Ciprofloxacin
The drug Ciprofloxacin belongs to the class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It is used to treat different types of bacterial infections, among which are: respiratory tract infections (otitis media, sinusitis, mastoiditis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis), lower respiratory tract (acute bronchitis, exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis), pelvic organs infections (cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, adnexitis, salpingitis, endometritis, tubular abscess, pelvic peritonitis), skin and soft tissues (infected ulcers, wounds, burns, infection of the external auditory canal), bones and joints (osteomyelitis, septic arthritis), sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, chancroid, chlamydia), abdominal cavity (gallbladder and bile duct, intra-abdominal abscesses, peritonitis, salmonellosis, typhoid fever, cholera), prevention of infections after surgeries. Locally - infectious and inflammatory eye diseases (conjunctivitis, blepharo conjunctivitis, blepharitis, etc.)
This drug is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. The components of the drug suppress bacterial DNA gyrase, disrupt DNA synthesis, growth and division of bacteria; it causes pronounced morphological changes and rapid death of the bacterial cells.
Ciprofloxacin has a bactericidal action on gram-negative organisms during dormancy and division, it influences on gram-positive microorganisms only during the action period.
During the period of application of Ciprofloxacin, there is no parallel development of resistance to other antibiotic drugs that do not belong to the group of gyrase inhibitors, which makes it highly effective against bacteria that are resistant, for example, to aminoglycoside, penicillin, cephalosporin, tetracycline and many other antibiotics.
Application and Dosage Regimen
The method of application and the dose regimen of a particular medicine depend on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen must be determined by the doctor. It is necessary to strictly observe the compliance of the used dosage form of the drug with the indications for use and the dosage regimen. The dosage is individual for each patient, depending on the indications, clinical situation and the patient's age.
Ciprofloxacin is taken orally according to the doctor’s instructions. In common, adults are usually prescribed 250-750 mg 2 times per day. The dosage for children is usually 15-20 mg / kg 2 times a day.
Children
The drug is prescribed for the treatment of the complications caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children from 5 to 17 years old with cystic fibrosis of the lungs, as well as for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary anthrax in children from 3 years old.
The use of Ciprofloxacin in children should be started only after assessing the benefit / risk ratio due to possible side effects on the joints and periarticular tissues.
Ciprofloxacin Contraindications
The antibiotic Ciprofloxacin is contraindicated in the following cases: hypersensitivity (including fluoroquinolones), deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, should be used with caution in children and teenagers (till the end of the intensive growth period), pregnancy, breastfeeding (should be stopped for the time of treatment).
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby, then you should warn your doctor beforehand, and you will be prescribed some other antibiotic medication, because taking Ciprofloxacin can cause serious complications for a baby.
If children have to take this medicine, then they are at the increased risk of developing arthropathy. The incidence of arthropathy (arthralgia, arthritis) is based on clinical studies in adult patients.
Side Effects
Just like any other medication, the drug Ciprofloxacin can cause some side effects. Though, usually it is tolerated quite well there is a small percentage of people who experience side effects like dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. In case you experience any of those make sure you contact your health care professional right away.
The list of the side effects and contraindications in this article is not complete, so if you want to get the whole information about the drug, then you should consult with your doctor.
Special Instructions
Ciprofloxacin should be used in combination with appropriate antibacterial agents, when treating severe infections, staphylococcal infections and infections caused by anaerobic bacteria.
Ciprofloxacin is not recommended for the treatment of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections due to its limited efficacy against the pathogen.
Ciprofloxacin has an effect on the prolongation of the QT interval. Women have a longer average QT interval compared to men, so they are more sensitive to drugs that cause QT interval lengthening. Elderly patients also have an increased sensitivity to the action of the drugs that cause prolongation of the QT interval. Ciprofloxacin should be used with caution in combination with drugs that prolong the QT interval.