Cipro is an antibiotic used to treat infections of the lower respiratory tract, the abdomen, the skin, the bones and joints, and the urinary tract, including cystitis in women. It is also prescribed for severe sinus or bronchial infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, inhalational anthrax, infections of the prostate gland, and some sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. Additionally, some doctors prescribe Cipro for certain serious ear infections, tuberculosis, and some of the infections common in people with AIDS.
Cipro may also be prescribed for children with a urinary tract infection or kidney infection when other antibiotics are not effective.
Because Cipro is effective only for certain types of bacterial infections, before beginning treatment your doctor may perform tests to identify the specific organisms causing your infection.
Cipro is available as a tablet and an oral suspension. Cipro HC Otic is a suspension that also contains the anti-inflammatory drug hydrocortisone; it's used externally to treat ear infections.
Cipro XR, an extended-release form of the drug, is used to treat cystitis, urinary tract infection, and kidney infection.
Cipro kills a variety of bacteria, and is frequently used to treat infections in many parts of the body. However, be sure to stop taking Cipro and notify your doctor immediately at the first sign of a skin rash or any other allergic reaction. Although quite rare, serious and occasionally fatal allergic reactions--some following the first dose--have been reported in people receiving this type of antibacterial drug. Some reactions have been accompanied by collapse of the circulatory system, loss of consciousness, swelling of the face and throat, shortness of breath, tingling, itching, and hives. Fever and jaundice are other potential symptoms that should send you to the doctor immediately.
Cipro can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Cipro should not be taken with dairy products or calcium-fortified juices alone; however, Cipro may be taken with a meal that contains these products. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Cipro to prevent crystals from forming in your urine.
Like other antibiotics, Cipro works best when there is a constant amount in the blood and urine. To help keep the level constant, try not to miss any dose, and take them at approximately the same time every day.
Your doctor will only prescribe Cipro to treat a bacterial infection; it will not cure a viral infection, such as the common cold. It's important to take the full dosage schedule of Cipro, even if you're feeling better in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances that the bacteria may become resistant to Cipro and similar antibiotics.
If you are taking the oral suspension, be sure to shake the bottle vigorously for 15 seconds before each dose. Swallow without chewing the microcapsules in the suspension. Reclose the bottle completely, following the instructions on the cap.
Do not use Cipro HC Otic suspension in your eyes, and avoid contaminating the dropper by letting it touch your ears, fingers, or other surfaces. To administer the ear drops:
1. Warm the otic suspension by holding the bottle in your hand for a minute or two; putting a cold suspension into the ear can cause dizziness.
2. Have the person lie down with the affected ear up.
3. Shake the bottle, then position the filled dropper above the entrance to the ear canal.
4. Squeeze 3 drops into the ear. The person should not get up for 30 to 60 seconds after the drops have been given.
5. Throw away any suspension that remains after treatment is finished.
- vomiting;
- restlessness;
- rash;
- nausea;
- headache;
- diarrhea;
- abdominal pain/discomfort;
If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe dosages lower than the ones listed below.
Note that if you're using the oral suspension, 1 teaspoonful of 5% suspension equals 250 mg and 1 teaspoonful of 10% suspension equals 500 mg.
ADULTS
For Cipro
Urinary Tract Infections : The usual adult dosage is 250 mg taken every 12 hours. Complicated infections, as determined by your doctor, may require 500 mg taken every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days.
Cystitis in Women: The usual dosage is either 100 mg or 250 mg every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 3 days.
Lower Respiratory Tract, Skin, Bone, and Joint Infections: The usual recommended dosage is 500 mg taken every 12 hours. Complicated infections, as determined by your doctor, may require a dosage of 750 mg taken every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days, except for bone and joint infections, which require 4 to 6 weeks.
Infectious Diarrhea; Typhoid Fever; Sinus, Prostate, and Abdominal Infections: The recommended dosage is 500 mg taken every 12 hours. Treatment lasts 5 to 7 days for diarrhea, 10 days for typhoid fever and sinus infections, 7 to 14 days for abdominal infections, and 28 days for prostate infections.
Inhalational Anthrax: For adults, the recommended dosage is 500 mg taken every 12 hours. Children's doses are calculated at a rate of 15 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight up to a maximum of 500 mg per dose. Treatment continues for 60 days.
Gonorrhea in the Urethra or Cervix: For these sexually transmitted diseases, a single 250-mg dose is the usual treatment.
For Cipro HC Otic
Ear Infection: Instill 3 drops of suspension into the ear twice a day for 7 days.
For Cipro XR
Cystitis in Women: The usual dosage is 500 mg taken once daily for 3 days.
Urinary Tract and Kidney Infections: The usual dosage is 1,000 mg taken once daily for 7 to 14 days.
CHILDREN AGES 1 TO 17 YEARS OLD
For Cipro
Urinary Tract and Kidney Infections: The usual dosage is based on your child's weight. It should be taken every 12 hours for 10 to 21 days.
Inhalational Anthrax: The usual dosage is based on your child's weight. It should be taken every 12 hours for 60 days.
For Cipro HC Otic
The dosage is the same as for adults.
Cipro XR is not recommended for anyone less than 18 years old.
