Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, diarrhea, sinus infections, skin infections and certain pneumonias. Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat and prevent anthrax. Ciprofloxacin does not work for colds, the flu or other illnesses caused by viruses. As with any medication, ciprofloxacin carries a risk of minor and major side effects.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of ciprofloxacin include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Drugs.com states that in clinical trials, 5.2 percent of participants who took ciprofloxacin complained of nausea, 2 percent complained of vomiting and 1.7 percent complained of abdominal pain. These side effects are not life-threatening and may go away as an individual adjusts to the medication or once the medication has been discontinued. Ciprofloxacin can also make you more sensitive to sunlight and tanning beds. Even brief exposure to sunlight or tanning beds can cause severe sunburn, rash and itching. The Mayo Clinic recommends staying out of direct sunlight between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., wearing protective clothing when you are exposed to sunlight and avoiding tanning bed.
Serious Side Effects
Ciprofloxacin can cause swelling or tearing of tendons. Tendons connect the muscle to the bone. The tendon most often affected is the Achilles' tendon of the heel. In June 2008 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration alerted the manufacturers of ciprofloxacin to include a boxed warning informing consumers about the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. An individual older than the age of 60 has an increased risk of developing tendon problems, as does anyone who is taking steroid medication or has received a transplanted heart, lung or kidney. If you develop sudden pain, stiffness, swelling or tenderness in any tendon or joint, it may be a sign of tendinitis and medical care should be sought.
Drugs.com states that in clinical trials 1.6 percent of individuals taking ciprofloxacin reported diarrhea. Because antibiotics kill off all types of bacteria, including beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, some individuals taking ciprofloxacin may develop infections that cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can contain mucous or blood and may serious enough to require medical treatment.
Ciprofloxacin can also cause nervous system side effects including anxiety, agitation and nervousness. Ciprofloxacin can also cause hallucinations, depression, unusual thoughts and unusual behavior. Other serious side effects include difficulty urinating, easy bruising, fever, weakness, sore throat and seizures. A doctor should be called immediately if any of these side effects are experienced.
Contraindications
Some medications and substances can interact with ciprofloxacin. Antacids, the ulcer medication sucralfate, didanosine, mineral supplements and vitamin supplements can make ciprofloxacin not work as well. These medications should be taken six hours before taking ciprofloxacin and up to two hours after taking ciprofloxacin. Caffeine should be avoided because cirpofloxacin can enhance caffeine's effects.
Missed Dose/Overdose
Drugs.com states that, in the event of a missed dose, a double dose should never be taken to catch up. If a dose is missed and it is too close to the time of the next scheduled dose, only the regular dose should be taken at the next scheduled time. Symptoms of overdose of ciprofloxacin includes seizures, weakness, bluish skin and urination problems. Emergency medical care should be sought.
Warnings
There is a risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis with ciprofloxacin. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and immediate medical care should be sought if symptoms indicate an allergic reaction. Symptoms of allergic reactions include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, rash and swelling of the lips, face and mouth.
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