What is Cipro?

Cipro is an antibiotic for treating of:

• the lower respiratory tract.
• the abdomen.
• the skin.
• the bones and joints.
• the urinary tract, including cystitis (bladder inflammation) in women.
• severe sinus.
• bronchial infections.
• typhoid fever.
• inhalational anthrax.
• infections of the prostate gland
• some sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea.
• ear infections.
• tuberculosis.
• and some of the infections common in people with AIDS

Cipro tablets should be stored at room temperature. Cipro suspension (liquid) may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The liquid is good for 14 days. Protect Cipro HC Otic suspension from light and do not freeze drops or liquid. Cipro may also be given to children with a urinary tract virus or kidney illness when other antibiotics are not successful.

How does Cipro work?

Cipro is efficient only for definite types of bacterial infections; therefore prior to starting treatment your doctor could carry out tests to recognize the specific organisms that cause your infection. Cipro kills a variety of bacteria, and is commonly used to treat infections in many parts of the body.

How to Take Cipro?

• Cipro can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
• Should not be taken with dairy products (such as milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone.
• May be taken with a serving of food that contains these products.
• Drink abundance of fluids when taking this medication to thwart crystals from forming in your urine.
• Works best when there is a constant amount in the blood and urine.
• Try not to miss any doses, to help keep the level constant, and take them at roughly the same time every day.
• Not completing the full dosage schedule may lessen the drug's efficiency and amplify the chances that the bacteria may become defiant to Cipro and similar antibiotics.
• If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle vigorously for 15 seconds before each dose.
• Swallow without chewing the microcapsules in the suspension.
• Close bottle completely, following the instructions on the cap.
• Do not use Cipro HC Otic suspension in your eyes.
• Avoid contaminating the dropper by letting it touch your ears, fingers, or other surfaces.
• Throw away any liquid that remains after cure is taken care of.

Side effects of Cipro

Cipro can cause increased pressure within the brain. Convulsions could be caused. In case of such an event call you doctor.
Cipro may arouse the central nervous system. This could lead to:

• tremors
• restlessness
• light-headedness
• confusion
• depression
• hallucinations
• nervousness
• agitation
• insomnia
• anxiety
• nightmares
• paranoia

Allergic reaction calls for medical attention.
Call your doctor if you develop diarrhea.
Rare cases of peripheral neuropathy (changes or disturbances of the nervous system), muscle weakness, paralysis, pain or numbness, a burning sensation, or a "pins and needles" sensation need attention.
Patients on Cipro are known to suffer torn tendons. Pain or inflammation in a tendon area needs examination. Stop medication and call your doctor; rest and avoid exercise. You may need surgery to repair the tendon.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Cipro?

• Prolonged use of Cipro may result bacteria growth that does not respond to this medication and could cause a secondary infection. Let your doctor monitor your condition frequently.
• In case of a known or suspected central nervous system disorder like epilepsy or hardening of the arteries in the brain, tell your doctor in advance.
• If you must take Cipro for an extensive period of time, your doctor will in all probability order blood tests and tests for urine, kidney, and liver function.
• If you are on Cipro to treat gonorrhea, the doctor should test you for syphilis after 3 months.
• Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or have an allergic reaction history towards Cipro or other antibiotics, such as norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and trovafloxacin.

Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced and knows about all serious medical conditions you have had. Disclose information regarding any medicines you are taking at the time you get a Cipro dosage.

What should I avoid while taking Cipro?

Cipro may cause you to become dizzy or light-headed. Hence do not drive a car, operate dangerous machinery, or partake in any risky activity that requires complete mental attentiveness until you know how the Cipro affects you.

You could grow more sensitive to light when on Cipro. Try staying out of the sun as much as possible.

Avoid taking the medicine for longer than needed. Please consult your doctor before you stop using the medicine. Extended usage will cause your body's immune system to get used to Cipro and will be resistant in future which makes the medication non-effective on you.