Cipro is antimicrobial broad-spectrum antibiotic related to fluoroquinolones group. This medication inhibits DNA-gyrase, the enzyme of bacteria, which is responsible for DNA replication and synthesis of bacterial cellular proteins, this causes their death so drug performs bactericidal activity. Cipro is active against propagating bacteria and when they are in a resting state. Cipro is used to treat different conditions and illnesses caused by bacterial infection of pulmonary system, kidney and urogenital system, gastrointestinal system (mouth, dents, jaws, bladder and biliary tract), skin, mucous membranes and soft tissues and others. It is active against many different gram negative aerobic and gram positive bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Chlamydia, Streptococcus, some species of Sraphybcoccus genus.
Dosage and directions
Take Cipro exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor with a big glass of water with or without food, through even time intervals. Drink more water than usual during treatment with this medication. Do not take it together with any milk products as it diminishes activity of Cypro. Do not crush, chew or break the extended-release tablet, swallow the tablet whole. When taking the oral liquid, swallow it without chewing the medicine.
Precautions
Before taking Cipro discuss with your doctor if you suffer form any kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, joint problems, diabetes, a history of seizures, low levels of potassium in your blood, heart rhythm disorder. Avoid long exposure of your body to UV radiation.
Contraindications
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, epilepsy, infants and teenagers younger than 18 y.o., hypersensitivity to Cipro and other drugs of fluoroquinolones group.
Possible side effect
Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, headache, and restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, easy bruising or bleeding. If you have signs listed above stop taking Cipro and contact your doctor.
Drug interaction
Cipro is not recommended to take with medications decreasing acidity in your stomach and any alkaline mineral waters and also medications which contain ions of aluminum, zinc, iron or magnesium due to their ability to decrease absorption of Cipro.
Missed dose
Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.
Overdose
Signs of overdose may be: seizures, difficulty urination problems, weakness, or combination of blue lips and pale skin. If you suppose that you took too much of this medication contact your doctor for help.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15-25 degrees C away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not freeze Cipro if you take it as liquid and store in a refrigerator.
