Ciprofloxacin is a synthetically made antibiotic that eliminates bacteria by changing the effects of enzymes that are responsible for rewinding the bacterial DNA as soon as they are copied during multiplication. When this happens, the synthesis of DNA and other proteins stops, killing the bacteria.
It is a very potent drug that eliminates a wide range of bacteria and can even slow if not prevent the effects of anthrax once exposed possibly during “bioterror” attacks. Cipro however cannot be used to fight off colds, flu and other viral infections.

•    Prolonged usage of ciprofloxacin increases the patient’s risk of developing tendonitis, an inflammation of the tissue that connects the muscle to the bone. Some cases of fibrous tissue rupture at any age have been recorded.
•    People suffering from Myasthenia gravis, a muscle-wasting disease, must stay away from this drug, as it is known to worsen the muscle weakness experienced by the patient.
•    Inform your physician if you have experienced any tendon disorder before taking cipro.
•    2 black box warning was issued by the FDA due to its possibility of tendon rupture and ability to worsen the effects of Myasthenia gravis for users.
•    Testing on the patient’s renal and liver function is advised prior to taking cipro to make sure that these organs are working well and will not result to increase in overall body toxicity.
•    Cipro should not be taken with yogurt or any milk products or high-calcium content juices.
•    Antacids and other chewable vitamins must only be consumed 6 hours before or 2 hours after taking Cipro to eliminate the chances of side effects.

Before taking Cipro, check with your doctor especially if you previously have or is currently suffering from the following:
•    A history of allergic reaction to antibiotics
•    Tendon or other joint problems
•    Kidney and liver disorders
•    High blood sugar levels
•    Hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
•    Myasthenia gravis
•    Difficulty in breathing
Do not take Cipro if you are allergic to Ciprofloxacin or any of its ingredients. Heart attack or stroke as well as renal toxicity could happen if Cipro is taken against the doctor’s orders.

In mild infections of the urinary tract, take 2 capsules of 250 mg.
In severe infections of the urinary tract, take 2 capsules of 250 mg or 2 capsules of 500 mg.  

In infections of the respiratory tract, such as bronchitis, take 2 tablets of 250 mg or 2 capsules of 500 mg.

For other infections, administer 2 capsules of 500 mg.

For severe infections, take 2 tablets of 750 mg.

In case of mild urinary infections, take 2 tablets of 250 mg per day for a period of 3 days.  

In case of acute uncomplicated gonorrhea in men and women and in case of acute uncomplicated cystitis in women, a single dose of 250 mg is enough.
The dosage for anthrax is as follows:
Adults: 1 tablet of 500 mg twice a day.
Children: 15 mg/kg twice a day.

Because the symptoms of gonorrhea do not disappear after a few days, consult your doctor in order to exclude a concurrent infection by germs that do not react to a single dose.

Cipro should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. The only exception is women suffering from anthrax.

Cipro is not recommended for use by children. The exception is children with anthrax.

Important notice: Always consult a doctor before starting treatment with Cipro. Check the leaflet inside for instructions.

Missed doses are considered missed. Leave it and take the next scheduled dosage. Do not overdose to compensate for the missed one. If you remember and still with enough time before the next one, take it, if not then proceed with your regular dosing schedule.

During unexpected and emergency situations, Call for help right away and notify your physician for such matter. You may contact a poison control center or have you taken to the nearest hospital for abrupt treatment; if the person is passed out and not breathing, call 911 or your local emergency response team. Ciprofloxacin can cause renal toxicity during overdose and could be fatal.

•    Milk and yogurt as well as vitamin-enriched juices
•    Antacids with calcium, magnesium and/or aluminum
•    Carafate (ulcer medication)
•    Chewable tablets
•    Iron, zinc, calcium-rich multivitamins
•    Caffeine, as cipro could amplify the effects as well as make it last longer.

The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, digestive disorders.
In case of severe or persistent diarrhea during or after the treatment with Cipro G, you should immediately consult your physician.

Occasionally, Candida (an infection of the mouth and genital organs), allergy reactions of the skin (urticaria), rash, itching, fever, headache, confusion, abdominal pain, fatigue, joint pain, impaired renal function.

Rarely Cipro can cause difficulties breathing, asthma attacks, circulatory problems, heart rhythm disturbances, unconsciousness, hypotension, confusion, anxiety, nightmares, depression, hallucinations, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, tremors, convulsions, visual disturbances, jaundice, hepatitis, pancreatitis.
Please inform your doctor immediately at the appearance of signs of pancreatitis (severe abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting) and hepatitis (fatigue, anorexia, nausea or vomiting, weakness).  

Drug interactions have the tendency to change the effectiveness of either medicine.
•    Treatment with corticosteroids whether past or present is associated with increased risk of Achilles tendonitis.
•    When taken with theophylline (asthma treatment) can elevate toxic blood levels of theophylline and can cause seizures and irregular heart rhythm.
•    Cipro effectiveness may be reduced when taken with iron salts like ferrous sulfate
•    Antacids also reduced cipro absorption by the body leading to lower effectiveness
•    Cipro will significantly increase the effects of warfarin (blood thinning).