Prescription Drug:
Ciproxin tablets, suspension and infusion all contain the active ingredient ciprofloxacin, which is a type of drug called a quinolone antibiotic. Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. (NB. Ciprofloxacin tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug.)
Ciprofloxacin works by killing the bacteria that are causing an infection. It does this by entering the bacterial cells and inhibiting a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase. This enzyme is involved in replicating and repairing the genetic material (DNA) of the bacteria. If this enzyme doesn't work, the bacteria cannot reproduce or repair themselves and this kills the bacteria.
Ciprofloxacin is effective against a large number of bacteria, some of which tend to be resistant to other commonly used antibiotics. It is particularly useful against a sub-group of bacteria called Gram-negative bacteria, including salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, neisseria, and pseudomonas. It is used to treat a wide range of infections, including infections of the chest, urinary tract and of the gastrointestinal system. It is also used as a single dose treatment for gonorrhoea.
To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to ciprofloxacin your doctor may take a tissue sample, for example a swab from the throat or skin, or a urine or blood sample.
Take ciprofloxacin at regularly spaced intervals. You must complete the course of ciprofloxacin otherwise your infection may come back and be more difficult to treat.
Important: If you experience pain or inflammation in your joints, particularly hips, knees or ankles, stop taking ciprofloxacin, rest the limb and seek medical advice immediately.
Do not take indigestion remedies or any drugs containing iron or zinc at the same time of day as this drug. Take any such remedies at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of ciprofloxacin.
Drink plenty of water during treatment.
Ciprofloxacin works by killing the bacteria that cause infections.
No Prescription:
Many common infections in humans are caused by single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply, infecting different parts of the body. Drugs that control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA).
Drug without Prescription:
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat infections of the lower respiratory tract, the abdomen, the skin, the bones and joints, and the urinary tract, including cystitis (bladder inflammation) in women. It is also prescribed for severe sinus or bronchial infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, inhalational anthrax, infections of the prostate gland, and some sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. Additionally, some doctors prescribe Ciprofloxacin for certain serious ear infections, tuberculosis, and some of the infections common in people with AIDS.
Ciprofloxacin may also be prescribed for children with a urinary tract infection or kidney infection when other antibiotics are not effective.
Because Ciprofloxacin is effective only for certain types of bacterial infections, before beginning treatment your doctor may perform tests to identify the specific organisms causing your infection.
Ciprofloxacin is available as a tablet and an oral suspension (liquid). Ciprofloxacin HC Otic is a suspension (ear drops) that also contains the anti-inflammatory drug hydrocortisone; it's used externally to treat ear infections.
Ciprofloxacin XR, an extended-release form of the drug, is used to treat cystitis, urinary tract infection, and kidney infection.
Ciprofloxacin kills a variety of bacteria, and is frequently used to treat infections in many parts of the body. However, be sure to stop taking Ciprofloxacin and notify your doctor immediately at the first sign of a skin rash or any other allergic reaction. Although quite rare, serious and occasionally fatal allergic reactions--some following the first dose--have been reported in people receiving this type of antibacterial drug. Some reactions have been accompanied by collapse of the circulatory system, loss of consciousness, swelling of the face and throat, shortness of breath, tingling, itching, and hives. Fever and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) are other potential symptoms that should send you to the doctor immediately.
Prescription is used for:
bacterial infections of the lungs and airways (respiratory tract), such as pneumonia (but not pneumococcal pneumonia), bronchitis, bronchiectasis and lung infections in cystic fibrosis.
bacterial ear, nose and throat infections such as sinusitis, otitis media and otitis externa.
bacterial eye infections such as bacterial conjunctivitis.
bacterial infections of the urinary tract, such as cystitis, kidney infections (pyelonephritis), urethritis.
bacterial infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis).
bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissue, such as infected ulcers, wounds or burns, abscesses, cellulitis, erysipelas.
bacterial infections of bones and joints, such as osteomyelitis and septic arthritis
abdominal bacterial infections, such as peritonitis or abdominal abscesses.
bacterial infections of the stomach and intestines, such as typhoid fever or infective diarrhoea.
pelvic bacterial infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
gonorrhoea.
bacterial infection of the blood (septicaemia or blood poisoning)
preventing infections in people having stomach or intestinal surgery or endoscopic procedures, where there is an increased risk of infection
preventing or treating anthrax affecting the lungs, following exposure to anthrax spores
lung infections caused by a type of bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children aged 5 to 17 years with cystic fibrosis
preventing or treating anthrax affecting the lungs, following exposure to anthrax spores
Ciprofloxacin is used to treat infections of the skin, lungs, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is also frequently used to treat urinary infections caused by bacteria such as E. coli. Ciprofloxacin is effective in treating infectious diarrheas caused by E. coli, campylobacter jejuni, and shigella bacteria.
Prescription Side Effects:
Abdominal pain/discomfort;
Abdominal pain;
Confusion;
Convulsions;
Depression;
Diarrhea;
Diarrhoea;
Disturbances in the numbers of blood cells in the blood;
Disturbances in vision taste hearing or smell;
Disturbed sleep;
Dizziness drowsiness;
Dizziness;
Excessive sweating;
Feeling depressed;
Feeling of weakness (asthenia);
Feeling or being sick;
Headache;
Hot flushes;
Indigestion (dyspepsia);
Indigestion;
Itchy rash;
Liver or kidney disorders;
Loss of appetite;
Nausea and vomiting;
Nausea;
Pain in the muscles or joints;
Pins and needles;
Rash or itching;
Rash;
Restlessness;
Shaking;
Sleepiness;
Tremor;
Visual problems;
Vomiting;
Prescription Form:
Tablets: 250 milligrams,
Tablets: 500 milligrams,
Tablets: 750 milligrams;
Tablets Cipro XR: 500 milligrams,
Tablets Cipro XR: 1000 milligrams.
Tablets Proquin XR: 500 milligrams.
Prescription Recommended Dosage:
If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe dosages lower than the ones listed below.
Note that if you're using the oral suspension, 1 teaspoonful of 5% suspension equals 250 milligrams and 1 teaspoonful of 10% suspension equals 500 milligrams.
ADULTS
For Ciprofloxacin
Urinary Tract Infections : The usual adult dosage is 250 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Complicated infections, as determined by your doctor, may require 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days.
Cystitis (Bladder Inflammation) in Women: The usual dosage is either 100 milligrams or 250 milligrams every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 3 days.
Lower Respiratory Tract, Skin, Bone, and Joint Infections: The usual recommended dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Complicated infections, as determined by your doctor, may require a dosage of 750 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days, except for bone and joint infections, which require 4 to 6 weeks.
Infectious Diarrhea; Typhoid Fever; Sinus, Prostate, and Abdominal Infections: The recommended dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Treatment lasts 5 to 7 days for diarrhea, 10 days for typhoid fever and sinus infections, 7 to 14 days for abdominal infections, and 28 days for prostate infections.
Inhalational Anthrax: For adults, the recommended dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Children's doses are calculated at a rate of 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight up to a maximum of 500 milligrams per dose. Treatment continues for 60 days.
Gonorrhea in the Urethra or Cervix: For these sexually transmitted diseases, a single 250-milligram dose is the usual treatment.
For Ciprofloxacin HC Otic
Ear Infection: Instill 3 drops of suspension into the ear twice a day for 7 days.
For Ciprofloxacin XR
Cystitis (Bladder Inflammation) in Women: The usual dosage is 500 milligrams taken once daily for 3 days.
Urinary Tract and Kidney Infections: The usual dosage is 1,000 milligrams taken once daily for 7 to 14 days.
CHILDREN AGES 1 TO 17 YEARS OLD
For Ciprofloxacin
Urinary Tract and Kidney Infections: The usual dosage is based on your child's weight. It should be taken every 12 hours for 10 to 21 days.
Inhalational Anthrax: The usual dosage is based on your child's weight. It should be taken every 12 hours for 60 days.
For Ciprofloxacin HC Otic
The dosage is the same as for adults.
Ciprofloxacin XR is not recommended for anyone less than 18 years old.
Ciprofloxacin is partially metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidney. Dosages require adjustment in patients with severely abnormal liver or kidney function. Antacids block the absorption of ciprofloxacin and they should not be taken together. For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, Cipro XR can be given twice daily for three days while Proquin XR can be given once daily for three days.
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