CIPRO XR (CIPROFLOXACIN)

Cipro XR Description

Cipro XR (extended release) is an antibiotic from the quinolone family that is prescribed to treat many bacterial infections from urinary tract infections and bone infections to pneumonia and bronchitis. This is a bactericidal medication, which means that it actually kills the bacteria in question and does not just stop their growth.

Cipro XR will not treat viral infections so your doctor may run certain tests to be certain that your condition is caused by bacteria. The extended release formula allows you to take just one pill per day for a length of time specified by your doctor, depending on the condition being treated.

How Cipro XR Kills the Bacteria

The process that bacteria use in order to multiply involves the DNA strands within their cells, causing them to split apart and then reattach. Cipro XR interferes with this action and the DNA strand becomes unable to reattach. As a result, the cell dies and the bacteria are stopped from replicating and die. It is important that you follow your doctor’s directions, even if you are feeling better, to avoid the bacteria making a come-back with the possibility that they have now become resistant to this particular antibiotic.

Conditions Treated by Cipro XR

Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in your bloodstream. This can occur from an injury or open fracture, having pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, or from something as harmless as brushing your teeth too hard. Those at a high risk of getting Bacteremia include the elderly, diabetics, or those on dialysis, so you may be given Cipro XR before a dental or medical procedure to prevent this from happening. Unless Bacteremia is caught in time the bacteria can grow in numbers and infect other parts of your body.

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that is diagnosed through blood tests, cultures, a biopsy, and possibly a bone scan. Your doctor may choose to start treatment with intravenous antibiotics and follow up with Cipro XR for treating at home. If you are experiencing pain or tenderness in a particular area, have a fever, or an open wound that is draining pus, see your doctor right away.

Before You Start Taking Cipro XR

Discuss other medical conditions or allergies you have with your doctor and list any OTC and Rx medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements so it can be determined if Cipro XR is the right drug for your situation. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding as taking Cipro XR may be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby.

Cipro XR Precautions and Recommendations

You should not eat or drink any dairy products or drink any juice that has been calcium-fortified at the same time you take Cipro XR as these can alter the efficacy of the drug. However, you can drink juice or milk as a part of your regular meals. If you take antacids, do so at least two hours before taking Cipro XR or two hours after as these can also affect how Cipro XR will work in your body. Your skin may be more sensitive to the effects of sunlight and tanning beds, so it is best to avoid exposure or wear a high SPF sunscreen and protective clothing.

Possible Side Effects of Cipro XR

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting