Ciprofloxacin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug is Ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin medicinal uses

Ciprofloxacin is a drug to cure various kinds of bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin is an antiobiotic drug that belongs to the quinolone class.

The way ciprofloxacin works is to stop the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work to cure viral infections (such as colds, flu). Taking any antibiotic unnecessarily can reduce its potency.

How do you take ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin is a drug that must be used according to the provisions of the pamphlet for instructions on how to use the drug.

Read the medication instructions and, if available, the patient information leaflet provided by the pharmacist before you start using ciprofloxacin and each time you get a refill.

If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Ciprofloxacin is a drug that is taken before or after meals as directed by a doctor, usually twice a day in the morning and at night.

The rule of taking ciprofloxacin for syrup / suspension is to shake it well for 15 seconds before pouring out each dose. Measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device / spoon.

Don't use a home spoon as you may not get the right dose. Don't chew the contents of the suspension. Do not use a suspension with a feeding tube as it can clog the tube.

The dose and length of treatment with ciprofloxacin are usually determined based on your condition and how your body responds to treatment. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids when taking this medicine, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Ciprofloxacin is a drug that is used for at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after using other drugs that affect the efficacy of the drug.

Antibiotics are most effective when taken on time at each dose. This keeps the dose of the drug in your body constant. That way, antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin can work optimally.

Take this medication until it runs out even though the symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping treatment too early may keep the bacteria alive, allowing the infection to recur. Tell your doctor if your condition doesn't go away or gets worse.

How to store this drug?

Ciprofloxacin is a drug that should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't store it in the bathroom or freeze it.

Ciprofloxacin is a generic drug. Other brands containing this medicine may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that should not be disposed of carelessly, such as into a toilet or drain, unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Ciprofloxacin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for ciprofloxacin for adults?

Dosage for anthrax prophylaxis

Following is the ciprofloxacin dosage for post-exposure anthrax prophylaxis Bacillus anthracis through breathing:

• By infusion: use as much as 400 mg IV every 12 hours
• By mouth: take 500 mg by mouth every 12 hours

Treatment should be started as soon as possible after a doctor suspects or confirms exposure. The total duration of therapy (combination of infusion and oral) with ciprofloxacin is 60 days.

Dosage for bacteremia

Ciprofloxacin dose for bacteremia secondary to urinary tract infection due to Escherichia coli is 400 mg intravenously, and use every 12 hours.

Therapy should be continued for 7-14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.

Dosage for bronchitis

Mild to moderate bronchitis conditions are treated with ciprofloxacin intravenously, and the dose is 400 mg IV every 12 hours. Ciprofloxacin can also take oral drugs, and the rule of drinking is as much as 500 mg every 12 hours.

What is the dose of ciprofloxacin for children?

Dosage for anthrax prophylaxis

Prophylaxis after exposure Bacillus anthracis through breathing:

• By infusion, use 10 mg / kg IV every 12 hours (maximum dose: 400 mg / dose)
• By mouth or taken as much as 15 mg / kg every 12 hours (maximum dose: 500 mg / dose)

Treatment should be started as soon as possible after a doctor suspects or confirms exposure. The total duration of therapy (combined IV and oral) is 60 days.

Dosage for bladder infections

Ciprofloxacin dose for severe urinary tract infections due to bacteria E. coli is:

1-18 years old:

• By infusion: use 6-10 mg / kg / IV every 8 hours (maximum dose: 400 mg / dose)
• By mouth or taken as much as 10-20 mg / kg every 12 hours (maximum dose: 750 mg / dose)

The total duration of therapy (combined IV and oral) for severe urinary tract infections due to E coli bacteria with ciprofloxacin is 10-21 days. Ciprofloxacin is not the first choice because the rate of allergic reactions to ciprofloxacin is high.

In what dosage is ciprofloxacin available?

Ciprofloxacin is a drug that is available in tablet and liquid form. Ciprofloxacin tablet preparations are thin-coated 250 mg and 500 mg.

Meanwhile, ciprofloxacin in liquid medicine is available in doses of 5% (100 mL) or 10% (100 mL).

Ciprofloxacin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Ciprofloxacin?

The serious side effects of ciprofloxacin are:

• Dizziness, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Sudden joint pain, a crackling or popping sound, bruising, swelling, pain, stiffness, or loss of mobility in any joint.
• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
• Confusion, hallucinations, depression, thinking or acting differently than usual.
• Headache, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, pain behind the eyes.
• Pale or yellowing skin, dark urine, fever, weakness.
• Urinating less or not urinating at all.
• Bruising or bleeding easily.
• Numbness, tingling, or unnatural pain in any part of the body.
• The initial symptom of a rash, however light it is.
• Severe allergic reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling of the face or tongue, burning eyes, sore skin, followed by a red or purple rash that spreads (especially to the face or upper body) and blisters and peels.

Ciprofloxacin is a drug that you should stop taking if you have experienced serious side effects. Seek emergency help immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ciprofloxacin may cause less severe side effects, including:

• Nauseous vomit.
• Dizziness or drowsiness.
• Blurry vision.
• Feeling nervous, anxious, or irritable.
• Sleep disturbance (insomnia or nightmares).

These side effects are common. Not everyone feels it when they drink ciprofloxacin. There may also be side effects that have not been mentioned.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin is a drug that can cause certain conditions. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits you will get when you prescribe this drug.

Several things that can be considered include:

• Allergy

Ciprofloxacin is a drug that can also cause allergies. Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction or unusual symptoms of this medicine or other medicines.

Also inform all forms of allergies you have, such as food allergies, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter medications, read the label or package carefully.

• Children

It is not yet known how many doses should be given to children under 18 years of age. Research on ciprofloxacin so far has not shown the problems in children specifically that make the risk greater.

Typically, ciprofloxacin is a drug that is used after other medicines have been considered and proven ineffective.

Oral fluids or tablets may be taken by children to prevent anthrax infection after possible exposure, and to treat serious kidney infections.

• Elderly

There isn't enough research to show the problem will limit the benefits of ciprofloxacin for the elderly.

However, patients who are more susceptible to age-related kidney or heart disease, or have severe tendon injuries (including torn tendons), are the ones who need special supervision when taking ciprofloxacin.

Is ciprofloxacin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This medicine falls into the category C pregnancy risk according to Food and Drugs Association (FDA) in America. This means, ciprofloxacin is a drug that may pose a risk to pregnancy, although it requires further research.

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Ciprofloxacin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Ciprofloxacin?

Drug interactions can increase the risk of side effects or the performance of the drugs you are taking.

Ciprofloxacin is a drug that can have interactions with other drugs. Although several types of drugs cannot be taken at the same time, there are also cases where the two drugs are prescribed together.

In this case, the doctor may change the dose, or may need to be prevented. Tell a healthcare professional if you are taking medication with or without a prescription.

Below are the types of drugs that are usually not recommended for consumption with ciprofloxacin. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with the medicines below or change some of the other drugs that you are taking.

• Agomelatine
• Amifampridine
• Cisapride
• Dronedarone

This medicine can reduce the body's ability to absorb calcium. That is why, it is recommended that you take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after consuming calcium-containing products.

Some of these include quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins / minerals (including iron and zinc supplements), and products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium (such as antacids, didanosine solutions, calcium supplements).

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about safe ways or other alternative products that are safe to take with ciprofloxacin.

Do certain foods interact with ciprofloxacin?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. So it is with this drug.

Calcium-rich foods, including dairy products (such as milk, yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices, are foods that have the potential to reduce the effects of ciprofloxacin.

You may need to avoid these foods while taking ciprofloxacin, unless they are part of a specific diet (diet) that you are following. Ask your doctor about the best solution.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The existence of other medical problems is another that contributes to the use of ciprofloxacin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, in particular:

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate).
• Diabetes.
• Diarrhea.
• Heart attack.
• Heart disease (eg heart failure).
• Problematic heart rhythm (example: prolonged qt interval).
• Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood)
• Hypomagnesemia (lack of magnesium in the blood)
• Liver disease.
• Seizures (epilepsy)
• Stroke - use with care. might make this condition worse.
• Brain disease (example: hardening of the arteries)
• Kidney illness
• Organ transplant (for example, liver, kidney, or lung)
• Tendon disorders (eg rheumatoid arthritis) - use with caution. It might cause side effects that make the condition worse
• Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) - should not be used in patients with this condition.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

Just like drugs in general, ciprofloxacin is a drug that has the potential to cause an overdose if consumed in excess.

If this happens, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.