Generic Cipro

The antibiotic Cipro can also be generically prescribed as ciprofloxacin, and is part of the group of medications known clinically as fluoroquinolones. Cipro is most often used to treat bacterial infections in the body, as antibiotics are ineffective at treating other types of infections such as viral or fungal infections.

It should be explained to patients that milk and other dairy products used solitarily with Cipro is likely to make it less effective, as will calcium fortified juices. Milk, dairy products, and calcium fortified juices can be taken with a meal, but when used solitarily with Cipro, the medication loses its ability to fight an infection.

Didanosine, sucralfate, antacids containing magnesium, calcium, or aluminum, or vitamin supplements that contain calcium, zinc, or iron should be taken a minimum of 2 hours after and 6 hours before the patient ingests Cipro.

Cipro is not appropriate for all patients, and a thorough medical evaluation can help alleviate the potential for additional health effects. Patients with a medical history which includes epilepsy or other seizure disorder, joint pain or joint problems, and kidney disease may not be able to take Cipro or may require additional testing and monitoring while taking the medication, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

Cipro was rated a category C pregnancy risk by the American Food and Drug Administration. Cipro has been proven to cause harm or birth defects to unborn babies. Cipro also passes into the breast milk and can affect a nursing baby. Pregnant women and women who are nursing should not be prescribed this medication.

Side effects can be quite common with antibiotics, although some side effects can present dangerous conditions, or be indicators of other serious health effects. Allergic reactions and other serious reactions require intensive medical evaluation on an immediate basis. Allergic reaction usually appear as facial swelling, as in swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, and hives. Other serious side effects may be indicated by black outs, convulsions, seizures, depression, thoughts or actions of self harm, confusion, hallucinations, sudden pain or swelling of the joints, nausea with stomach pain, dark urine, light stools, jaundice, low fever, and loss of appetite, watery or bloody diarrhea, decreased urination, numbness, tingling, atypical pain anywhere on the body, pounding heart, fast or uneven heart rate, and chest pain.

More commonly side effects don’t require medical attention but should simply be reported to the physician who prescribed the medication. Less serious side effects often present as insomnia, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, dizziness, drowsiness, stiff joints, muscle pain, and an increase in sensitivity to sunlight.

Cipro should be taken as directed. In the event that a dose has been missed, the patient should simply be instructed to take the dose as soon as they remember. Naturally, if it is almost time for the next regular dose, the missed dose can simply be skipped in order to avoid the potential for an overdose. An overdose would require immediate intensive medical attention. An overdose may present with symptoms which include blue lips, problem urinating, seizures, weakness, or pale skin.

Cipro may interact poorly with other medications. It is very important that the patient disclose all previous and current medical conditions as well as all medication, and they inquire with the physician before taking any new medications which includes over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Drugs with a history of interacting with Cipro include blood thinners, oral diabetes medication, injected insulin, cyclosporine, phenytoin, NSAID pain relievers, probenecid, theophylline, and didanosine.