Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic prescribed for treating a wide range of serious bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes critical for DNA replication, transcription, and repair. This mechanism provides bactericidal activity against numerous Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Healthcare providers rely on Cipro for its proven efficacy in combating complex infections when other antibiotics may fail.

Features

• Active ingredient: Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
• Available forms: Oral tablets, extended-release tablets, oral suspension, intravenous solution
• Standard strengths: 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg tablets; 500 mg/5 mL suspension; 200 mg/100 mL, 400 mg/200 mL IV
• Broad-spectrum activity against aerobic Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria
• Rapid absorption and high tissue penetration
• FDA-approved for multiple infection types

Benefits

• Effectively treats severe and resistant bacterial infections
• Rapid onset of action helps control infection progression
• High bioavailability ensures consistent therapeutic levels
• Convenient twice-daily dosing for most indications
• Available in multiple formulations for flexible administration
• Proven clinical success across diverse patient populations

Common use

Cipro is indicated for treatment of:

• Complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis)
• Lower respiratory tract infections (excluding pneumonia)
• Skin and skin structure infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Infectious diarrhea
• Typhoid fever (enteric fever)
• Complicated intra-abdominal infections (in combination with metronidazole)
• Plague
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis
• Acute sinusitis
• Empirical therapy in febrile neutropenic patients

Dosage and direction

Adult dosing (oral):

• Most infections: 500-750 mg every 12 hours
• Urinary tract infections: 250-500 mg every 12 hours
• Anthrax exposure: 500 mg every 12 hours
• Duration: Typically 7-14 days depending on infection type and severity

Administration guidelines:

• Take at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids, sucralfate, or products containing calcium, iron, or zinc
• Maintain adequate hydration
• Complete full course of therapy even if symptoms improve
• Dosage adjustment required for renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min)

Precautions

• Tendon inflammation or rupture may occur, especially in patients over 60, those taking corticosteroids, or with organ transplants
• May exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis
• Peripheral neuropathy may occur and can be permanent
• Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions reported
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea reported
• May cause central nervous system effects including dizziness and confusion
• Photosensitivity/phototoxicity reactions possible
• Not recommended for pediatric patients except for specific indications

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or other quinolones
• Concurrent administration with tizanidine
• History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use
• Patients with known QT prolongation or uncorrected hypokalemia
• Use in pediatric patients for non-approved indications
• Pregnancy (unless potential benefit justifies potential risk)
• Breastfeeding mothers (consider discontinuing nursing during therapy)

Possible side effect

Common (≥1%):

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain/discomfort
• Rash

Serious (<1% but require immediate medical attention):

• Tendon rupture or inflammation
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Central nervous system effects (seizures, psychosis)
• QT prolongation and torsades de pointes
• Hepatotoxicity
• Blood dyscrasias
• Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
• Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis

Drug interaction

• Antacids, sucralfate, iron, calcium, zinc: Significantly reduce absorption
• Theophylline: Increased theophylline levels and toxicity risk
• Warfarin: Enhanced anticoagulant effect
• Probenecid: Decreased renal clearance of ciprofloxacin
• NSAIDs: Increased risk of CNS stimulation and seizures
• Cyclosporine: Increased nephrotoxicity risk
• Oral hypoglycemics: Altered glucose control
• QT-prolonging drugs: Additive effect on cardiac repolarization
• Methotrexate: Increased methotrexate toxicity

Missed dose

• Take the missed dose as soon as remembered
• If almost time for next dose, skip missed dose and resume regular schedule
• Do not double doses to make up for missed dose
• Maintain consistent dosing intervals for optimal efficacy

Overdose

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, CNS excitation, seizures, crystalluria Management:

• Gastric lavage if recent ingestion
• Administer antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium to reduce absorption
• Maintain hydration and electrolyte balance
• Seizure control with benzodiazepines if needed
• Hemodialysis removes approximately 10% of dose
• Supportive care with ECG monitoring recommended

Storage

• Store at room temperature (15-30°C/59-86°F)
• Protect from light
• Keep container tightly closed
• Do not store in bathroom or damp areas
• Keep all medications away from children and pets
• Discard unused oral suspension after 14 days
• Do not freeze

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Cipro is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The prescribing physician will determine appropriate dosage and duration based on individual patient factors. Patients should not self-medicate or adjust dosing without medical consultation. Report any adverse effects to your healthcare provider immediately.

Reviews

Clinical efficacy: Multiple studies demonstrate Cipro’s effectiveness with clinical cure rates of 85-95% for approved indications. The antibiotic shows particular strength in treating Gram-negative infections and remains valuable for resistant pathogens.

Safety profile: While generally well-tolerated, healthcare providers note the importance of monitoring for tendon effects and neurological symptoms. The risk-benefit ratio favors use in appropriate clinical scenarios with proper patient selection.

Patient experience: Many patients report rapid symptom improvement within 24-48 hours of initiation. Some note gastrointestinal side effects as most common but generally manageable. Healthcare providers emphasize the importance of completing the full course despite early symptom resolution.

Professional consensus: Infectious disease specialists continue to value Cipro as an important therapeutic option while advocating for responsible use to minimize resistance development. The drug remains particularly useful for complicated UTIs, certain respiratory infections, and specific Gram-negative pathogens.