What is Cipro (Ciprofloxacin)?
Cipro, also known as ciprofloxacin, is an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolones class. It is used to treat various bacterial infections by inhibiting a bacteria-essential enzyme, thereby preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying. It is effective against a range of bacterial infections, including those of the skin, bones, joints, urinary tract, some types of gastroenteritis, and respiratory tract infections. It is also utilized for treating anthrax exposure. This drug is available in tablet, liquid suspension, and intravenous forms, tailored to the infection type and patient’s health condition.
Cipro is widely prescribed because of its broad-spectrum efficacy against numerous bacterial pathogens. It is particularly valuable in settings where other antibiotics might not be effective. Given its versatility, it is often a first-line treatment in scenarios requiring immediate antibiotic intervention. However, the choice of using ciprofloxacin should be guided by the susceptibility of bacteria to this antibiotic, based on local antibiogram data, ensuring its effective use in treating the targeted infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cipro used to treat for?
Ciprofloxacin, known as Cipro, is used to treat a range of bacterial infections. Here are its primary uses:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): It is effective against both simple and complicated UTIs.
- Respiratory Infections: It treats infections like pneumonia and acute bronchitis, especially those caused by gram-negative bacteria.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: It is used for infectious diarrhea and other serious gastrointestinal infections.
- Bone and Joint Infections: It manages conditions such as osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.
- Skin Infections: Useful for treating cellulitis and other resistant skin infections.
- Anthrax Exposure: It is a key treatment and preventive option for anthrax.
- Typhoid Fever: It is an effective treatment for typhoid fever.
The drug’s use should be carefully considered to avoid antibiotic resistance and maintain its effectiveness against these infections.
Where can I buy Cipro online?
Purchasing Cipro online can be convenient and cost-effective. Below is a table of top 5 reliable online pharmacies where you can buy Cipro, including their per-pill prices to help you compare options:
| Online Pharmacy | Price Per Pill |
|---|---|
| Canadian Pharmacy | $0.71 |
| MedExpress Online | $0.75 |
| PharmaSave WebStore | $0.79 |
| GlobalRx Health Supplies | $0.82 |
| QuickMeds International | $0.85 |
When buying Cipro or any other medication online, it’s important to ensure that the pharmacy is legitimate and licensed. Also, consider consulting with a healthcare provider to ensure that this medicine is the appropriate treatment for your condition, and always ensure that the dosage matches the prescription provided by your healthcare professional.
What bacteria does Cipro get rid of?
Cipro is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens. It targets both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, making it versatile in the treatment of various infections. Here are some of the key types of bacteria that this antibiotic is known to effectively combat:
- Gram-negative Bacteria:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli): Commonly responsible for urinary tract infections and some forms of diarrhea.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Known for causing respiratory tract infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
- Haemophilus influenzae: A cause of respiratory infections and meningitis.
- Salmonella and Shigella spp.: Agents of typhoid fever and bacterial dysentery, respectively.
- Gram-positive Bacteria:
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus: Often linked to urinary tract infections.
- Enterococcus faecalis: Associated with a variety of infections, including UTIs, biliary tract infections, and endocarditis.
- Atypical Pathogens:
- It is also effective against certain atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma and Chlamydia, which can cause respiratory and genital infections.
How and when to take or use Cipro?
Cipro should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Here are general guidelines on how and when to take or use this medicine:
- Dosage and Administration:
- Tablets and Liquid Suspension: This antibiotic is available in tablet form or as a liquid suspension. The dosage varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. Typically, it is taken twice a day with about 12 hours between doses.
- Intravenous (IV) Form: For more severe infections, this drug may be administered intravenously by a healthcare professional.
- Timing:
- Take the drug at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a consistent level of the drug in your body. Consistency is key to effectively fighting the infection.
- It is crucial to complete the full course of the medication, even if you start feeling better before finishing it. Stopping early can lead to a resurgence of the infection and increase the risk of resistance.
How many days of Cipro for UTI?
The duration of treatment with Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) for a urinary tract infection (UTI) typically varies depending on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient’s overall health. Here are general guidelines:
- Uncomplicated UTI: For a simple, uncomplicated UTI, it is usually prescribed for a short course of about 3 to 7 days. This can be sufficient to clear the infection in otherwise healthy adults.
- Complicated UTI: In cases of a complicated UTI, which may involve more severe symptoms or occur in a patient with underlying health issues (like diabetes or immunosuppression), the treatment duration can be longer, typically 7 to 14 days.
- Chronic or Recurrent UTI: For chronic or recurrent UTIs, the treatment length might be extended, or a specialist may recommend a tailored treatment plan, possibly involving different antibiotics or dosages.
What are the contraindications for Cipro?
- Allergy to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones.
- History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use.
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding.
- Use in children and adolescents under 18 years.
- Concurrent use with tizanidine.
What is the most common side effect of ciprofloxacin?
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Yeast infections
What should I avoid while taking Cipro?
- Excessive sun exposure and tanning beds.
- Dairy products and calcium-fortified foods close to dosing times.
- Iron supplements, multivitamins, antacids, and laxatives around dosing times.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Strenuous physical activities.
- Driving and operating heavy machinery.
- Skipping doses or not completing the prescribed course.
What foods to avoid on Cipro?
| Foods/Substances | Reason to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Dairy Products | Interfere with the drug absorption. |
| Calcium-Fortified Foods | Reduce effectiveness by binding with the drug. |
| Caffeine | May enhance caffeine effects, increasing jitteriness. |
| Alcohol | Can exacerbate side effects like dizziness. |
| Iron-Rich Foods/Supplements | Interfere with its absorption. |
| Zinc Supplements | Reduce its absorption. |
What is the brand and generic name for Cipro?
Ciprofloxacin is the generic name for the antibiotic more commonly known by its brand name, Cipro. Generic drugs are typically less expensive and may be sold under different brand names, but the generic name remains the same. The described drug is one of the most well-known brand names under which ciprofloxacin is marketed.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones, which are used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. While “Cipro” specifically refers to the brand originally marketed by Bayer, ciprofloxacin is also available under other brand names and as a generic medication, offering the same effectiveness at potentially lower costs. This availability allows for widespread use in treating bacterial infections efficiently and economically.
Can I buy Cipro online without prescription?
It is possible to buy Cipro online without prescription. But every pharmacy’s staff recommends to consult a doctor before applying it. The purchase procedure doesn’t take much, every person may get online consultation to define the dosage of the drug they need individually.
Where can I get more info about the drug?
Get more info here.
Cipro user review
My name is Erin McBride, and my experience with Cipro began when I was diagnosed with a complicated urinary tract infection that had not improved with the usual antibiotics. After a detailed consultation, my doctor prescribed Ciprofloxacin. Initially concerned about finding it locally, I chose to buy Cipro online, discovering it to be incredibly convenient. I found a reputable online pharmacy that delivered the medication directly to my door promptly.
The treatment plan involved taking Cipro twice daily for 10 days. I diligently followed my doctor’s directions and was pleasantly surprised to notice a significant reduction in my symptoms within just a few days. By the end of the treatment, my infection was completely resolved, and I felt like myself again. The effectiveness of this antibiotic was impressive, and the ease of the online purchase made my recovery process smooth and stress-free.
Disclaimer
The information provided here does not cover all the details related to this specific medication. It is not intended to replace the medication guide, a consultation with a pharmacist, or advice from your healthcare provider. For comprehensive information about the medication or if you have any additional questions, please consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can provide detailed guidance and ensure that you use the medication safely and effectively.
By Robert C. Shepard, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Reviewed by David Huffman
Update July 3, 2024