Ciprofloxacin is a medication for treating and preventing certain types of bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin is a member of the class medication that is called fluoroquinolones. This drug kills the bacteria that cause infections. Ciprofloxacin is not indicated for the treatment of viral infections such as colds, flu, and others.
Ciprofloxacin may also be used to treat and prevent dangerous infections such as plague, tularemia, and
anthrax.
Ciprofloxacinis an oral medication that is available in the form of a tablet, a suspension and an extended-release tablet. The dose regimen depends on the form of the medication: tablets and suspension are typically administered twice daily with or without meals, and the extended-release tablets are taken once daily. Doctors recommend to take this medication at the same time every day. The tablets should be swallowed whole without crushing or breaking. Before taking the suspension, shake the bottle well.
If you forget to take a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember but never take a double dose.
The length of the treatment with Ciprofloxacin antibiotic medication depends on the type of your infection. One should strictly follow the instructions that come on the prescription label of the medication. Ask your health provider if you have any questions regarding the use of Ciprofloxacin medication. Ciprofloxacin should be used exactly as it is recommended by the medical professional: never change your dose unless your health provider instructs you.
The use of Ciprofloxacin is associated with a number of possible side reactions. During the treatment with this medication there is a risk of development of such conditions as swelling or tearing of a fibrous tissue between bone and muscle or tearing that might occur in different parts of the body. This condition may happen in any patient but people above 60 years old are prone to these conditions to a greater degree.
Prior starting the treatment let your health provider know about your medical conditions, including the history of a kidney, heart, or lung transplantation, kidney disorder, a joint or tendon disorders. You should also notify your medical provider if you have regular physical activity. Your doctor should also know about the medications you are taking, including steroids, methylprednisolone, or prednisone.
In case you experience during the treatment with Ciprofloxacin medication such symptoms as pain, swelling, or stiffness, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention without a delay.
Ask your doctor to provide you the full information about the possible risks of using Ciprofloxacin medication.
Typically the effects of Ciprofloxacin can be seen within a couple of days of treatment. In case you don’t feel the improvement of your condition or your symptoms get even worse, consult with your health provider as soon as possible. If you use Ciprofloxacin to treat urinary tract infection and see such symptoms as fever or back pain, let your doctor know about that as it may be signs that the infection is getting worse.
One should continue taking Ciprofloxacin the entirely prescribed period of treatment even if the symptoms get much better. If you discontinue using Ciprofloxacin too early or if you take the medication not regularly, your infection might not be completely treated.
There are special precautions to follow when taking Ciprofloxacin. Before taking Ciprofloxacin, it’s important to tell your health provider if you have allergic reactions to Ciprofloxacin, other fluoroquinolone antibiotics or any other medications. If you take tizanidine (Zanaflex), you might be not recommended to use Ciprofloxacin. You should tell your medical provider if you are taking any kind of medications, so that he will be able to decide if it is safe for you to take it together with Ciprofloxacin.
Your health provider may recommend you to change the doses of the medications when taking along with Ciprofloxacin. There are a number of medications that may interact with Ciprofloxacin, so be aware of the possible adverse effects.
You should inform your medical provider about your health conditions, especially if you have the following: irregular heartbeat, liver disorders, nerve problems, a low level of potassium in the blood, cerebral arteriosclerosis, and seizures. Tell your health provider if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding.
During the treatment it’s recommended to avoid lengthy exposure to sunlight as Ciprofloxacin may cause skin sensitive to sunlight.
Dietary instructions during the use of Ciprofloxacin
It’s recommended no to drink or eat caffeine-containing products as it may lead to increased nervousness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Ciprofloxacin should not be used with dairy products or calcium-fortified juices. Drink plenty of water while you are using Ciprofloxacin.
The possible adverse effects of Ciprofloxacin are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, heartburn, headache, vaginal itching and discharge. Serious adverse effects can also occur during the treatment with Ciprofloxacin. They are: severe diarrhea, rash, hives, itching, swelling of different parts of the body, laboured breathing, difficult swallowing, fever, heartbeat irregularities, fainting, pain in joints or muscles, unusual bruising or bleeding, fatigue, decreased appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, symptoms of flu, dizziness, confusion, seizures, nervousness, anxiety, sleep disorders, hallucinations, depression, pain, burning, numbness in the body.
In children Ciprofloxacin might cause problems with bones, joints, and tissues around joints that is why it is normally not used in people younger than 18 years old.
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