1. Popular for UTIs and STDs
Cipro is fluoroquinolones, which is a family of broad spectrum antibiotics. Other names for Cipro are Ciproxin and Ciprobay. Bayer Pharmaceuticals manufactures Cipro, which healthcare providers prescribe to treat urinary tract infections or chronic bacterial prostitis. Patients also take Cipro for the treatment of some sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Cipro comes in three dosages, 250 mg, 500 mg and 750 mg. They are available in yellow, film-coated tablets as well as an oral suspension liquid.
2. Swallow Don't Chew
Take the exact dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider with a full glass of water. Drink more water throughout the day while you're taking Cipro. Don't take it with dairy products or calcium-fortified juice since it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Since Cipro is a time-release tablet, you should never chew or crush the pill because it may cause too much of the medication to release into your body at one time.
3. Cipro Is Sensitive to Sunlight and More
Tell your doctor if you are taking any medication, multivitamins, antacids or anything else prescription or non-prescription. Anything that contains calcium, magnesium or aluminum, such as some antacids or supplements that contain calcium, iron or zinc may inhibit your body's absorption of the medication. Cipro makes the effects of caffeine intensify and causes sensitive skin around the sun or tanning beds, resulting in sunburn. If you have diarrhea, don't use any medication to stop it unless recommended by your healthcare provider.
4. A Side Order of Side Effects
Some common side effects from using Cipro are upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, abnormal liver-function tests and a rash. Discontinue using Cipro if you experience hives, difficulty breathing or edema of the face, lips, tongue or throat. This medication can also slow down your reaction, so it's best not to drive or engage in any other activity that requires you to stay alert. Call your healthcare provider or seek medical attention immediately if you experience seizure, confusion, depression, sudden joint swelling, change in urine or stools, fever, numbness, pain or accelerated heart rate. If you have any unexplained or uncomfortable changes in your body that could be a result of the Cipro, talk to your doctor.
5. Save a Little Cash
The generic name for Cipro is Ciprofloxacin. Most times, the generic version of a medication is much less expensive than the brand name. The brand name and the generic medications are readily available through your local pharmacy and online. But, beware of online pharmacies. Since it is difficult for the consumer to know which one is reputable, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) has criteria in which to regulate online pharmacies. If the online pharmacy displays the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) symbol, you know it complies with the NABP standards.
