Cipro: Potent Antibiotic for Serious Bacterial Infections
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 90 | $0.38 | $34.40 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.32 | $45.87 $37.84 (17%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.26 | $68.80 $46.44 (32%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.19
Best per pill | $137.60 $67.94 (51%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 500mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.62 | $36.98 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.47 | $55.47 $42.14 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.39 | $73.96 $47.30 (36%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.32 | $110.94 $58.48 (47%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.27 | $166.41 $73.96 (56%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.25
Best per pill | $221.88 $89.44 (60%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 750mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $1.69 | $50.74 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.19 | $101.48 $71.38 (30%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.01 | $152.22 $91.16 (40%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.93 | $202.96 $111.80 (45%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.85 | $304.44 $152.22 (50%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.76
Best per pill | $608.88 $272.62 (55%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic prescribed for treating serious bacterial infections throughout the body. As a second-generation quinolone, it demonstrates potent bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes. This medication is particularly valued in clinical practice for its excellent tissue penetration, bioavailability, and reliability in combating resistant organisms where other antibiotics may fail. Proper diagnosis and prescription under medical supervision are essential due to its specific indications and potential side effect profile.
Features
- Active ingredient: Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
- Available forms: Oral tablets (250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg), extended-release tablets, oral suspension, intravenous solution
- Mechanism: Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV
- Spectrum: Broad activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobes
- Bioavailability: Approximately 70% for oral administration
- Half-life: About 4 hours in patients with normal renal function
Benefits
- Effectively treats a wide range of serious bacterial infections throughout multiple body systems
- Provides rapid bactericidal action with concentration-dependent killing
- Offers excellent tissue penetration, reaching effective concentrations in prostate, lungs, and bones
- Demonstrates reliable activity against many antibiotic-resistant pathogens
- Available in multiple formulations allowing for flexible dosing regimens
- Typically administered twice daily, supporting patient adherence to treatment
Common use
Cipro is indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections including urinary tract infections (complicated and uncomplicated), acute uncomplicated cystitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, lower respiratory tract infections, acute sinusitis, skin and skin structure infections, bone and joint infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, and nosocomial pneumonia. It is also used for post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment of anthrax inhalation and plague. The specific indication depends on the infection site, severity, and identified or suspected pathogens.
Dosage and direction
Dosage varies significantly based on infection type, severity, renal function, and patient factors. Typical adult doses range from 250-750 mg orally every 12 hours or 400 mg IV every 12 hours. For urinary tract infections: 250-500 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days. For respiratory infections: 500-750 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days. For complicated infections: 500-750 mg every 12 hours. Dosage adjustment is required in renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min). Tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water, and may be taken with or without food. Maintain adequate hydration during treatment. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier.
Precautions
Patients should be advised that Cipro may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or visual disturbances that could impair reactions. Tendon inflammation or rupture may occur during or after therapy, particularly in elderly patients, those taking corticosteroids, or those with organ transplants. Avoid excessive sunlight or artificial UV light due to photosensitivity risk. Use with caution in patients with known or suspected central nervous system disorders that may predispose to seizures. Monitor blood glucose carefully in diabetic patients. May prolong QT interval in some patients. Not recommended for pediatric patients except in specific circumstances (complicated UTI, pyelonephritis, or plague) due to arthropathy risk.
Contraindications
Cipro is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin, other quinolones, or any component of the formulation. Concomitant administration with tizanidine is contraindicated. Should not be used in patients with history of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use. Avoid use in patients with known QT prolongation, uncorrected hypokalemia, or those taking Class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents. Not recommended during breastfeeding. Use in pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus.
Possible side effect
Common side effects (≥1%) include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, restlessness, and rash. Less frequent but serious adverse reactions may include tendonitis or tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system effects (dizziness, confusion, tremors, hallucinations), QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, hypoglycemia, hepatitis, photosensitivity, blood dyscrasias, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Musculoskeletal disorders including arthralgia and gait disturbances have been reported. Psychiatric reactions including anxiety, depression, and insomnia may occur.
Drug interaction
Cipro may interact significantly with multiple medications. It increases tizanidine concentrations dramatically—concomitant use is contraindicated. May enhance effects of warfarin—monitor INR closely. Reduces metabolism of theophylline, potentially causing toxicity. Antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc, and multivitamins containing divalent cations significantly reduce absorption—administer at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after Cipro. May increase serum concentrations of cyclosporine, methotrexate, and phenytoin. Concomitant NSAID use may increase CNS stimulation risk. QT-prolonging agents may have additive effects. May affect blood glucose control with antidiabetic agents.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintaining consistent antibiotic levels is important for effectiveness, so try to adhere to the prescribed schedule as closely as possible. If multiple doses are missed, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, confusion, dizziness, tremors, and crystalluria. ECG changes including QT prolongation may occur. Management is primarily supportive with careful observation and symptomatic treatment. ECG monitoring is recommended. Hemodialysis removes approximately 10% of the drug and may be considered in severe cases. Maintain adequate hydration to prevent crystalluria. There is no specific antidote. Contact poison control center or emergency department immediately if overdose is suspected.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F) in the original container. Protect from light and excessive moisture. Keep tightly closed. Do not store in bathroom medicine cabinet due to humidity. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after expiration date. Oral suspension should be stored at room temperature after reconstitution and discarded after 14 days. Do not freeze. IV solutions should be stored according to manufacturer recommendations and administered within specified time after preparation.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Cipro is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The prescribing physician will determine the appropriate dosage and duration based on individual patient factors. Do not self-medicate or share this medication with others. Report any adverse effects to your healthcare provider promptly. This summary may not include all possible information about this medication—always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for complete information.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Cipro’s efficacy across multiple infection types with success rates typically exceeding 85% in compliant patients. Many physicians appreciate its reliability in treating resistant organisms, though most reserve it for appropriate indications due to side effect concerns. Patient experiences vary, with many reporting rapid symptom improvement but some noting gastrointestinal side effects or other adverse reactions. The medical community continues to value Cipro for specific serious infections while being increasingly mindful of appropriate use guidelines to minimize resistance development and adverse events.