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Ciprofloxacin

 

Ciprofloxacin (generic Cipro) Review

brand name: Cipro I.V.
generic names: Ciprofloxacin, Dexamethasone

What is ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Ciprofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.

Ciprofloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cipro

Serious and fatal reactions have occurred when Cipro was taken in combination with theophylline (Theo-Dur). These reactions have included cardiac arrest, status epilepticus (continuous attacks of epilepsy with no periods of consciousness), seizures, and respiratory failure.

You should also avoid taking Cipro with milk or yogurt alone, though calcium taken as part of a full meal has no significant effect on the drug.

The following can interfere with the absorption of Cipro and should be taken no less than 6 hours before or 2 hours after a dose:

Antacids containing magnesium and aluminum
Carafate
Supplements and other products containing calcium, iron, or zinc
Videx chewable tablets and pediatric powder

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Liver or kidney disorders
  
  
• Disturbances in the numbers of blood cells in the blood
  
  
• Disturbances in vision, taste, hearing or smell
  
  
• Pain in the muscles or joints
  
  
• Convulsions
  
  
• Confusion
  
  
• Tremor
  
  
• Disturbed sleep
  
  
• Feeling of weakness (asthenia)
  
  
• Sleepiness
  
  
• Depression
  
  
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
  
  
• Loss of appetite
  
  
• Abdominal pain
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Restlessness
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Rash or itching
  
  
• Diarrhoea
  
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
  

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Special warnings about Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and Dexamethasone

Stop using Ciprodex at the first sign of a skin rash or other allergic reaction.

Ciprodex may cause an overgrowth of other organisms, including yeast or fungus. If your symptoms are not better after a week of treatment, contact your doctor.

Why should Cipro not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Cipro or certain other antibiotics of this type such as Noroxin and Trovan, Floxin, you should not take this medication. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Cipro HC Otic suspension should not be used on anyone whose eardrum is perforated or who has a viral infection of the ear.

Warning!

• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is important that you finish the prescribed course of this antibiotic medicine, even if you feel better or it seems the infection has cleared up. Stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the bacteria will grow resistant to the antibiotic.
  
  
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics can sometimes cause inflammation of the bowel (colitis). For this reason, particularly if it becomes severe or persistent, you get diarrhoea either during or after taking this medicine, or contains blood or mucus, you should consult your doctor immediately.
  
  
• Quinolone antibiotics may rarely cause tendon inflammation (tendinitis) and tendon rupture. Older people and those taking corticosteroid medication are most at risk of this. You should stop taking this medicine immediately if you experience any pain or inflammation in your joints during treatment. Rest the affected limb(s) and consult a doctor immediately.
  
  
• This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. This effect may be enhanced by drinking alcohol. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.
  
  
• Avoid exposing your skin to excessive sunlight, sunlamps or sunbeds while taking Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), as it may increase the sensitivity of your skin to UV light. If you get a rash or other skin reaction on exposure to sunlight you should stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor.
  
  
• You should make sure you drink plenty of fluid while taking this medicine.
  
  
• You should not take milk, antacids for indigestion or heartburn, yoghurt, or medicines containing calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium or aluminium at the same time as Ciprofloxacin. (See end of factsheet for more information.)
  
  
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed.