CIPROFLOXACIN

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to fight different bacterial infections in the human body. Its action spectrum is wide and it is mainly used to fight infections of the skin, sinuses, bone, lung and abdomen. It can also be used against certain diseases that can be acquired while traveling, such as cholera and travelers’ diarrhea. There are several forms of ciprofloxacin: injectable form, in tablet form or in suspension. The product concentration may vary depending on the product form.

GENRAL INFORMATIONS

• bactericidal fluoroquinolones
• usual dose :
  • take 1 dose 2 times per day
  • regular intervals (infection)

INDICATIONS

SIDE EFFECTS

The most common side effects are:

• nausea (5.2%)
• diarrhea (2.3%)
• vomiting (2%)
• abdominal discomfort (1.7%)
• headache (1.2%)
• rash (1.1%)
• dizziness (1-10%)
• somnolence (1-10%)
• pseudomembranous colitis (0-1%)
• joint pain (0-1%)
• photosensitivity (0-1%)
• photophobia

If ciprofloxacin dose is too big, the overdose symptoms are muscle pain and nephrotoxicity.

PRECAUTIONS

Pregnancy

Studies suggest that taking ciprofloxacin during pregnancy does not cause significant risk of toxicity to the fetus throughout pregnancy. Taking this medicine does not require additional medical care, but must be used with caution, especially during the first trimester.

Although, during pregnancy, it seems preferable to use another antibiotic family, since studies on the potential effects of these drugs on the fetus are better documented. It is better to reserve the fluoroquinolones for resistant or complicated infections.

Breastfeeding

You can breastfeed while taking ciprofloxacin. Studies suggest that using this product during breastfeeding does not cause adverse effects on the child.

Food

Ciprofloxacin can be taken without regard to meals, but avoid taking it with dairy products or calcium-fortified products. A meal containing milk is an exception and ciprofloxacin can be taken simultaneously.

Some products that inhibit OATP (organic anion Transporting polypeptide), such as apple juice and orange juice, may reduce the absorption of ciprofloxacin, and thus decrease its effect. It is recommended to wait 4 hours before and after taking the medication before consuming these products.

You should not chew or crush this product because it has bad taste.

Contraindications

The contraindications related to ciprofloxacin are numerous. It is important to respect them in order to avoid further complications:

INTERACTIONS AND ALLERGIES

NOTICES AND WARNINGS

FDA – August 2013

Fluoroquinolones administered orally or by an injection may cause serious peripheral neuropathy affecting the arms and legs. This serious neurological impairment may occur at any time during treatment, it can last for months after discontinuation of the therapy and be permanent. If a patient develops symptoms, fluoroquinolone should be discontinued and replaced by an antibiotic of a different class, unless the benefits of continuing the fluoroquinolone outweigh the risks.

Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter – July 2013

In a pharmacological study, fluoroquinolones was associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment. Accordinf to Health Canada, the detachment of the retina was associated with the oral intake of the product. 

Health Canada – January 2004

Four serious case reports of deafness or decreased hearing suspected to be associated with ciprofloxacin were received by Health Canada. These cases affect men of 35, 47, 65 and 67 years. Three of them were taking an oral dose of 1000 mg per day and received 800 mg per day intravenously. In all cases, the effects began in the first week after the start of therapy. Three patients recovered and the fourth remains with a permanent partial deafness.