Indications
- This medication is employed in the treatment of various bacterial infections.
- Ciprofloxacin, the active ingredient, belongs to a class of drugs known as quinolone antibiotics.
- Its mechanism of action involves halting the growth of bacteria.
Dosage and administration
- Before using ciprofloxacin, read the Medication Guide and Patient Information Leaflet from your pharmacist. Seek clarification from your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- The medication is administered via injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, typically 2 to 3 times a day, slowly over 1 hour. Dosage is determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment, with weight considered in children.
- If self-administering at home, learn preparation and usage instructions from your healthcare professional. Before use, visually inspect the product for particles or discoloration; do not use if present. Understand safe storage and disposal of medical supplies.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
- Administer the antibiotic at evenly spaced times for the best effect. To aid in remembering, use it at the same time(s) daily.
- Continue taking the medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms improve after a few days. Premature discontinuation may lead to a recurrence of the infection.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Common side effects of this medication may include diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, or trouble sleeping. Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly if these effects persist or worsen.
- Understand that the prescription of this medication is based on the doctor’s judgment that its benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Many individuals using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
- Report serious side effects to your doctor immediately, including redness/swelling/pain at the injection site, signs of kidney problems, easy or unusual bruising/bleeding, signs of a new infection, or signs of liver problems.
- Seek medical help promptly for very serious side effects such as severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, or signs of a tear/break in the main blood vessel (aorta).
- This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to C. difficile bacteria. Contact your doctor if you experience persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. Avoid using anti-diarrhea or opioid products, as they may worsen symptoms.
- Prolonged or repeated use may lead to oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Consult your doctor if you observe white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
- While a very serious allergic reaction is rare, seek immediate medical help if you notice symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- The listed side effects are not exhaustive; contact your doctor or pharmacist if you observe other unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Before using ciprofloxacin, inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies to it, other quinolone antibiotics, or any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have seizures, conditions that increase seizure risk, nerve problems, kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders, myasthenia gravis, joint/tendon problems, heart problems, blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, or certain genetic conditions.
- Ciprofloxacin may cause a condition affecting the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), which can lead to serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat. Inform your doctor of any heart problems, family history of certain heart problems, or if you are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation.
- Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Discuss with your doctor if you are using certain drugs or have conditions that may affect potassium or magnesium levels.
- This medication may rarely cause significant changes in blood sugar, especially in individuals with diabetes. Monitor blood sugar regularly and report any symptoms of high or low blood sugar to your doctor.
- Ciprofloxacin may make you dizzy. Avoid activities requiring alertness until you can do them safely. Limit alcohol consumption and discuss marijuana use with your doctor.
- Sun sensitivity may increase with this medication. Limit sun exposure, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. Report sunburn or skin blisters/redness to your doctor.
- Ciprofloxacin may affect the efficacy of live bacterial vaccines. Inform your healthcare professional before receiving immunizations/vaccinations.
- Before surgery, disclose all products you use to your doctor or dentist, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
- Children may be more sensitive to side effects, especially joint/tendon problems.
- Older adults may be at greater risk for tendon problems, QT prolongation, and a sudden tear/break in the main blood vessel (aorta).
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed, and discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Ciprofloxacin passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.