This ships from the UK

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is a widely-used quinolone antibiotic effective at treating a range of bacterial infections, including anthrax.

The medication is available in a range of formulations, but outside of a hospital setting it is most often taken by tablet in adults and oral suspension in children. Regular tablets may be split or crushed if desired to create smaller doses or ease administration. Extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole.

The active ingredient in Cipro, ciprofloxacin, is available in a number of brand names as well as generics. Most areas require a prescription to buy Cipro.

Proper Use of Cipro

Used properly Cipro is unlikely to produce serious side effects. It is important to complete treatment to ensure the infection is completely cleared up even if symptoms disappear; failure to do so can result in a resurgance of the infection and contributes to resistant bacteria.

In adults, Cipro is frequently prescribed to treat:

• Anthrax
• Urinary tract infections
• Bacterial prostatitis
• Cystitis in women
• Sinusitis
• Infectious diarrhea
• Lower respiratory tract infections
• Bone or joint infections
• Skin infections
• Typhoid fever
• Cervical or urethral gonorrhea
• Intra-abdominal infections

Note that many of the above infections may be caused by a variety of different bacteria, not all of which are susceptible to Cipro. Likewise, Cipro will have no effect on viral or fungal infections, which may also produce similar symptoms in some cases. Ideally, any infection will be identified by a doctor prior to initiating treatment.

Treatment with Cipro is very dependent on the type and severity of the infection. To a lesser exent treatment may be influenced by age, weight and other individual factors. A very rough treatment guideline for otherwise healthy adults is as follows:

• Mild to moderate Urinary Tract infections: 250 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Severe urinary tract infections: 500 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Bacterial prostatitis: 500 mg twice per day for 28 days.
• Mild lower respiratory tract infections: 500 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Severe lower respiratory tract infections: 750 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Sinusitis: 500 mg twice per day for 10 days.
• Mild skin infections: 500 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Severe skin infections: 750 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Mild bone and joint infections: 500 mg twice per day for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Severe bone and joint infections: 750 mg twice per day for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Intra-abdominal infections: 500 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days. Usually prescribed along with metronidazole.
• Infectious diarrhea: 500 mg twice per day for 5 to 7 days.
• Typhoid fever: 500 mg twice per day for 10 days.
• Cervical or urethral gonorrhea: Single dose of 250 mg.
• Exposure to inhalational anthrax: 500 mg twice per day for 60 days.

Again the above dosage guidelines may be adjusted according to individual patient needs. Patients with major medical conditions, who are very young or elderly, or who are taking other medications may require adjusted doses.

Precautions & Side Effects

The majority of the more common Cipro side effects are similar to those resulting from use of any antibiotic, including:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness

The above symptoms are generally not cause for concern unless severe or persistant.

Much more rarely more serious side effects develop which warrant rapid medical attention:

• Severe diarrhea
• Severe headaches or pressure in the skull
• Vision changes or eye pain
• Persistent ringing in the ears
• Severe dizziness, weakness or fainting
• Heartbeat changes

Patients taking Cipro are also at slightly increased risk of experiencing tendon damage. Take care to avoid straining joints during treatment and be alert for warning signs:

• Difficulty moving joints
• Pain, bruising and/or swelling at joints
• Stiff joints

Patients who are very young or very elderly, are taking steroids, have had an organ transplant, have a history of joint problems, or who have major medical conditions are at greater risk of experiencing serious side effects.