Cipro

Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) is an antibiotic that has been found to be useful in the treatment of a wide range of infections caused by bacteria. Cipro works by starving the bacteria of essential proteins, without which they cannot survive.

Generic Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) should be taken with a lot of water. It may be taken with or without meals. It should to be taken at the same time every day. This will also ensure that the dosage is not missed.

When taking the extended release tablet, care should be taken to see that the tablet is not crushed, chewed or bitten into. This will result in the entire medicine being released in the body at once, which is not what is required under this treatment. This treatment requires that the medicine be released slowly, to get the best results.

Complete the entire dosage program even if you start feeling better after some doses. Premature discontinuation of the medication may be counterproductive, as the infection does not get totally eliminated with a few doses.

Generic Cipro use may result in some insignificant side effects such as: distorted vision, vomiting, tiredness, giddiness and nervousness among others. These are expected side effects and normally should settle down after a brief period. But if they continue and become a cause for worry, then inform your health care professional.

In some rare cases, there may be a few serious side effects. Immediately call your doctor for help when the following side effects occur: 

• Pounding rapid heartbeats


• Sudden pain or swelling near joints


• Blood in diarrhea


• Depression


• Convulsions


• Urination becoming very less

Taking knowledge about the medication prior to its use forewarns the user regarding many aspects. Hence, before they purchase Cipro, users must try to get more knowledge regarding the side effects of this medication, by discussing them with their health care providers.

Before you order Cipro, list out the medications you are currently using and if it contains any of the medications listed below, then inform your health care professional immediately. The listed medications should not be used alongside Cipro.

Aspirin, Xanax (alprazolam), Flomax (tamsulosin), ibuprofen, Lasix (furosemide), levothyroxine, Lexapro (escitalopram), lisinopril, Ambien (zolpidem),  metformin, metoprolol, Plavix (clopidogrel), prednisone, Nexium (esomeprazole), simvastatin, Synthroid (levothyroxine), Tylenol (acetaminophen), albuterol, Vicodin (acetaminophen/hydrocodone) and omeprazole among others.

Cipro overdose may cause very less or no urination, seizures and weakness among others. In this situation, the local poison control center should be contacted immediately, by calling 1-800-222-1222. Otherwise, emergency services on 911 can be called for assistance.

• Visits to your health care professional are important since it is during these visits that the efficacy of the medication is determined and changes in dosage, if required, are made to speed up the recovery.


• Breast-feeding mothers should inform their health care professional before taking this medication.


• Physical exercise, dietary changes and stress reduction activities may lead to faster recovery.


• Blood count tests and kidney function tests may be done to keep a check on the side effects of this medication.


• Your health care professional may recommend medical tests to ensure that the medication is having the desired effect.

One should not miss a dose of this medication. It may cause a hindrance in the improvement. But, if you miss a Cipro dose, then ignore it and take the next Cipro dose. Two doses at one time should not be taken. This may result in an overdose which has it own set of consequences. For the missed Cipro dose, take the advice of your health care professional.

Ciprofloxacin belongs to a group of medications called the quinolone antibiotics. This medication is used mainly to treat bacterial infections such as:

• Urinary tract infections


• Respiratory tract infections


• Acute sinusitis


• Skin infections


• Bone and joint infections


• Intra-abdominal infections


• Diarrhea  

Your health care professional may allow Cipro to be used for other symptoms also. Thus, users should obtain more information as to the possible other uses of this medication when they buy Cipro from their local pharmacy or drugstore.

Storage instructions are contained in the information manual which comes along with the medication. These instructions are to be followed carefully. Thus, Cipro should be stored in a cool and dry place, at room temperature of around 25^oC and away from high temperatures and moisture. The liquid form of the Cipro should not be allowed to freeze.

Take the advice of your health care professional if any of the following medical conditions apply to you:

• Allergies to Ciprofloxacin or to any quinolone antibiotics


• Any other allergies


• Diabetes


• Cardiovascular problems


• Liver complications


• Kidney diseases