Ciprotec

What It Is Used For

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It treats some urinary tract infections, typhoid, certain gut and bone infections, and other serious bacterial infections. Because of rare but serious side effects, it is usually kept for infections where other antibiotics are not suitable.

How to Take It

Adults: usually 250 mg to 750 mg twice a day, for the days on your prescription, with a full glass of water. Take it at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids, calcium, iron or zinc supplements, and do not take it with milk or yoghurt alone. Drink plenty of fluids. Finish the full course even if you feel better. Only take antibiotics prescribed for you; misuse makes bacteria resistant.

Who Should Not Take It

Do not take it if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or similar antibiotics, have had tendon problems with these medicines, or take tizanidine. It is not usually given to children or teenagers.

Side Effects

Common: nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness and headache. Rare but serious: tendon pain or rupture (stop at once and rest the limb), tingling or numbness in hands or feet, mood changes or confusion, sudden chest or back pain, irregular heartbeat, low or high blood sugar in diabetes, and severe diarrhoea. It makes skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Precautions

Tendon problems are more likely in people over 60, those on steroids, and after organ transplant. Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, heart rhythm problems or an aortic aneurysm.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Interactions

It raises levels of theophylline, tizanidine and caffeine. It can change the effect of warfarin and diabetes medicines. Steroids add to the risk of tendon damage.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children. Once mixed, keep suspensions as the label says and throw away what is left after the course.