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Ciprofloxacin

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Description

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic effective against a range of bacteria causing infection. This medicine is used to treat infections of the nose, throat, eye, ears, skin, lungs, or urinary tract (a group of organs that make urine and remove it from the body). The medicine kills or prevents the growth of bacteria in the body. Ciprofloxacin is not effective against infections caused by viruses. Ciprofloxacin may cause some unwanted side effects such as diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Inform your doctor if these side effects worsen or persist. After starting this medicine make sure to complete the course of this treatment. Ciprofloxacin can be taken with or without food as prescribed by your doctor. For the ease of remembering, take this medicine around the same time every day. Avoid consuming dairy items when using Ciprofloxacin or take the medicine with a gap of at least 3 hours after taking dairy products, since they might reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. Ciprofloxacin should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of severe side effects on the baby's developing joints. Ciprofloxacin is not known to be harmful but it can pass into breast milk in small amounts, so it is advised to consult your doctor before using it. Avoid Ciprofloxacin if you have kidney impairment or tendon (a tissue that connects a bone to a muscle) issues as this medicine can make these problems worse.
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Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Ciprofloxacin

Diarrhoea

Stomach pain

White patches in the mouth or on the tongue

Joint pain

Nausea

Fever with chills

Chest tightness

Ringing or buzzing in the ears

Irregular heartbeat

Runny Nose

Sneezing

Uses of Ciprofloxacin

What is it prescribed for?

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) refers to pneumonia (lung infection) that is acquired outside the hospital. CAP can be bacterial or viral. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat CAP caused by bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, etc.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the swelling and irritation of bronchial tubes that regulate air passage in the lungs. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat bronchitis caused by bacteria.

Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is the swelling of the kidneys due to bacterial infection. This infection starts in your urethra (a duct through which the urine is expelled out of the body) or bladder and spreads through the ureters (a tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder) to the kidneys. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat Pyelonephritis.

Cystitis

Cystitis is the swelling of the urinary bladder usually caused by a bacterial infection. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat cystitis caused by E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococci, and Klebsiella species.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the swelling of the prostate gland located under the bladder in men. This gland produces the fluid semen, that carries sperm. It affects men of all ages and is more common in men of age 50 years or below. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection.

Gonococcal infection

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoea bacteria that infects both men and women. It spreads during vaginal, oral or anal sex without protection. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat the gonococcal infection.

Joint infection

Bacterial joint infection (also known as septic arthritis) is a painful condition in which bacteria can get into your joint causing infection which leads to swelling, redness, and loss of movement. This condition requires antibiotic treatment and Ciprofloxacin is a commonly used antibiotic for joint infections caused by bacteria.

Pneumonia with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that damages the lungs and other organs of the body. Pneumonia is a common complaint among people with cystic fibrosis. The condition leads to thick mucus build up in the lungs after infection with bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Hemophilus influenza. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat this condition.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis or pink eye is a bacterial eye infection affecting the conjunctiva (a clear tissue covering the white part of your eye and lines the inside of the eyelid). It is more common in children and can be treated quickly. Ciprofloxacin eye drops and ointment are used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.

Otitis Externa

Otitis externa or Swimmer’s ear is an infection in the ear canal (a part of the ear that connects the outside of the ear to the eardrum). This outer ear infection can occur due to many reasons. The water remaining in the ear after swimming or bathing can increase the chances of bacterial growth. Normally, earwax helps to protect the ear canal from infection. Putting fingers, cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ears, can rub away the earwax or scratch your skin. This allows germs to grow and leads to infection. Ciprofloxacin ear drops are used for the treatment of otitis externa caused by bacteria. You will start to feel better in 5 to 7 days after using ciprofloxacin ear drops.

Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. This bacteria is spread through contaminated food or water by a human carrier. Ciprofloxacin is proven to be highly effective for typhoid.
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action

    You may start to feel better within 2 to 3 days after taking Ciprofloxacin. Make sure to finish your entire course of treatment, even if your condition gets better.

  • Duration of effect

    The effects of Ciprofloxacin last for about 8 to 12 hours. You may have to take your next dose as directed by your doctor/pharmacist.

  • Safe with alcohol?

    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

  • Is it habit forming?

    No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Ciprofloxacin.

  • Usage in pregnancy?

    Ciprofloxacin should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of severe side effects on your baby's developing joints. Ciprofloxacin is not known to cause harmful effects on the baby if is taken later in pregnancy. Take this medicine only upon your doctor's recommendation if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

  • Usage while breast-feeding?

    Ciprofloxacin is not known to be harmful in breastfeeding women. It passes into breast milk in small amounts. Hence it is acceptable for use in nursing mothers upon doctor's recommendation. Inform your doctor if your breastfed baby experiences diarrhoea.

Allergy

Avoid taking Ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.

Tendinitis or tendon rupture

Ciprofloxacin can cause muscle damage, especially in old age. Do not use Ciprofloxacin if you have tendonitis (swelling of fibres that attach bone with muscles) or tendon rupture (a partial or complete tear of the tendon- the tissue that connects muscle to bone).

Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a skeletal muscle weakness condition characterized by severe weakness of any of the muscles under your voluntary control, including the arms and legs. Ciprofloxacin should be avoided if you have myasthenia gravis as it may worsen your condition.

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Ciprofloxacin should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of severe side effects on your baby's developing joints. Ciprofloxacin is not known to cause harmful effects on the baby if is taken later in pregnancy. Take this medicine only upon your doctor's recommendation if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Ciprofloxacin is not known to be harmful in breastfeeding women. It passes into breast milk in small amounts. Hence it is acceptable for use in nursing mothers upon doctor's recommendation. Inform your doctor if your breastfed baby experiences diarrhoea.

General warnings

Muscle damage

Ciprofloxacin can cause muscle damage usually on the tendons that surround the ankle. Inform your doctor if you feel pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in your muscles.

Antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance occurs when the bacteria no longer respond to the antibiotics intended to kill them. Finish your entire course of treatment with Ciprofloxacin, even if the condition gets better to avoid antibiotic resistance.

Kidney diseases

People with kidney problems need special consideration while taking Ciprofloxacin due to the risk of kidney damage. Dose adjustment will be done by the doctor based on the clinical condition.

Diarrhoea

Ciprofloxacin may kill the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine which may lead to diarrhoea. Get emergency medical help if you experience severe diarrhoea that is watery or bloody. Call your doctor before taking anti-diarrhoeal medication.

Antacids

If you are taking an antacid containing aluminium and magnesium salts for indigestion, it can increase the time it takes for Ciprofloxacin to act on your body. Hence, take this antibiotic at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking antacids.

Missed Dose

Try not to skip a dose of Ciprofloxacin. And if a dose is skipped, do not add it up to the next dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention in case of an overdose with Ciprofloxacin. Symptoms of overdose are dizziness, headache, tremor, seizures, tiredness, hallucinations, confusion, and abdominal discomfort
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.

Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Interaction with Medicine

Escitalopram

Ethinyl Estradiol

Corticosteroids

Quinidine

Aspirin

Disease interactions

Central nervous system disorders

Use Ciprofloxacin with caution if you have mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Ciprofloxacin can trigger these conditions, hence, inform your doctor immediately if you experience a change in your mood after taking this medicine.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

Use Ciprofloxacin with extreme caution if you have gastrointestinal (related to stomach and the intestines) diseases, particularly colitis (swelling of the inner lining of the intestine). This medicine may worsen the patient's condition.

QT Prolongation

Ciprofloxacin may cause a heart rhythm problem called prolonged QT intervals (an electrical heartbeat disturbance) in some people who are taking heart medications. It may result in fast, rapid, and irregular heartbeats.

Food interactions

Taking caffeine along with Ciprofloxacin can increase the sleeplessness, nervousness, and anxiety.
Ciprofloxacin will not show its desired effects if consumed with dairy products. A gap of at least two hours should be maintained between Ciprofloxacin and dairy products.
Avoid taking Ciprofloxacin and multivitamins with minerals together. If needed, it is suggested to use Ciprofloxacin 2 to 4 hours before taking multivitamins or after 4 to 6 hours after taking multivitamins.

Lab interactions

Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
Ciprofloxacin is used for treating bacterial infections. Oral forms: Take Ciprofloxacin as instructed by the doctor. Never take more than the prescribed dose. Take this medicine at around the same time daily. Do not share your medicine with other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. Injection: Ciprofloxacin should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital. Topical forms: Use Ciprofloxacin as directed by the doctor. Wash the surface with water before applying the cream. Rinse with water if the medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works

Ciprofloxacin stops the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase which is important for their growth and survival. This kills or prevents the further growth of bacteria in the body.

Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Quinolones, Fluoroquinolones, Antibiotics

Schedule

Schedule H

Drugs, H., 2020. Ciprofloxacin: Medlineplus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 17 August 2021].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688016.html>

Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2020. Ciprofloxacin. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 17 August 2021].

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ciprofloxacin>

Thai, T., Salisbury, B. and Zito, P., 2020. Ciprofloxacin. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 17 August 2021].

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535454/>

Stewart, M., 2020. Ciprofloxacin For Infection (Ciproxin). Side Effects And Dosage. [online] Patient.info. Available at: <o/medicine/ciprofloxacin-for-infection-ciproxin> [Accessed 17 August 2021].

https://patient.inf

Accessdata.fda.gov. 2020. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 17 August 2021].

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/019537s086lbl.pdf>

Medicines.org.uk. 2020. Ciprofloxacin 500 Mg Film-Coated Tablets - Summary Of Product Characteristics (Smpc) - (Emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 17 August 2021].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3484/smpc>
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Information on this page was last updated on 3 Nov 2021

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.