1. Just a Generic Name
The generic name Ciprofloxacin is just one name that this antibiotic has. Cipro and Ciproxin are two other of its names. The medication is an antibiotic that is part of a group called flouoroquinolones. This group of medication stops the germs from reproducing by attaching itself to the DNA gyrase.
2. Ciprofloxacin Has Many Uses
This medication fights many bacterial infections. Its extended release form is frequently prescribed for bacterial urinary tract infections. Doctors often used Ciprofloxacin as a prophylactic measure when anthrax scares were prevalent. The drug also fights E. coli bacteria and gonorrhea. It fights a broad spectrum of bacterial infections. Doctors often prescribe it to prevent traveler's diarrhea, meningococcal meningitis and diabetic foot infection.
3. For Grown-Ups
Preliminary studies showed that the medication could create joint problems in adolescents. However, recent studies show otherwise. Because of the mixed results, discuss the use with your physician. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you should also should discuss this with the doctor to decide if the effectiveness outweighs the risk.
4. A Long List of Potential Side Effects
As with all medications, there are some side effects for Ciprofloxacin. The list of possible side effects is long, but it doesn't mean they frequently occur. The drug can upset your stomach at first or even cause dizziness. More uncommon and more serious side effects are mood changes, tingling of the hands and feet, hearing loss and seizures. Ciprofloxacin can also lead to increased fragility of the blood vessels that cause easy bruising, stomach pain, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, change in urine and urination patterns, excessive fatigue, sore throat, joint pain from tendonitis and muscle pain. Several weeks after discontinuing the drug, a severe intestinal condition known as pseudomembranous colitis could occur. This is a very serious disease, and you need to contact the doctor if you develop diarrhea, stomach pain, bloody stool or cramps. Do not take any anti-diarrhea medication until you speak with your doctor.
5. Drug Interactions Can Be a Problem
Let your physician know about any drugs you take, whether over the counter, herbal or prescription. If you take Theophylline for asthma to open the airways, notify your doctor and do not fill the prescription until you talk to him. Ciprofloxacin combined with Theophylline increases the blood level of the Theophylline. If these levels become toxic, then your heart rhythm is disturbed or it causes seizures. You need to monitor the levels with blood tests. If you take Coumadin as a blood thinner, Ciprofloxacin increases its effectiveness and potentially thins the blood too much. It is important to monitor the blood if you take Ciprofloxacin. Antacids and iron salts reduce the effectiveness of Ciprofloxacin. If you need to take them, time it so you have a two-hour space before the administration of Ciprofloxacin and a six-hour window after.
