Details

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Ciprofloxacin fights bacteria in the body. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. It is also used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax. You may not be able to use ciprofloxacin if you have a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis. To make sure ciprofloxacin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take medication to treat it a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome tendon problems, arthritis or other joint problems (especially in children) a muscle or nerve disorder trouble swallowing pills liver disease kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis) seizures or epilepsy a history of head injury or brain tumour diabetes (especially if you take oral diabetes medication) low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia) if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin) and have "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Typical Uses

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for virus infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness. Take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking other products that may bind to it, decreasing its effectiveness.

Side Effects

Ciprofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of (rupture) a tendon. It can also have serious effects on your nerves, and may cause permanent nerve damage. Stop using ciprofloxacin and contact your medical professional if you have headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) muscle weakness or trouble breathing diarrhoea that is watery or bloody sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding depression, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, tremors, feeling restless or anxious, unusual thoughts or behaviour, insomnia, nightmares seizure (convulsions) or increased pressure inside the skull - severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.

Drug Interactions

• Ciprofloxacin+amiodarone- Using amiodarone together with ciprofloxacin is not recommended. Combining these drugs can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, or fast or pounding heartbeats during treatment with amiodarone or ciprofloxacin.

• Ciprofloxacin+anisindione- Using ciprofloxacin together with anisindione may cause you to bleed more easily. You may need a dose adjustment based on your prothrombin time.

• Ciprofloxacin+betamethasone- Using ciprofloxacin together with betamethasone can increase the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. This may be more likely to occur in older adults over 60 years of age or those who have received a kidney, heart or lung transplant. Tendon rupture can occur during or up to several months after finishing ciprofloxacin treatment and may require surgery or result in prolonged disability.

• Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone- Using ciprofloxacin together with dexamethasone can increase the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. This may be more likely to occur in older adults over 60 years of age or those who have received a kidney, heart or lung transplant. Tendon rupture can occur during or up to several months after finishing ciprofloxacin treatment and may require surgery or result in prolonged disability.

• Ciprofloxacin+fingolimod- Before starting fingolimod, let your doctor know if you are currently receiving treatment with ciprofloxacin. Using fingolimod in this situa

Mechanism of action

Ciprofloxacin belongs to the group of medicines called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin inhibits bacterial reproduction by inhibiting DNA formation, thereby killing the bacteria.

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