Ciprofloxacin

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

 

Popular brand names:  

Cifloc, Ciploxx, Ciprobay, Ciprogen, Orpic

Drug group:

Antibacterial drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

 

What does it do?

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat infections resistant to other commonly used antibiotics:

• Useful for chest, intestine, and urinary tract infections

 

How does it work?

Ciprofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic.

 

How should it be used?

• Ciprofloxacin should be taken with plenty of fluids
• Avoid dairy products - they may reduce absorption of ciprofloxacin
• Do not take antacids containing magnesium or aluminium hydroxide within 2 hours of taking ciprofloxacin tablets - these interfere with absorption of the drug

 

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tablets/liquid or injection (used to treat severe infections)
• Tablets 500mg–1.5g daily in 2 divided doses; injection 400mg–1.2g daily

How quickly will it start to work?

Within a few hours, full beneficial effect may take a few days

How long will the effects last?

About 12 hours

 

When should I stop using it?

Complete course as prescribed by your doctor
         

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Ciprofloxacin is not usually prescribed for long-term use         

 

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rash, itching
• Less common: dizziness, headache, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to light, jaundice, confusion
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: seizures, painful joints/tendons (due to inflammation and damage)

 

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney problems, epilepsy/seizures, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, myasthenia gravis
• Other medicines: anticoagulants, oral antidiabetics, phenytoin, theophylline/aminophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, clarithromycin, erythromycin, antipsychotics, tinzanidine, oral iron preparations, antacids
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not usually recommended
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause dizziness and confusion
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects
• Sunlight and sunbeds: Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or sunlamps (increased risk of a photosensitivity reaction)