How Effective is Ciprofloxacin & What are its Side Effects?

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that fights body bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is effectively used to treat various types of bacterial infections. It is effectively utilized to treat individuals who have been exposed to certain types of plague or anthrax.

Such antibiotics have serious side effects. Therefore, it is recommended that Ciprofloxacin should be used for treating infections which cannot be treated otherwise or with a safer antibiotic.

Ciprofloxacin sometimes causes swelling; it can cause tearing of a tendon. Those who are over 60 years and if they take steroids or have had a heart, kidney or lung transplant, then drug can be deadly.

Those having muscle disorders may not be able to take Ciprofloxacin. It is always recommended to consult your doctor before taking drugs like Ciprofloxacin.

Those who are taking tizanidine, they should abstain from taking the medicine.

Stop taking Ciprofloxacin, call the doctor if you have swelling, sudden pain, bruising, stiffness, tenderness, or movement problems in your joints. Until you receive proper medical care/instructions, rest the joint.

To ensure that Ciprofloxacin is safe for usage, consult the doctor. If you have the following medical problems then doctor’s advice is very much necessary.

• Problems with tendon, joint problems, arthritis (particularly in children)
• Nerve-muscle disorder
• Heart rhythm disorder (especially for those who take medication for treatment)
• History of prolonging QT syndrome
• Trouble in swallowing pills
• Kidney or liver disease
• History of seizures
• Diabetes (especially if the person takes diabetes medication orally)
• Reduced levels of potassium in the blood (a condition named hypokalemia).

The drug is taken after every 12 hours. Follow the directions mentioned on your prescription label in order to take the drug. It is better not to take the medicine in larger/smaller amounts or for a longer duration than recommended.

It is better to take the medicine with water; these medicines have an adverse effect on the kidneys and therefore drink extra fluids to ensure that the kidneys are working properly.

The drug Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food. It is recommended to take the drug at the same time each day.

Shake (Ciprofloxacin liquid) which is to be taken orally, for at roughly 15 seconds prior to measuring a dose. Measure the liquid with suitable dose-measuring medicine cup or spoon. In case, you do not have a dose-measuring device ask the pharmacist about the same. It is not recommended to administer the oral suspension using a feeding tube.

Swallow the tablet whole, instead of crushing or breaking it.

The medicine should be used for the prescribed time length. By taking the medicine, there can be an improvement of the symptoms after which the infection can be cured completely. Skipping doses may increase the risk of further infection which is resistant to the antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin does not treat a viral infection (common cold or the flu)

Abstain from sharing the medicine with another person; despite both of you have the similar symptoms.

Store the drug at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Prevent the liquid medicine from freezing up. Dispose of any unused liquid after 14 days.

Among the common side effects of ciprofloxacin are included the following: vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, rash and liver problems. Seek emergency medical help when you have signs of an allergic reaction to the drug. With this drug, skin rash and hives can occur. Besides, this drug can enhance heartbeat, make breathing difficult; lead to swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat.

Ciprofloxacin may cause tearing or rupturing of a tendon. Prolonged use of Ciprofloxacin can seriously affect the nerves, cause nerve damage permanently.

Stop using Ciprofloxacin and seek doctors’ advice if you have:

• Severe pain in the stomach
• Diarrhea (watery or bloody)
• Headache, chest pain, severe dizziness, fast heartbeats and fainting
• Pain in the muscles or weakness
• Convulsions.
• The signs of rupturing of tendons – swelling, sudden pain, bruising, stiffness, tenderness, movement problems, or a popping sound in the joints (In such circumstances, rest the joint till you receive medical care);
• Nerve symptoms – Weakness, numbness, tingling, pain and burning, nerve symptoms also include being sensitive to light touch, temperature;
• Changes in behavior or mood – confusion, depression, hallucinations, tremors, paranoia, feeling anxious or restless, insomnia, unusual thoughts or behavior, nightmares;
• Liver problems – loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, clay-colored stools, dark urine and jaundice.
• Enhanced pressure inside the skull – ringing in your ears, severe headaches, pain behind your eyes, vision problems;
• Severe reaction in the skin – pain in the skin, skin rash, peeling and blistering.