What is Cipro, and how does it work (mechinism of action)?

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It stops the multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA).

Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. Examples of other antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class includes:

• levofloxacin (Levaquin)
• ofloxacin (Floxin)
• gatifloxacin (Tequin)
• norfloxacin (Noroxin)
• moxifloxacin (Avelox)
• trovafloxacin (Trovan)

What is the generic name for Cipro and Cipro XR?

Ciprofloxacin is the generic name for Cipro and Cipro XR.

Can I buy this antibiotic over-the-counter?

No. You need a prescription from your doctor or other medical professional for this drug.

What types of bacterial infections does Cipro treat (uses)?

• Skin infections
• Lung or airway Infections, for example, TB (tuberculosis), pneumonic and septicemic plague due to Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis), lower respiratory tract infections, and chronic bronchitis)
• Bone infections
• Joint infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by certain bacteria such as E. coli.
• Infectious diarrheas caused by E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Shigella bacteria.
• Anthrax patients with fever and low white blood cell counts, and intra-abdominal infections.
• Typhoid fever
• Cervical and urethral gonorrhea due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis
• Acute uncomplicated cystitis

What infections should not be treated with this drug?

Because of serious side effects associate with fluoroquinolones they should not be used for treating certain infections unless there are no other alternatives, and include:

• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
• Acute bacterial sinusitis

What is the dosage for Cipro? In what forms is it available?

Dosage (how to take)

• For most infections the recommended oral dose for adults is 250-750 mg (immediate release tablets) every 12 hours or 500-1000 mg (extended release tablets) every 24 hours.
• The usual intravenous dose is 200-400 mg every 8-12 hours.

Preparations

• Tablets: 250, 500, and 750 mg.
• Tablets extended release (XR): 500 and 1000 mg.
• Microcapsules for suspension: 250 mg/5 ml, 500 mg/5 ml.
• Injection or Injection concentrate: 200 mg/100 ml, 200 mg/20 mg, 400 mg/200 ml, 400 mg/40 ml.

Can I take Cipro of I'm tyring to conceive, are pregnant, or breastfeeding?

Doctors suggest that should not use this antibiotic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because they do not know if it is safe.

Warning: Serious adverse reactions of this medication

Cipro and Cipro XR as well as other antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics has been associated with tendonitis and even tendon rupture, particularly the Achilles tendon. Some doctors and other medical professionals recommend that their patients discontinue vigorous exercise while they are taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Fluoroquinolones have neuromuscular blocking activity and can worsen muscle weakness in individuals with myasthenia gravis.

What are the side effects Cirpo?

The most common side effects of Cipro, Cipro XR are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Rash
• Headache
• Restlessness

Anaphylaxis, or shock, is a rare allergic reaction to this drug. This allergic reaction is a medical emergency and you are experiencing these symptoms seek medical immediately.

Symptoms of shock include:

• Cardiovascular collapse
• Facial or throat swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Hives
• Itching

Quick GuideSymptoms of Mono: Infectious Mononucleosis Treatment

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.