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Cipro® suspension

This product is manufactured by Bayer Inc. using the ingredient ciprofloxacin.

This product is taken orally.


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orally


Why is it prescribed?

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat infections caused by various bacteria. This material will be limited to the treatment of respiratory tract infections (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis).

Use exactly as prescribed.
Cipro® can be taken before or after food but is absorbed faster on an empty stomach.
Drink plenty of clear fluids (e.g. water) during treatment.

Swallow the prescribed amount of suspension. Do not chew the microcapsules. Reclose the bottle completely after use according to instruction on the cap. The suspension is stable for 14 days when stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature (5-25°C). Store in an upright position. After treatment has been completed, any remaining suspension should not be reused
Cipro® must be shaken well before each use. To measure the prescribed dose, it is important that you have an appropriate measuring device. A teaspoon is provided with the suspension. Avoid antacids containing aluminum or magnesium.  Avoid dairy products, mineral supplements (e.g. calcium, iron, zinc), and sucralfate. If taken together take Cipro® two hours before or six hours after these products.
Notify your doctor or pharmacist if you experience lightheadedness, tremors, restlessness or confusion.
Take Cipro® at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 12 hours translates to twice a day) until finished. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Cipro® may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
If diarrhea occurs (severe or persistent), contact your doctor or pharmacist.


Alternatives

Other products that have the same ingredient as Cipro® suspension are •Act-Ciprofloxacin tablets •Auro-Ciprofloxacin tablets •Bio-Ciprofloxacin tablets •Jamp-Ciprofloxacin tablets •MAR-Ciprofloxacin tablets •Mint-Ciprofloxacin tablets •PMS-Ciprofloxacin tablets •PRO-Ciprofloxacin tablets •Riva-Ciprofloxacin tablets •Sandoz Ciprofloxacin tablets •Sanis-Ciprofloxacin tablet •Sivem-Ciprofloxacin tablets •Taro-ciprofloxacin tablet •

See other products used in the treatment of •bronchitis •pneumonia •respiratory tract infections •sinus infections •sinusitis •upper respiratory tract infections •

The dosage depends largely on the type and severity of the infection being treated. The usual adult dose for respiratory tract infections is 500 mg twice a day.  The safety and efficacy in individuals less than 18 years of age has not been established.


Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic medication that kills various bacteria. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial DNA which results in bacterial cell death. The effectiveness of ciprofloxacin depends on factors such as dose, concentration in the blood, body fluids and tissues, and the susceptibility of the bacteria. Ciprofloxacin does not kill all types of bacteria, but only those that have a sensitivity to this antibiotic. Infections caused by bacteria that are not sensitive to ciprofloxacin will not show improvement after taking this medication.


Along with its needed effects, ciprofloxacin may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, ciprofloxacin is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • stomach discomfort

Uncommon:

  • vomiting
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • sleep disorder
  • agitation
  • tremors
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • confusion

Rare:

  • rash
  • pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon caused by the overgrowth and toxin production of bacteria that are not killed by the antibiotic)
  • depression

 


Use as directed. Many antacids and multivitamins may interfere with the absorption of ciprofloxacin. You should take ciprofloxacin either two hours before or six hours after taking these products.
Allergic reactions can occur with ciprofloxacin use. The reaction can be immediate and severe. Allergic symptoms include wheezing, hives, itching, swelling, joint and muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fever and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs, the ciprofloxacin may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking ciprofloxacin. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
If you experience joint or muscle pain while taking ciprofloxacin, notify your doctor, rest and do not exercise. There are some reports of tendon tears occurring during treatment with ciprofloxacin.

Ciprofloxacin can increase sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds. If you must spend time in the sun use sunblock with minimum SPF 15.

Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases, the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed.
The following drugs or drug classes have been known to interact with ciprofloxacin:

  • antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium
  • probenecid (e.g. Benemid®)
  • iron or mineral supplements
  • zinc-containing products
  • warfarin (e.g. Coumadin®)
  • hydantoins (e.g. Dilantin®)
  • hypoglycemic drugs (e.g. glyburide)
  • cyclosporine (e.g. Neoral®)
  • sucralfate (e.g. Sulcrate®)
  • theophylline (e.g. Theo-Dur®)

Use is not recommended in the following situations:

  • allergy to ciprofloxacin or any quinolone (e.g. norfloxacin, ofloxacin)

Caution is recommended in the following situations:

  • kidney disease
  • nervous system disorders (e.g. epilepsy)
  • liver disease

Use in pregnancy: Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect you are pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Ciprofloxacin does appear in breast-milk. Use during breastfeeding is not recommended. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.