Drug Name

Cipro (Ciprofloxacin)

 Drug Uses

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat infections of the skin, lungs, airways, bones, and joints, caused by susceptible bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is also frequently used to treat urinary infections, caused by bacteria such as E. coli. Ciprofloxacin is effective in treating infectious diarrheas, caused by E. coli, campylobacter jejuni, and shigella bacteria.

Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food. Ciprofloxacin is partially metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidney. Dosages require adjustment in patients with severely abnormal liver or kidney function. Antacids block the absorption of ciprofloxacin and they should not be taken together. For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, Cipro can be given twice daily for three days while Proquin XR can be given once daily for three days.

 Drug Class and Mechanism

Many common infections in humans are caused by single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply, infecting different parts of the body. Medicines that control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA).

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Ciprofloxacin should be stored at below 86 degrees F.

 Warnings/Precautions

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Ciprofloxacin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. If sun exposure is unavoidable, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ciprofloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Avoid excessive consumption of products that contain caffeine. Ciprofloxacin may increase the effects of caffeine. Ciprofloxacin, administered together with theophylline, can lead to elevated blood levels of theophylline. Theophylline is used to open airways in the treatment of asthma. Toxic levels of theophylline can lead to seizures, and disturbances in heart rhythm. If concurrent use of ciprofloxacin and theophylline cannot be avoided, frequent blood tests to monitor theophylline blood levels are performed. Ciprofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with central nervous system diseases such as seizures, because rare seizures have been reported in patients, receiving this medication. Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in children and adolescents under 18 years old, as safe use in these patients have not been established. Many antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, can alter the normal bacteria in the colon and encourage overgrowth of a bacteria, responsible for the development of inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis). Pseudomembranous colitis can cause fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes even shock. Patients taking ciprofloxacin can develop sensitivity of the skin to direct sunlight. Ciprofloxacin can enhance the action of the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin), and increase the risk of bleeding. Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in pregnancy, as safe use in these patients have not been established. Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in nursing mothers, as safe use in these patients have not been established.

 Possible Side Effects

The most frequent side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, headache, and restlessness. Rare allergic reactions have been described, such as hives and anaphylaxis (shock).

 More Information

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ciprofloxacin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); seizures; confusion or hallucinations; liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or muscle or joint pain; skin rash; or chest pain, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or swelling of the legs or feet. If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking ciprofloxacin and talk to your doctor: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; headache; dizziness or lightheadedness; drowsiness; insomnia; ringing in the ears; or increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.