Reviewed by Peggy Coryat, RPh, October 23, 2023
Uses Mechanism of Action Side Effects Genuine Product About Product Correct Dosage Price Interactions
Cipro is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a number of health issues. It is given as a remedy for a number of infectious and inflammatory ailments. Cipro is used in conjunction with other antibiotics to treat certain illnesses. The variety of available forms of administration allows to use this antibiotic for a wider list of health issues.
Patented in 1980, this medication was first made available in 1987. Ciprofloxacin is categorized by the WHO as being extremely essential for human medicine.
Is it right for you?
The drug is not prescribed to pregnant and lactating women. It is prescribed with caution to patients with insufficient renal and liver function, impaired cerebral circulation, convulsive syndrome, and epilepsy. It is also not suitable for individuals who have previously experienced serious harmful consequences after intake of medications containing quinolones or fluoroquinolones.
Cipro is not recommended for streptococcal infections (insufficient effectiveness) and there’s limited data on effectiveness for postoperative intra-abdominal infection. What is it effective for? Cipro is used for the infectious respiratory tract, abdominal and pelvic organs, bones, joints, and skin, and severe infections of the ear, nose, and throat. Additionally, it is safe to use for the prevention and treatment of infections in those with compromised immune systems.
Cipro can also be used locally with various types of conjunctivitis, bacterial corneal ulcers, keratitis, chronic dacryocystitis, and meibomitis. Infectious eye lesions after injury or foreign bodies can also be treated with Cipro.
How does Cipro Generic work?
Cipro is a drug that can help humans deal with undesired microbes. The active substance, which is from the fluoroquinolone group, targets the DNA gyrase of bacteria, which plays an important role in the reproduction of bacterial DNA.
The medication has a rapid bactericidal effect on microorganisms that are both in a state of rest and reproduction. It has a wide scope of antimicrobial action but showed the best results dealing with infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. The effect on anaerobes is less pronounced.
Side effects
Possible short-term side effects are as follows:
- Rash;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Loose stool;
- Headache;
- Sensitivity to solar radiation;
- Abdominal pain;
- Heartburn;
- Increased fatigue or drowsiness;
- Vaginal itching and/or vaginal discharge.
Not all individuals who are administered Cipro experience the adverse effects that are stated above. The most frequent adverse effect is rash, however, there could be others. Inform your physician or pharmacist of any adverse effects that you are experiencing.
How to Ensure You’re Buying Genuine Cipro
Counterfeiting of medicines is one of the global problems throughout the world. There are signs by which you can recognize an unscrupulous drug manufacturer. These include damaged integrity of the packaging, uneven font, and spelling errors in instructions.
If you have any doubts about the quality of the product, ask the pharmacist for a certificate of conformity. In a pharmacy operating according to the law, this request will not be surprising. If you are refused, most likely the purchase of medicines was made from unreliable distributors.
You should also consider the price. You should not buy medicines that are too cheap. If you would like to save money, choose a generic alternative from a reputable manufacturer. You should also buy medications in specially designated places – pharmacies. Every reputable pharmacy must have a license for the sale of medicines.
About Ciprofloxacin
The active component of this medication is ciprofloxacin. Depending on the dosage there can be a different amount of this component in each pill. Other components include microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, corn starch, magnesium stearate, talc, and a few others. A member of the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, ciprofloxacin has a broad spectrum of action. It works against aerobic bacteria in a bactericidal capacity.
Doses and How To Take
As with most tablets, it is typically administered by mouth before or after meals with a glass of water. The dosage is determined by the doctor depending on the type of bacteria that caused the disease. It is usually taken for several days (up to 10). The initial dose is 0.125-0.5 g two times a day. In special cases, one might need to use eye drops or other forms of this antibiotic.
Patients with severe renal impairment should be prescribed half the dose. Although the duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, treatment should always continue for at least two more days after one feels well again.
Calcium in foods has little effect on absorption. However, the concomitant use of Cipro and dairy products or mineral-fortified products (such as milk, yogurt, and orange juice with high calcium content) should be avoided since the absorption may be reduced.
It is best to stay out of the sun and other UV light during the course of treatment. When you are taking the medication, you should keep an eye on your blood urea concentration, creatinine levels, and liver transaminases.
Treatment of children and adolescents should be started only after a careful benefit/risk assessment as there is a chance that the joints or surrounding tissues can suffer.
In case of overdose, it is necessary to perform gastric lavage, use emetics, and also monitor kidney function and take antacids, which reduce the absorption of the medication.
Generic Cipro Price
When it comes to medications, pricing plays an important role as the cost can quickly add up, especially during prolonged treatment or serious health issues. Fortunately, the prices in Canada are notably lower than in the United States. You can get a brand name Cipro with 250mg for around $55 for 10 pills. A 500mg will cost around $15 more.
Considering that the treatment course is around a week or slightly longer, you will need a larger quantity of these medications. This should not worry you as the price per pill drops significantly when you buy larger packs. For instance, you will pay only around $25 more to get a 20-tablet pack instead of 10 pills.
If you would like to save even more, you can consider the generic alternative, which has exactly the same active ingredient, but no recognized brand name attached to it. The prices for around 10 pills vary from $40 to $45 and there is minimal difference when it comes to different dosages. It is also advisable to compare the prices across different pharmacies.
Interactions with other medications
There is no cross-resistance with cephalosporins, penicillin, or aminoglycosides. Cipro helps lower the prothrombin index and lengthens the half-life and concentration of oral hypoglycemic medications, indirect anticoagulants, theophylline, and other xanthines (for instance, caffeine).
An increased risk of seizures appears when NSAIDs (apart from acetylsalicylic acid) are used concurrently with Cipro. Metoclopramide quickens its absorption. Co-administration of uricosuric drugs leads to a slower elimination (up to 50%) and an increase in concentrations of this medication.
When combined with other antimicrobial drugs, synergism is usually observed. This makes it possible to use this medication as part of a complex treatment.
When taken simultaneously, Ciprofloxacin enhances the effect of indirect anticoagulants. Concurrent administration of Cipro and medicinal products that contain omeprazole leads to a slight decrease in Cmax and AUC of this medication.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR THIS INFORMATION
Please keep in mind that this is not the full description of the product, so some of the minor details could have been left out. Even though we try to provide you with accurate information, we cannot guarantee that this product will be suitable for you. Under no circumstances should this information be used instead of professional medical consultation. Speaking to your doctor is vital for getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.