What is Cipro?

Cipro is a modern antibiotic that belongs to the fluoroquinolone group. This drug has its own special characteristics. Its action is quite rapid if compared to similar drugs. The drug is based on its detrimental effects on bacterial cells: inhibits DNA formation and division (genetic apparatus), suppress bacteria growth and causes structural changes in microorganisms. It is active against the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Brucella, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella, Moraxella, Neisseria, Salmonella, Shigella, Enterococcus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Morganella, Proteus, Pseudomonadaceae. Canadian Cipro covers gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic organisms. It is successfully used to treat systemic infections: respiratory tract, ENT, eyes, urinary tract and gynecological infections, sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, abdominal and gastrointestinal tract, skin and soft tissues infections, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, peritonitis, sepsis, septicemia. Read more about Cipro...

Generic Versions

The brand-name version of the medication was created in 1987 and included in WHO's List of Essential Medicines. The drug has many generic versions that have the same quality and active ingredient but cost much less. These are Baycip, Cifran, Ciloxan, Cipract, Ciprofloksacin, Ciprofloxacina, Ciprofloxacinum, Ciprofloxin, Ciprowin, Ciproxin, Ciproxina, Ciriax, Floxelena, Kensoflex, Lucipro, Novidat, and so on. Canadian Pharmacy is selling the cheapest generic versions of this drug.

Dosage and Instructions

This medication should be taken every 12 hours, with a large amount of fluid (water)

• For adults, the average Cipro dosage is 250-500 mg 2 times a day. If necessary, a single dose can be increased to 750 mg.
• In respiratory and urinary complicated tract infections, the drug is used at a dosage of 250-500 mg every 12 hours, for severe cases - up to 750 mg every 12 hours.
• In uncomplicated urinary tract infections, Cipro is prescribed at a dosage of 250 mg, joints and bones infections - 500-750 mg, gastrointestinal infections - 250-500 mg, gynecological infections - 500 mg every 12 hours.
• In case of acute uncomplicated gonorrhea, 250 mg is used.

The duration of therapy duration depends on disease severity and course. Typically, the treatment course lasts 7-14 days. As a rule, after symptoms disappear and body temperature normalizes, the treatment lasts 2-3 days. For joints and bones infections, the treatment course may last for 4-6 weeks, osteomyelitis - 2 month. Patients suffering from renal insufficiency need to adjust the required dose and an interval between doses.

Overdose

An excessive dose of Cipro may cause the following negative symptoms:

• fainting;
• sickness;
• headaches;
• vomiting;
• convulsions, etc.

Treatment: no specific antidote is known. It is necessary to carefully monitor patient's condition and conduct a gastric lavage, routine emergency measures, to ensure adequate intake of fluid. With hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, only minor (less than 10%) amount of drug can be cleared.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Cipro: 

• dizziness;
• sickness;
• abdominal pains;
• diarrhea;
• flatulence;
• vomiting;
• headaches;
• agitation;
• tremor.

In rare cases, a patient can experience there arterial hypertension, itching, rashes, sweating, sensitivity peripheral disorders, hot flashes, increased intracranial pressure, fear, depression, visual disorders, hepatitis, tachycardia. In extremely rare cases, a person can feel bronchospasm, angioedema, arthralgia, anaphylactic shock, vasculitis, petechiae, Lyell's syndrome, Stevens-Johnson's syndrome, anemia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, increased bilirubin, increased creatinine, increased alkaline phosphatase, liver transaminases.

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications to Cipro:

• hypersensitivity to drug components;
• inflammation of the tendon;
• myasthenia gravis;
• peripheral neuropathy;
• kidney impairment;
• allergies to quinolones;
• lung transplant, kidney transplant, heart transplant;
• severe hepatic/renal insufficiency;
• pseudotumor cerebri;
• previous tendinitis, which appeared due to quinolones use;
• seizures;
• the lactation period, pregnancy;
• low amount of potassium in the blood;
• rapid or slow heartbeat;
• age under 12.  See a full list of contraindications...

Interactions

• Simultaneous administration of theophylline and Cipro can increase theophylline concentration in blood and increase its half-life period;
• Antibiotic clearance is reduced by probenecid;
• Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide and/or magnesium hydroxide can slow down drug absorption. This reduces ciprofloxacin concentration in urine and blood plasma. Consequently, an interval between these drugs must be at least 4 hours;
• The antibiotic may potentiate coumarin anticoagulants effect. See a full list of interactions...

Cipro and Alcohol

This drug is often used together with alcohol. Of course, a lot of people simply cannot refrain from the bad habit of drinking alcohol even during treatment and when taking antibiotics. But the combination of this drug with strong alcoholic drinks can be very detrimental to health. Learn the consequences of combining Cipro and alcohol...