Generic Cipro

How does Cipro work?

Ciprofloxacin works in the typical way that an antibiotic works, that is, by destroying or stopping the growth of bacteria, thereby controlling infection and inflammation. Ciprofloxacin has been proven to be safe for use and effective in battling a number of bacteria. It is ineffective, though, for viral infections like the common cold or influenza.

How should I take the product?

Cipro ciprofloxacin may be taken orally in solid (as a regular tablet or extended-release tablet) or liquid (as a suspension) form. The tablet is taken two times a day, as is the suspension, while the extended release tablet is taken only once daily. The medication may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Ciprofloxacin, while taken daily, must furthermore be taken on regular times or schedules per day for maximum effective results. Doses and frequencies must follow strictly the doctor's prescriptions. Increasing or decreasing doses is strictly not allowed unless otherwise allowed by your doctor.
While there are several brands of ciprofloxacin available, one type or brand may not be used in stead of or substituted for another. The specific type or brand in your doctor's prescription must be followed. Tablets are to be swallowed whole while suspension must be shaken well before use. The full prescription must be finished, and you should not stop prematurely even if your condition improves or you feel better. Doing this, the bacteria may just be acclimatizing and will develop a resistance to the antibiotic.
Doses must be adhered to. If you miss a dose, you can skip the missed dose and proceed to the upcoming dose. Do not double your doses to compensate for missed ones. This may result to an overdose. In case of an overdose, and you experience the overdose symptoms that may be especially troublesome, seek immediate emergency medical attention.

Precautions

Prior to use of ciprofloxacin, inform your doctor first if you have had any experience of allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin or to other antibiotics. Mention also if you have had any allergic reaction to other medications or to any of the active or inactive ingredients in ciprofloxacin. Your doctor must also be made aware of other prescription or over-the-counter medications that you may be presently taking or have taken very recently.
These include vitamins, minerals, supplements, and even herbal products. Any present or pre-existing conditions must be made known to your doctor including arthritis, asthma, cerebral palsy, seizure, dementia, stroke, liver disease, kidney disease, or heart disease. Taking ciprofloxacin may also increase the risk of developing tendonitis, a condition of tearing or swelling of the tendon connection of a bone and muscle. If you are presently pregnant, or have plans to conceive soon, or if you gave birth and are breast feeding, you are advised to seek doctor's advice if you intend to take ciprofloxacin. Other conditions worth noting when taking ciprofloxacin are: if you are undergoing medical or dental surgery soon, or are having an X-ray or a CT scan.

Side effects

Side effects that may be attributable to ciprofloxacin use include nausea and vomiting, indigestion or stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, nervousness or agitation, insomnia, anxiety, nightmares, and paranoia. You may also experience rashes or blisters, hives or itchiness, facial swellings, swelling of the extremities, breathing difficulty, swallowing difficulty, irregular heartbeat, fainting spells, appetite loss, appearance of bruises, bleeding, and other flu-like symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking Cipro?

While on ciprofloxacin medication, refrain from driving or operating complex machinery or equipment or engaging in physical activities that require you being fully alert. Ciprofloxacin sometimes induces dizzy spells, confusion, and fatigue. Also, refrain from exposing yourself to ultraviolet rays of the sun as ciprofloxacin use also induces special sensitivity of the skin. If you suddenly suffered from diarrhea while on ciprofloxacin medication, this may be a side effect of the drug and as such, the diarrhea must not be treated with ordinary over-the-counter diarrhea medicines.

Drug interactions

Ciprofloxacin also reacts and interacts differently with a variety of drugs and substances. Note the following: anticoagulants or 'blood thinners' like warfarin Coumadin; acetazolamide Diamox; brinzolamide Azopt; caffeine NoDoz and Vivarin; cyclosporine Neoral or Sandimmune; dorzolamide Trusopt; glyburide DiaBeta or Glucovance; medications for diarrhea like dicyclomine, diphenoxylate and loperamide; methazolamide; methotrexate like Rheumatrex and Trexall; metoclopramide Reglan; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen; oral steroids like methylprednisolone or Medrol, dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), and prednisone or the brand name Deltasone; phenytoin which goes with the brand names Dilantin and Phenytek; citric acid like Cytra-K and potassium citrate like Polycitra-K; probenecid(Benemid); sodium citrate; sodium lactate; sodium bicarbonate more known as baking soda; medicines for asthma (theophylline) like the brand names Theobid and Theo-Dur.
If you are taking any of these, you should tell your doctor so, as he will be in the best position to recommend adjustments in your doses of either ciprofloxacin or the medication in question. Other medications and substances that may be included in this list are the following: antacids like Mylanta, Maalox, Tums, and others; or didanosine Videx oral solution; calcium supplements; iron supplements; zinc, and other vitamin supplements;

Shelf life

Shelf life is usually no less than two years from manufacturing date. Take note of the manufacturing and expiration dates indicated in the prescription labels or blisters.