Ciprofloxacin

Generic Name : Ciprofloxacin

Pronunciation : (sip roe flox' a sin)

TradeName : Abact, Alcipro, Baycip, Baycip-URO, Bekaycin, Bicipro, Biocip, BiocipIV, Careflox, Cebect, Cebran, Ceepro, Cifomed, Cifran, Cifraninfusion, CIP, Cipad, Cipic, Ciplox, CiploxIV, Ciporic, Cipride, Ciprind, Cipro, Ciproace, Ciprobact, Ciprobid, ciprocap, Ciprocore, Ciprodac, Cipr

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause infections, including pneumonia and infections of the urinary tract, skin, bones and joints. It also is used to treat gastrointestinal infections.

When it is to be taken : Ciprofloxacin usually is taken twice a day for 7 to 14 days or longer. Follow the instructions of your prescription label.

How it should be taken : Ciprofloxacin comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Special Instruction : 

1. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after you begin to feel better. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.
2. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if you still have signs of infection after taking your entire medication, contact your doctor.
3. Ciprofloxacin can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
4. You may have urine test to determine your response to this drug.
5. Special dietary instructions should be followed. Drink at least eight full glasses of water or other liquids every day. Avoid consuming large amounts of coffee, tea and other caffeine-containing drinks or drugs.
6. Ciprofloxacin can make you more susceptible to nervousness, insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety caused by excessive caffeine.
7. It is important to take all doses of this medication on schedule, especially during the first few days of treatment, so that bacteria do not become resistant to ciprofloxacin.
8. Try to take ciprofloxacin at the same time that you do some other regular activity such as brushing your teeth in the morning or going to bed at night.

Side Effects : 

1. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or discomfort. Take this medication with a light snack or meals.
2. Headache, restlessness, skin rash. Contact your doctor if these effects are sever or persist.

Other Precautions : 

1. Do not take antacids within four hours of taking ciprofloxacin.
2. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should inform their doctors.
3. Ciprofloxacin should not be taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, stop taking it and contact your doctor.
4. Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially theophyline, antacids and other anti-infective medications.
5. Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have epilepsy or kidney disease.
6. Do not allow anyone else, especially a child, to take your medication.

Storage Conditions : 
Store ciprofloxacin in the container it came in at room temperature. Keep it out of the reach of children.