitivity, hypoglycemia, retinal detachment.

• [UNSAFE] Ciprofloxacin may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
• Inform your doctor if you feel pain in your tendons, numbness, or tingling sensations.
• Drink fluids liberally.
• Avoid exposure to strong sunlight or sun lamps.
• Avoid caffeine and chocolate.
• Inform your doctor if diarrhea doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.

• Hypersensitivity
• Not to be used concurrently with tizanidine

May increase plasma concentrations of CYP1A2 substrates (e.g. clozapine, ropinirole, theophylline). Enhances effect of oral anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) and glibenclamide. Increased toxicity of methotrexate. Plasma concentrations may be increased by probenecid. Reduced absorption with oral multivitamins and mineral supplements containing divalent or trivalent cations (e.g. Fe, Zn, Ca) and antacids containing Al, Ca or Mg.

[SAFE] Consuming alcohol with Ciprofloxacin does not cause any harmful side effects. However, avoid caffeine and chocolate.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Ciprofloxacin may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor. Pregnancy Category C.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Ciprofloxacin is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. Baby should be closely monitored for development of fever, loss of appetite and diarrhea.

Pediatric dose: 20-40 mg/kg/day (max 1.5 g/day) q12h. Not a drug of first choice in pediatric population due to risk of arthropathy in immature animals.

Although higher Ciprofloxacin serum levels are found in the elderly, no adjustment of dosage is necessary.

[CAUTION] Ciprofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Ciprofloxacin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Ciprofloxacin is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment may not be needed. Inform your doctor if you develop any signs of jaundice.

Overdose symptoms: Seizures, hallucinations, confusion, abdominal discomfort, renal and hepatic impairment, crystalluria, hematuria, and reversible renal toxicity.

Keep below 30°C temperature, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Ciprofloxacin