Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which is typically used to treat various types of bacterial infections. Nevertheless, this medicine is only approved for use in adults. It can cause severe and permanent side effects that cannot be reversed, which include tendon problems, nerve damage, serious mood or behavior changes, or low blood sugar. Therefore, it should only be used to treat infections that cannot be cured with a safer antibiotic.
Patients are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience sudden pain or movement problems in any joint, headache, hunger, irritability, numbness, tingling, burning pain, confusion, agitation, paranoia, problems with memory or concentration, or thoughts of suicide while using ciprofloxacin. The medication may cause damage to the aorta leading to dangerous bleeding or death in rare cases, and severe and constant pain in the chest, stomach, or back requires emergency medical assistance.
People who have a muscle disorder, history of myasthenia gravis, or certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or aneurysm, should not use ciprofloxacin. This medicine may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon, which can occur during treatment or several months after the medication is discontinued.
Ciprofloxacin should be taken as directed by the doctor. The extended-release tablet must not be crushed, chewed, or broken. Patients should take the medicine at the same time every day, with or without food, and drink plenty of fluids. This medicine should be used for the full prescribed period, even if the symptoms improve. Skipping doses may increase the risk of developing drug-resistant infections.
Patients must not share ciprofloxacin with others, store it away from heat and moisture, and discard any unused liquid after 14 days. If patients miss a dose, they should take the medicine as soon as possible, but not take two doses at once. Patients must avoid taking ciprofloxacin with dairy products or calcium-fortified juice alone. They should avoid sunlight or tanning beds and wear protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors. If a patient experiences watery or bloody diarrhea, they should contact their doctor before taking anti-diarrhea medicine.
