Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: ciprofloxacin
BRAND NAME: Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to
treat bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class
of antibiotics which includes levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin),
gatifloxacin (Tequin),
norfloxacin (Noroxin),
moxifloxacin (Avelox),
trovafloxacin (Trovan) and others. Ciprofloxacin stops the multiplication of
bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material
(DNA). The FDA approved ciprofloxacin in October 1987.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
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 and 400 mg.
STORAGE: Immediate release tablets: store below 30C (86F). Extended release
tablets: store between 15-30C (59-86F). Microcapsules: store below 25C (77F)
and protect from freezing. Injection: Store between 5-30C (41-86F) and avoid
freezing.
PRESCRIBED FOR: 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.
DOSING: 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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ciprofloxacin administered together with theophylline can
lead to elevated, toxic blood levels of theophylline. Theophylline is used to
open airways in the treatment of asthma. Toxic levels of theophylline can lead
to seizures, and
disturbances in heart rhythm. If concurrent use of
ciprofloxacin and theophylline cannot be avoided, frequent blood tests to
monitor theophylline blood levels are recommended.
Iron salts (for example, ferrous sulfate) may reduce the absorption of ciprofloxacin
because of formation of a ciprofloxacin-iron complex that is not absorbable.
Antacids also may reduce the absorption of ciprofloxacin. If patients are
receiving iron salts or antacids and ciprofloxacin, the ciprofloxacin should be
given two hours before or six ours after the iron salt or antacid.
Ciprofloxacin may increase the blood thinning effect of warfarin
(Coumadin). The reason
for this is unknown. Anticoagulant activity should be monitored after starting
or stopping ciprofloxacin.
Sevelamer (Renagel) may reduce the absorption of ciprofloxacin and possibly
reduce the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin. Milk and orange juice also may reduce
the absorption of ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin, as with iron and antacids,
should be given two hours before or six ours after milk or orange juice.
PREGNANCY: Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in
pregnancy, as safe use in
pregnant women has not been established.
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.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
- levofloxacin, Levaquin - Explains the medication levofloxacin (Levaquin), a drug used to treat infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria.
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