Ciprofloxacin

Generic Name: ciprofloxacin

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent indicated for treating various infections caused by susceptible bacteria in adults and select pediatric patients.

Overview

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent indicated for treating various infections caused by susceptible bacteria in adults and select pediatric patients.

Uses

Indicated in adults for skin and skin structure infections, bone and joint infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, gonorrhea, inhalational anthrax post-exposure, plague, chronic bacterial prostatitis, lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and acute sinusitis.

Dosage

Adult dosing ranges from 250 to 750 mg every 12 hours depending on infection type, with durations from single-dose to 60 days. Pediatric dosing: 10-20 mg/kg every 12 hours for UTI (maximum 750 mg), or 15 mg/kg every 8-12 hours for plague/anthrax. Take at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after multivalent cation-containing products.

Side Effects

Most common adverse reactions: nausea (2.5%), diarrhea (1.6%), liver function abnormalities (1.3%), vomiting (1%), and rash (1%). Serious effects include tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects.

Interactions

Contraindicated with tizanidine. Avoid theophylline and QT-prolonging drugs. Use caution with antidiabetic agents, warfarin, methotrexate, phenytoin, and cyclosporine. Multivalent cations reduce absorption.

Warnings

Fluoroquinolones are associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions including tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects. Reserve for patients with no alternative treatment options for certain indications. Additional warnings for hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation, myasthenia gravis exacerbation, and aortic aneurysm risk. Contraindicated with tizanidine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ciprofloxacin used for?

Indicated in adults for skin and skin structure infections, bone and joint infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, gonorrhea, inhalational anthrax post-exposure, plague, chronic bacterial prostatitis, lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and acute sinusitis.

What are the side effects of Ciprofloxacin?

Most common adverse reactions: nausea (2.5%), diarrhea (1.6%), liver function abnormalities (1.3%), vomiting (1%), and rash (1%). Serious effects include tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects.

What are the important warnings for Ciprofloxacin?

Fluoroquinolones are associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions including tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects. Reserve for patients with no alternative treatment options for certain indications. Additional warnings for hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation, myasthenia gravis exacerbation, and aortic aneurysm risk. Contraindicated with tizanidine.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.