Cipro
Overview
- About Cipro
If you have a known or suspected central nervous system disorder such as epilepsy or hardening of the arteries in the brain, make sure your doctor knows about it when prescribing Cipro.
Remember to stop taking Cipro and see your doctor at the first hint of an allergic reaction (see "Most important fact about this drug"). Also call your doctor if you develop diarrhea. Antibiotics such as Cipro occasionally trigger a form of diarrhea that needs a doctor's attention.
Rare cases of peripheral neuropathy (changes or disturbances of the nervous system) have been reported with this type of antibiotic. Contact your doctor if you experience muscle weakness, paralysis, pain or numbness, a burning sensation, or a "pins and needles" sensation.
You may become more sensitive to light while taking this drug. Try to stay out of the sun as much as possible.
People taking Cipro have been known to suffer torn tendons. If you feel any pain or inflammation in a tendon area, stop taking the drug and call your doctor; you should rest and avoid exercise. You may need surgery to repair the tendon.
If you must take Cipro for an extended period of time, your doctor will probably order blood tests and tests for urine, kidney, and liver function. If you are taking Cipro to treat gonorrhea, the doctor should test you for syphilis after 3 months.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cipro
Return to topSerious and fatal reactions have occurred when Cipro was taken in combination with theophylline. These reactions have included cardiac arrest, seizures, status epilepticus (continuous attacks of epilepsy with no periods of consciousness), and respiratory failure.
The following can interfere with the absorption of Cipro and should be taken no less than 6 hours before or 2 hours after a dose:
- Antacids containing magnesium and aluminum
- Carafate
- Supplements and other products containing calcium, iron, or zinc
- Videx chewable tablets and pediatric powder
- Cyclophosphamide
- Cyclosporine
- Glyburide
- Methotrexate
- Metoclopramide
- Metoprolol
- Phenytoin
- Probenecid
- Warfarin
You should also avoid taking Cipro with milk or yogurt alone, though calcium taken as part of a full meal has no significant effect on the drug.
Cipro may increase the effects of caffeine.
If Cipro is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. These drugs include:
Certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with the exception of aspirin, could cause convulsions when combined with high doses of this type of antibiotic.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Return to topAlthough there's reason to believe that Cipro poses little danger during pregnancy, its effects have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Cipro does appear in breast milk when it's taken internally, and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Cipro
Return to topIf you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe dosages lower than the ones listed below.
Note that if you're using the oral suspension, 1 teaspoonful of 5% suspension equals 250 milligrams and 1 teaspoonful of 10% suspension equals 500 milligrams.
ADULTS
For Cipro Tablets and Oral Liquid
Urinary Tract Infections : The usual adult dosage is 250 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Complicated infections, as determined by your doctor, may require 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days.
Cystitis (Bladder Inflammation) in Women: The usual dosage is either 100 milligrams or 250 milligrams every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 3 days.
Lower Respiratory Tract, Skin, Bone, and Joint Infections : The usual recommended dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Complicated infections, as determined by your doctor, may require a dosage of 750 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days, except for bone and joint infections, which require 4 to 6 weeks.
Infectious Diarrhea; Typhoid Fever; Sinus, Prostate, and Abdominal Infections : The recommended dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Treatment lasts 5 to 7 days for diarrhea, 10 days for typhoid fever and sinus infections, 7 to 14 days for abdominal infections, and 28 days for prostate infections.
Inhalational Anthrax : For adults, the recommended dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Children's doses are calculated at a rate of 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight up to a maximum of 500 milligrams per dose. Treatment continues for 60 days.
Gonorrhea in the Urethra or Cervix : For these sexually transmitted diseases, a single 250-milligram dose is the usual treatment.
For Cipro HC Otic
Ear Infection : Instill 3 drops of suspension into the ear twice a day for 7 days.
For Cipro XR
Cystitis (Bladder Inflammation) in Women: The usual dosage is 500 milligrams taken once daily for 3 days.
Urinary Tract and Kidney Infections: The usual dosage is 1,000 milligrams taken once daily for 7 to 14 days.
CHILDREN AGES 1 TO 17 YEARS OLD
For Cipro Tablets and Oral Liquid
Urinary Tract and Kidney Infections: The usual dosage is based on your child's weight. It should be taken every 12 hours for 10 to 21 days.
Inhalational Anthrax: The usual dosage is based on your child's weight. It should be taken every 12 hours for 60 days.
For Cipro HC Otic
The dosage is the same as for adults.
Cipro XR is not recommended for anyone less than 18 years old.
Overdosage
Return to topThere is no information on the symptoms of Cipro overdose. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
