Indications
Cipro (active ingredient: ciprofloxacin) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Bacterial Infections: Cipro is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms, including:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Such as cystitis and pyelonephritis.
- Respiratory Tract Infections: Such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Such as cellulitis and wound infections.
- Bone and Joint Infections: Such as osteomyelitis.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Cipro is indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria, including infectious diarrhea and traveler's diarrhea.
Cipro belongs to a class of drugs known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, thereby interfering with bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.
Uses and Dosage
Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is typically taken orally in tablets twice a day for 7 to 14 days. The tablet may have a bitter taste if you chew or crush it before taking it. Do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Cipro can be taken with or without food, but the patient should take it at the same time each day. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food. Do not skip doses and make sure to finish the entire course of medication even if you start to feel better. It must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
In general, the recommended dosage of Ciprofloxacin is 500-750 mg orally every 12 hours. For some conditions, such as urinary tract infections, a lower dose of 250 mg twice daily may be recommended. However, the appropriate dosage may vary based on the types of infection and medical cases.
| Infection | Dose | Frequency | Usual Durations |
| Skin and Skin Structure | 500-750 mg | every 12 hours | 7 to 14 days |
| Bone and Joint | 500-750 mg | every 12 hours | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Complicated Intra-Abdominal | 500 mg | every 12 hours | 7 to 14 days |
| Infectious Diarrhea | 500 mg | every 12 hours | 5 to 7 days |
| Typhoid Fever | 500 mg | every 12 hours | 10 days |
| Uncomplicated Urethral and Cervical Gonococcal Infections | 250 mg | single dose | single dose |
| Inhalational anthrax (post-exposure)3 | 500 mg | every 12 hours | 60 days |
| Plague 3 | 500-750 mg | every 12 hours | 14 days |
| Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis | 500 mg | every 12 hours | 28 days |
| Lower Respiratory Tract Infections | 500-750 mg | every 12 hours | 7 to 14 days |
| Urinary Tract Infections | 250-500 mg | every 12 hours | 7 to 14 days |
| Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis | 250 mg | every 12 hours | 3 days |
| Acute Sinusitis | 500 mg | every 12 hours | 10 days |
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Cipro:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
Serious Side Effects of Cipro
- Changes in urine output
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- High blood sugar
- Severe dizziness
- Signs of infection (fever, sore throat, chills)
- Signs of liver disease (persistent vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowish eyes or skin)
- Signs of tear or break in the aorta (severe pain in the stomach/chest/back, shortness of breath, cough)
- White patches in the mouth
Form and Strength
Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Ciprofloxacin: Tablet
- 250 mg
- 500 mg
- 750 mg
Caution
- Cipro (ciprofloxacin) contains sucrose and is not recommended for those with rare hereditary metabolic conditions such as fructose intolerance, sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, and glucose-galactose malabsorption. Consult your doctor before taking Cipro if you have any of these conditions.
- Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of Cipro (ciprofloxacin), especially joint/tendon problems. Older adults may also be at a greater risk for tendon problems due to their age, as the risk of having tendon problems may be increased if you are over 60 years of age.
- Cipro (ciprofloxacin) should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and the risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor. Additionally, monitor your bleeding risk more frequently if you take Cipro, and that your doctor is aware of any other medications you are taking.
- Cipro (ciprofloxacin) passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before taking Cipro if you are breastfeeding.
- Ciprofloxacin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Tell your healthcare professional that you are taking ciprofloxacin before having any immunizations or vaccinations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How quickly does ciprofloxacin work?
Ciprofloxacin starts working within hours of taking it, you may not notice an improvement in your symptoms for 2 to 3 days.
Who should not take ciprofloxacin?
It's best to avoid combining ciprofloxacin with other medications that can cause abnormal heartbeats. You should also avoid taking ciprofloxacin if you have heart-related health conditions, like long QT syndrome. If this is the case, there may be safer antibiotics that can be used to treat your infection.
Can you drink milk with ciprofloxacin?
Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified foods (e.g., cereal, juice). You may eat or drink dairy products or calcium-fortified foods with a regular meal, but do not use them alone when taking ciprofloxacin.
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