Cipro: Potent Antibiotic for Serious Bacterial Infections
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 90 | $0.44 | $40.01 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.37 | $53.35 $44.01 (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.30 | $80.02 $54.01 (32%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.22
Best per pill | $160.04 $79.02 (51%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 500mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.72 | $43.01 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.54 | $64.51 $49.01 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.46 | $86.02 $55.01 (36%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.38 | $129.03 $68.02 (47%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.32 | $193.54 $86.02 (56%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.29
Best per pill | $258.06 $104.02 (60%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 750mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $1.97 | $59.01 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.38 | $118.03 $83.02 (30%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.18 | $177.04 $106.02 (40%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.08 | $236.05 $130.03 (45%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.98 | $354.08 $177.04 (50%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.88
Best per pill | $708.16 $317.07 (55%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic prescribed for treating a wide range of serious bacterial infections. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, effectively stopping bacterial replication and leading to bacterial cell death. This medication is particularly valuable for infections resistant to other antibiotics and is available in both oral and intravenous formulations. Healthcare providers rely on Cipro for its proven efficacy against numerous gram-negative and some gram-positive pathogens when standard therapies prove inadequate or inappropriate.
Features
- Active ingredient: ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
- Available formulations: tablets (100mg, 250mg, 500mg, 750mg), extended-release tablets (500mg, 1000mg), oral suspension, and intravenous solution
- Broad-spectrum activity against gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria
- Rapid absorption with excellent tissue penetration
- Bactericidal action through inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV
Benefits
- Effectively treats serious infections when other antibiotics have failed
- Rapid onset of action with noticeable symptom improvement often within 24-48 hours
- Comprehensive tissue penetration reaching infection sites throughout the body
- Flexible dosing regimens tailored to specific infection types and patient needs
- Proven efficacy against numerous resistant bacterial strains
- Available in multiple formulations for various clinical scenarios
Common use
Cipro is indicated for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, lower respiratory tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, bone and joint infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and nosocomial pneumonia. It is also used for post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment of anthrax inhalation and plague. The medication demonstrates particular effectiveness against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella species, Shigella species, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Dosage and direction
Dosage varies significantly based on infection type, severity, renal function, and patient characteristics. For uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 250mg every 12 hours for 3 days. For complicated urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis: 500mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days. For respiratory tract infections: 500mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days. For bone and joint infections: 500-750mg every 12 hours for 4-8 weeks. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water, preferably 2 hours after meals or 1 hour before meals. Maintain adequate hydration during treatment. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Precautions
Patients should be advised that Cipro may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or visual disturbances that could impair physical or mental abilities. Tendon inflammation or rupture may occur, particularly in elderly patients, those taking corticosteroids, and organ transplant recipients. Photosensitivity reactions may develop, requiring sun protection measures. Blood glucose disturbances may occur, especially in diabetic patients. Peripheral neuropathy may develop and could be irreversible. Patients should immediately report tendon pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. Regular monitoring of renal and hepatic function is recommended during prolonged therapy.
Contraindications
Cipro is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics. Concurrent administration with tizanidine is absolutely contraindicated due to potentially dangerous drug interactions. The medication should not be used in patients with a history of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use. It is contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis due to potential exacerbation of muscle weakness. Use during pregnancy is generally avoided unless potential benefits outweigh risks. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment due to secretion in human milk.
Possible side effect
Common side effects include nausea (5-10%), diarrhea (2-5%), headache (2-5%), dizziness (2-5%), and abdominal pain/discomfort (2-5%). Less frequent but more serious adverse effects include tendonitis and tendon rupture (particularly Achilles tendon), peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system effects (seizures, increased intracranial pressure, psychosis), QT interval prolongation, hepatotoxicity, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Hypersensitivity reactions ranging from rash to anaphylaxis may occur. Crystalluria may develop with inadequate hydration. Hematologic abnormalities including leukopenia and thrombocytopenia have been reported.
Drug interaction
Cipro significantly interacts with numerous medications through CYP450 enzyme inhibition and chelation with multivalent cations. Concurrent use with theophylline requires dosage reduction and careful monitoring due to increased theophylline levels. Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, calcium, or iron significantly reduce absorption when taken within 2-4 hours of Cipro administration. Warfarin effects may be enhanced, requiring frequent INR monitoring. NSAIDs may increase seizure risk. Probenecid delays renal excretion of ciprofloxacin. Diabetic medications may require adjustment due to potential hypoglycemia. QT-prolonging agents should be used with extreme caution.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Maintaining consistent antibiotic levels is crucial for effectiveness, so patients should strive for regular dosing intervals. Setting reminders or using pill organizers can help maintain proper dosing schedule compliance throughout the treatment course.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drowsiness, confusion, tremors, seizures, and renal impairment. Management involves gastric lavage if presented early, followed by activated charcoal. Adequate hydration must be maintained to prevent crystalluria. Seizures may require benzodiazepine administration. Hemodialysis removes approximately 10% of the drug and may be considered in severe cases. ECG monitoring is recommended to detect QT prolongation. Symptomatic and supportive care remains the mainstay of treatment, with particular attention to renal function and neurological status.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F) in the original container, protected from light and moisture. Keep tablets in a tightly closed container to protect from humidity. Do not store in bathroom cabinets where moisture levels fluctuate. Oral suspension should be stored at room temperature and discarded after 14 days. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Do not use medication beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Proper disposal of unused medication through take-back programs is recommended to prevent environmental contamination and accidental ingestion.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any medication. The prescribing physician should make treatment decisions based on individual patient factors, including specific infection, bacterial susceptibility, renal function, and potential drug interactions. Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with impaired renal function. Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health concern, and antibiotics should only be used when medically necessary and as prescribed.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Cipro’s efficacy with success rates of 85-95% for various infections when used appropriately. Many physicians report excellent results in treating complicated urinary tract infections and resistant respiratory infections. Patients often report rapid symptom improvement, though some note gastrointestinal side effects. The medical community acknowledges Cipro’s value in treating multidrug-resistant infections while remaining cautious about its potential adverse effects. Recent guidelines emphasize reserving fluoroquinolones for situations where alternative antibiotics are not suitable due to concerns about side effects and antibiotic stewardship.