Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Many common infections in humans arecaused by single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria can grow andmultiply, infecting different parts of the body. Medicines that controland eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin is anantibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting thereproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA).

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 250mg, 500mg, 750mg. Tablets Cipro XR: 500 and 1000 mg.

STORAGE: Ciprofloxacin should be stored at below 86 degrees F.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Ciprofloxacin is used to treat infections of theskin, lungs, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria.Ciprofloxacin is also frequently used to treat urinary infections causedby bacteria such as E. coli. Ciprofloxacin is effective in treatinginfectious diarrheas caused by E. coli, campylobacter jejuni, and shigellabacteria.

DOSING: Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food.Ciprofloxacin is partially metabolized by the liver and excreted by thekidney. Dosages require adjustment in patients with severely abnormalliver or kidney function. Antacids block the absorption of ciprofloxacinand they should not be taken together.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ciprofloxacin administered together withtheophylline can lead to elevated blood levels of theophylline.Theophylline is used to open airways in the treatment of asthma. Toxic levels of theophylline can lead to seizures, anddisturbances in heart rhythm. If concurrent use of ciprofloxacin andtheophylline cannot be avoided, frequent blood tests to monitortheophylline blood levels are performed. Ciprofloxacin should be used withcaution in patients with central nervous system diseases such as seizures,because rare seizures have been reported in patients receiving thismedication. Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in children and adolescentsunder 18 years old, as safe use in these patients have not beenestablished.

Many antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, can alter the normal bacteriain the colon and encourage overgrowth of a bacteria responsible for thedevelopment of inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis).Pseudomembranous colitis can cause fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, andsometimes even shock. Patients taking ciprofloxacin can developsensitivity of the skin to direct sunlight. Ciprofloxacin can enhance theaction of the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin), and increase the risk ofbleeding.

PREGNANCY: Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in pregnancy, as safeuse in these patients have not been established.

NURSING MOTHERS: Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in nursingmothers, as safe use in these patients have not been established.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, headache, and restlessness. Rareallergic reactions have been described, such as hives and anaphylaxis (shock).