Uses

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic which kills bacteria by affecting topoisomerase enzymes within the bacteria. Topoisomerase enzymes help separate and keep DNA intact as the cell of the bacteria is dividing. This antibiotic is affective against gram negative and gram positive bacteria strains and is used to treat a variety of infections including lung, abdominal, ear, sinus and skin infections.

How to Use

Take this medication exactly as directed. Ciprofloxacin tablets should be taken by mouth with water, they can be taken with or without food.

Do not take this medication with milk, yogurt or other dairy products. It can be taken with a meal that contains some dairy.

It is important to finish the entire course of this medicine. Do not stop taking it because you are feeling better.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Notify your doctor if you have severe diarrhea, or diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days.

Try to keep out of the sun, or use a sunscreen during sun exposure. This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun.

Avoid taking iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, aluminum, and antacids for 6 hours before, and for 2 hours after  taking this medication.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Bone, joint or tendon conditions, heart conditions, kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, cebral disease, seizures, pregnancy(or trying to become pregnant) or breastfeeding.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reaction(hives, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, falls from lightheadedness or dizziness, hallucinations, confusion, heartbeat changes, muscle or joint pain or swelling, pain or difficulty passing urine, persistent headache, blurred vision, seizures, numbness, tingling, weakness, red, blistering, loosening or peeling skin.

Other Side Effects

Diarrhea, nausea, white patches within the mouth, headache.

Adult Dose

Anthrax

500 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 60 days.

400 mg by IV every 12 hours for 60 days.

Mild to Moderate Bacterial Prostatitis

500 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 28 days.

400 mg by IV every 12 hours for 28 days.

Cat Scratch Disease

500 mg by mouth twice daily for between 10-16 days.

Moderate Cellulitis

Between 500 and 750 mg by mouth every 12 hours for between 7 and 14 days for skin and skin structure infections. If the infection has spread to the bone or joints, the therapy may have to be extended for 4-6 weeks longer.

Severe or Complicated Cellulitis

750 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 7-14 days. If the infection has spread to the bone or joints, the therapy may have to be extended to 4-6 weeks longer.

Acute Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Adult Females

Regular Release Tablets: 250 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 3 days.

Extended Release Tablets (Cipro XR):  500 mg once daily for 3 days. 

Severe or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

Immediate Release Tablets: 500 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 7-14 days.

Extended Release Tablets: 1000 mg by mouth once daily for 7-14 days.

Mild to Moderate Acute Bacterial Sinusitis

Oral: 500 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 10 days.

Intravenous: 400 mg intravenously every 12 hours for 12 days.

Chronic Bronchitis Exacerbations

Mild to Moderate:  500 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 7-14 days.

Severe/Complicated: 750 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 7-14 days.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Mild to Moderate: 500 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 7-14 days.

Severe/Complicated: 750 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 7-14 days.

Sources

1. Cipro (ciprofloxacin tablet; suspension) [package insert]. Wayne, NJ: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2013.

2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 91: Treatment of urinary tract infections in nonpregnant women. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;111(3):785-794

3. Gupta K, Hooton TM, Naber KG, at al. International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women: A 2010 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the European Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Clin Infect Dis 2011;52:e103-e120.

4. Inglesby TV, O'Toole T, Henderson DA, et al. Anthrax as a biological weapon, 2002: Updated recommendations for management. JAMA 2002;287:2236-2252.

5. Cipro® IV injection, ciprofloxacin IV injection[package insert]. Montville, NJ: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc; 2011.