CIPRO (CIPROFLOXACIN)

About Cipro

Cipro belongs to the family of quinolone drugs that are prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the eyes, ears, lungs, blood, bones or joints, skin, and abdomen, to name a few. Once your doctor has established that you definitely have a bacterial and not a viral infection, you will be given instructions that must be followed in order to make certain all bacteria have been killed, even if you are feeling better before the suggested treatment duration is complete.

How Cipro Acts on Bacteria

Cipro or generic Ciprofloxacin works by entering the bacterial cells and interfering with their DNA-gyrase. This is the enzyme the bacteria require in order to replicate and repair their genetic material. Without this enzyme, bacteria cannot split apart their DNA strands and reattach so the cell dies. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

UTIs Are Common Infections Treated by Cipro

Stubborn urinary tract infections caused by E. coli bacteria are the most common reasons for seeking treatment, and over half of these patients are women. This is a result of a shorter urethra where bacteria are required to travel less in order to enter the bladder and start to multiply. Some risk factors for a bacterial UTI include long-term use of a catheter, being sexually active, certain types of birth control, and having a suppressed immune system.

Symptoms of pelvic pain, a burning sensation when you urinate, cloudy or pink urine, and a persistent urge to urinate indicate there is a good chance you have a urinary tract infection. Do not ignore these signs or symptoms and expect it will just run its course and be gone.

Before You Take Cipro

Discuss your medical background with your doctor so it can be determined if Cipro is the right medicine for your situation. Make your doctor aware of other Rx drugs, OTC meds, and herbal preparations or vitamin supplements you are taking. Combining Cipro with certain medications could cause a negative interaction or unintended side effects. Before taking Cipro, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or breast-feeding as it could result in causing harm to your unborn or nursing baby.

Cipro Risks and Precautions

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects, including those that involve tendons, joints, nerves, and muscles. Cipro should only be prescribed for bacterial infections that cannot be treated effectively with other safer antibiotic drugs. Take Cipro as prescribed and for the time period indicated by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects of Cipro

• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abnormal liver function tests

You should stop taking Cipro and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints.