Cipro (Ciprofloxacin)

What is Cipro?

Cipro is a synthetic broad spectrum antimicrobial agent. It comes in the form of tablets and belongs to a class of drugs known as quinolone antibiotics. 

What is Cipro used for?

Cipro is used in the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. It does not work in case of viral infections.

How does Cipro work?

Cipro works by retarding growth of bacteria in the body, thereby preventing the infection from getting worse and spreading to the healthy body parts.

How to use Cipro

Cipro should be taken after properly consulting your doctor. Usually, it is taken twice a day, with or without food. The dosage frequency and length is decided after taking into account a number of medical conditions, therefore, the doses can vary. It is advisable to take plenty of fluids while you are on Cipro treatment.

Cipro warnings and precautions

In case you are allergic to antibiotics or have a history of diabetes, central nervous system disorders, heart problems, kidney or liver disease, be extra vigilant and let your doctor know about this well in advance.

Patients above sixty years of age should only receive Cipro after consulting the physicians, as it can increase the risk of tendinitis and tendon raptures.

Pregnant females and the ones who are breastfeeding their kids need to be alert and are recommended not to take the medicine unless prescribed.

Doses for patients with renal impairment need some alterations. So if you suffer from any such condition, your doses might differ and, therefore, make sure you follow the directed instructions regarding the dosage of Cipro.

What do I do if I have missed a Cipro dose?

If you have missed your Cipro dose, you should take it whenever you recall. Do not take two doses if it is already time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Cipro overdose?

If you have taken a Cipro overdose, you should talk to your doctor at once and do not try an antidote of overdose on your own.

Cipro interactions

Make sure your doctor is familiar with all your medical history, so that he can warn you well in advance about all possible interactions that can occur.

Some very serious interactions have been known if Cipro is taken along with medications like strontium and tizanidine. In such a case, check with your doctor before you start taking Cipro.

Also, report to your doctor if you are already on dofetilide, procainamide, sotalol and some antibiotics, including erythromycin, plus certain antipsychotic medications like pimozide and ziprasidone.

Take other drugs or food that have a tendency of binding to the ingredients present in Cipro after two to six hours, as this can lead to serious side effects. For more information regarding this, ask your doctor.

Cipro side effects

Commonly, side effects that have been reported by the patient under treatment with Cipro include diarrhea, lightheadedness, headache and trouble in sleeping. These symptoms should go away in some time after the body gets adjusted to the medicine. But if they persist, consult your physician.

Let your doctor know if you come across some serious side effects of Cipro, which rarely trouble patients. These side effects are frequent mood changes, anxiety, confusion, depression, sudden tremors, skin that becomes sensitive to sun burns and unexpected pains in the body that tend to stay for a longer period than expected.

Seek immediate medical attention in case you experience numbness in your limbs and/or extreme weakness.