Brand name Ciproxin
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Ciprofloxacin, a quinolone antibacterial, was introduced in 1987. It is effective against several types of bacteria that tend to be resistant to other commonly used antibiotics. Used to treat a wide range of infections, it is
especially useful for infections of the chest, intestine, and urinary tract. It is also used as a single dose in treating gonorrhoea.
When taken in the form of tablets, ciprofloxacin is well absorbed by the body and works quickly and effectively. In more severe systemic bacterial infections, however, it may be necessary to administer the drug by injection.
Ciprofloxacin has a long duration of action and needs to be taken only once or twice daily. The drug causes few side effects, of which gastrointestinal disturbance is the most common.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking
with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, injection.
Frequency and timing of doses
2 x daily with plenty of fluids.
Adult dosage range
5-1.5g daily (tablets); 200-400mg daily
(injection).
Onset of effect
The drug begins to work within a few hours, although full beneficial effect may
not be felt for several days.
Duration of action
About 12 hours.
Diet advice
Do not get dehydrated; ensure that you drink fluids regularly.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
The injection must be protected from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember, and take your next dose as usual.
Stopping the drug
Take the full course. Even if you feel better the original infection may still
be present, and symptoms may recur if treatment is stopped too soon.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large
overdoses may cause mental disturbance and fits. Notify your doctor.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Antibacterial
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems. You have had epileptic fits.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby adversely. Discuss
with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how ciprofloxacin affects you
because the drug can cause dizziness.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Although ciprofloxacin may cause nausea and vomiting, other side effects are
less common,
except when very high doses are given for severe infections.
INTERACTIONS
Oral iron preparations and antacids
containing magnesium or aluminium hydroxide interfere with the absorption of
ciprofloxacin. Do not take antacids within 2 hours of taking ciprofloxacin
tablets.
Anticoagulants and oral antidiabetics
Ciprofloxacin may increase the blood levels or such drugs and their dosage may
need to be adjusted.
Theophylline Ciprofloxacin may increase the blood levels of theophylline. Dose
adjustment may be necessary, and blood levels of theophylline may need to be
monitored.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
These drugs increase the risk of epileptic fits occurring.
PROLONGED USE
No problems expected. Blood tests may be necessary to monitor kidney and liver
function.
