GENERIC NAME: Ciprofloxacin (oral)
BRAND NAME(S): Cipro, Proquin® XR
DRUG CLASS(S): Quinolones
WHAT IS CIPROFLOXACIN USED FOR?
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic medicine used to treat variety of bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It helps by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Ciprofloxacin medication is used only for bacterial infections. At the same time, it will not work for virus infections such as flu or common cold or other.
Ciprofloxacin is available in the following dosage forms:
- Powder for Suspension
- Tablet
It is available only with your doctor's prescription.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF CIPROFLOXACIN?
Common Ciprofloxacin side-effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
Tell your doctor or health care provider right away if you have any serious health side-effects; including:
- Unusual bruising/bleeding
- Signs of a new infection such as persistent sore throat, new or persistent fever
- Signs of kidney problems such as red or pink urine, change in the amount of urine
- Signs of liver problems such as stomach or abdominal pain, unusual tiredness, persistent nausea or vomiting, dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin.
Get medical help right away if you have any of very serious health side-effects, including:
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Sudden or severe pain in the stomach, chest or back pain, cough, shortness of breath.
INTERACTIONS:
Ciprofloxacin may interact with other drugs or medications. Tell your doctor if you're taking other medicines. Some products that may interact with Ciprofloxacin include:
Using Ciprofloxacin with any of the following drugs is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed by your doctor together, he may make some changes in the doses.
Using Ciprofloxacin with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain health side-effects. If both medicines are prescribed by your doctor together, he may make some changes in the doses.
- Fosphenytoin
- Aluminum Hydroxide
- Aminolevulinic Acid
- Aceclofenac
- Itraconazole
- Sildenafil
- Chloroquine
- Lanthanum Carbonate
- Magnesium Carbonate
- Probenecid
- Phenytoin
- Ropinirole
- Cyclosporine
- Aluminum Phosphate
- Sucralfate
- Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
- Diclofenac
- Suvorexant
- Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
- Ropivacaine
- Dutasteride
- Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
- Rifapentine
- Sevelamer
- Magaldrate
- Magnesium Oxide
- Didanosine
- Magnesium Trisilicate
- Patiromer
- Magnesium Hydroxide
OTHER INTERACTIONS:
PRECAUTIONS:
Do not use Ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or health care provider about your medical history, especially of:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Brain tumor
- Heart attack
- Diarrhea
- Arthritis, bones or joint problem
- Nerve problems
- Muscle weakness
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Seizures
- Mental illness
- Head injury
- Trouble swallowing pills
- Long QT syndrome
- Aortic aneurysm
- Bradycardia
- Low levels of potassium in the blood
- Low levels of magnesium in the blood
- An aneurysm or blood circulation problems
It is still not clear whether Ciprofloxacin medication will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
This medicine may pass into breast-milk. Do not use this medicine if you're breast-feeding.
Keep out of the reach of children. Store at the room temperature, away from moisture, heat and direct light.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):
Q. What is the drug Ciprofloxacin used for?
A. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic medicine used to treat variety of bacterial infections such as skin, bone and chest infections (including pneumonia).
Q. What bacteria is Ciprofloxacin used to treat?
A. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, skin, bone and joint infections, sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea and chancroid), prostatitis, typhoid fever, lower respiratory tract infections, anthrax, gastrointestinal infections, plague, and salmonellosis. (1)
Q. What is the side effect of Ciprofloxacin?
A. Common side-effects of Ciprofloxacin include diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches or trouble sleeping.
Q. What should I avoid while taking Ciprofloxacin?
A. Do not use this medicine with dairy products such as yogurt or milk, or with calcium-fortified juice. (2)
Q. Is Cipro stronger than Amoxicillin?
A. According to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has revealed that Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is more effective than amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) when it comes to bladder infection treatment. (3)
Q. Can I eat eggs while taking Ciprofloxacin?
A. YES! You can consume eggs with Ciprofloxacin (Cipro). (4)
Q. Can Cipro make you tired?
A. The side-effects of this medication may vary person to person. However, some people may become dizzy, lightheaded and drowsy. (5)
Q. Should Ciprofloxacin be taken on an empty stomach?
A. YES! Ciprofloxacin works best when taken on an empty stomach. However, it is good to consult your doctor once before using this medicine. (6)
Q. Is Ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillin the same?
A. NO! Ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillin belong to different class of drugs. (7)
Q. Can I drink coffee while taking Cipro?
A. NO! It is not recommended to drink coffee while taking Cipro. (8)