Ciprofloxacin

Generic name: ciprofloxacin
Brand names: Cipro, Proquin XR
Drug class: Quinolones and fluoroquinolones

Dosage form: Tablet
Root of administration: Oral
Dose:

• Tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg
• Oral suspension: 5% and 10%
• Injection: 10 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL

Mechanism of action: Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme DNA gyrase, which is responsible for the supercoiling of bacterial DNA
Drug usage cases: Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic, it is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. It is also used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague. Ciprofloxacin extended-release is only approved for use in adults.
Drug contraindications:  You should not use ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you also take tizanidine
• you are allergic to other fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin).

Side effects: In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, the main blood artery of the body. This could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

Also, stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out)
• any skin rash, no matter how mild
• muscle weakness, breathing problems
• little or no urination
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• increased pressure inside the skull – severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes

Warnings: Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, nerve damage, serious mood or behavior changes, or low blood sugar.

Stop using ciprofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have: headache, hunger, irritability, numbness, tingling, burning pain, confusion, agitation, paranoia, problems with memory or concentration, thoughts of suicide, or sudden pain or movement problems in any of your joints.

In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, which could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. You should not breastfeed while taking ciprofloxacin and for 2 days after your last dose. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding if you take this medicine for anthrax exposure.