Description
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic, used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is also used in treating infections of the urinary tract, nose, throat, skin and soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia). It cures the infection by killing and stopping the growth of the infectious microorganisms.
Ciprofloxacin should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time. Avoid skipping any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Simply take the next dose as planned.
You may experience nausea as a side effect of this medicine. This is usually temporary and resolves on its own, but please consult your doctor if it bothers you or persists for a longer duration. Diarrhea may also occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools.
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Rarely, some people may have a severe allergic reaction which needs urgent medical attention. Signs of this include rash, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, shortness of breath, or breathing problems. Special care should be taken in people with kidney problems while taking this medicine.
USES OF CIPROFLOXACIN
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, a kind of microorganisms that are made of only one cell. Bacteria live in all kinds of the environment including extreme hot and cold conditions. Millions of bacteria are present in the environment around us, on our body and inside it.
Bacteria are both harmful and useful to us. In fact, only a small number of bacteria are responsible for illnesses. Many are beneficial, such as those involved in immunity, digestion, and production of antibiotics and food products.
BENEFITS OF CIPROFLOXACIN
In Bacterial infections
Ciprofloxacin is a versatile antibiotic medicine that can be used to treat many different infections caused by bacteria. These include infections of the urinary tract, nose, throat, skin, and soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia). It kills and stops further growth of the bacteria causing the infection.
This medicine usually makes you feel better quite quickly. However, you should continue taking it as long as it is prescribed even when you feel better, to make sure that all bacteria are killed and do not become resistant.
SIDE EFFECTS OF CIPROFLOXACIN
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Ciprofloxacin
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
HOW TO USE CIPROFLOXACIN
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Ciplox 500 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Avoid Ciprofloxacin with caffeine and chocolate as well as food containing caffeine and chocolate such as tea leaves, cocoa beans.
HOW CIPROFLOXACIN WORKS
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic. It works by stopping the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase. This prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing, thereby killing them.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
SAFE
Consuming alcohol with Ciprofloxacin does not cause any harmful side effects.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Ciprofloxacin may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breastfeeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Ciprofloxacin is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Baby should be closely monitored for development of fever, loss of appetite and diarrhea. In case, any of the above happens please inform your doctor immediately.
Driving
UNSAFE
Ciprofloxacin may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Ciprofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Ciprofloxacin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Ciprofloxacin is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Ciprofloxacin may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you develop any signs of jaundice like yellowing of eyes and skin, itching, and clay colored stools while taking this medicine.
