|
GENERIC
NAME: ciprofloxacin
BRAND NAME:
Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Many common infections in humans are caused by
single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria
can grow and multiply, infecting different parts
of the body. Medicines that control and
eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics.
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that stops
multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the
reproduction and repair of their genetic
material (DNA).
PRESCRIPTION:
Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE:
Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 250,
500, and 750 mg. Tablets Cipro XR: 500 and
1000 mg. Tablets Proquin XR: 500
mg
STORAGE: Ciprofloxacin
should be stored at below 86 degrees F.
PRESCRIBED FOR:
Ciprofloxacin is used to treat infections of the
skin, lungs, airways, bones, and joints caused
by susceptible bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is also
frequently used to treat urinary infections
caused by bacteria such as E. coli.
Ciprofloxacin is effective in treating
infectious diarrheas caused by E. coli,
campylobacter jejuni, and shigella
bacteria.
DOSING: Ciprofloxacin may
be taken with or without food. Ciprofloxacin is
partially metabolized by the liver and excreted
by the kidney. Dosages require adjustment in
patients with severely abnormal liver or kidney
function. Antacids block the absorption of
ciprofloxacin and they should not be taken
together. For uncomplicated urinary tract
infections, Cipro XR can be given twice daily
for three days while Proquin XR can be given
once daily for three days
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Ciprofloxacin administered together with
theophylline can lead to elevated blood levels
of theophylline. Theophylline is used to open
airways in the treatment of asthma. Toxic levels
of theophylline can lead to seizures, and
disturbances in heart rhythm. If concurrent use
of ciprofloxacin and theophylline cannot be
avoided, frequent blood tests to monitor
theophylline blood levels are performed.
Ciprofloxacin should be used with caution in
patients with central nervous system diseases
such as seizures, because rare seizures have
been reported in patients receiving this
medication. Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in
children and adolescents under 18 years old, as
safe use in these patients have not been
established.
Many
antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, can alter
the normal bacteria in the colon and encourage
overgrowth of a bacteria responsible for the
development of inflammation of the colon
(pseudomembranous colitis). Pseudomembranous
colitis can cause fever, abdominal pain,
diarrhea, and sometimes even shock. Patients
taking ciprofloxacin can develop sensitivity of
the skin to direct sunlight. Ciprofloxacin can
enhance the action of the anticoagulant warfarin
(Coumadin), and increase the risk of
bleeding.
PREGNANCY: Ciprofloxacin
should be avoided in pregnancy, as safe use in
these patients have not been
established.
NURSING MOTHERS:
Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in nursing
mothers, as safe use in these patients have not
been established.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most
frequent side effects include nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, headache, and
restlessness. Rare allergic reactions have been
described, such as hives and anaphylaxis
(shock). | 
