Ciprofloxacin (injection)

What is Ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin fights bacteria within the body. Ciprofloxacin can be an effective treatment option for various bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin can also be used to treat anthrax and certain types of plague. Fluoroquinolones may cause severe or permanent side effects. Ciprofloxacin is only to be used for infections that cannot be treated by a safer antibiotic. Ciprofloxacin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Ciprofloxacin

If you experience symptoms of an allergic response (hives or difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat) or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, pain in your skin, a red or purple rash that is spreading and blistering, or skin rashes that are painful and causing skin peeling), seek emergency medical attention. Ciprofloxacin may cause serious side effects, such as tendon problems, nerve side effects (which could cause permanent nerve damage), mood or behavior changes that are severe (even after a single dose), and low sugar, which can lead to coma.

Do not use ciprofloxacin if you are suffering from:

• Low blood sugar symptoms include headaches, thirst, nausea, dizziness, or irritability.
• Nerve symptoms can include tingling or burning pain in the hands, feet, arms, and legs.
• Substantial mood or behavior shifts include nerve-wracking anxiety, confusion, agitation, paranoia hallucinations memory problems difficulty in concentrating thoughts of suicide; or
• Signs of tendon rupture include sudden pain, swelling, bruises, tenderness, and stiffness. You may also experience movement issues or hear a popping or snapping sound.

Rarely, ciprofloxacin can damage your aorta, the main artery that carries blood throughout the body. Should you experience severe back, chest, or stomach pain, seek immediate medical assistance immediately.

Stop using ciprofloxacin immediately and contact your doctor if:

• Severe stomach pain and diarrhoea with blood or water
• You may experience rapid or bounding pulses, fluttering of the chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
• Any skin rash;
• Muscle weakness and breathing problems
• Little or no urination
• Jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes)
• Increased pressure in the skull can cause severe headaches, dizziness, and nausea, as well as vision problems or pain behind your eye.

Some of the common side effects associated with ciprofloxacin include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea;
• Rash;
• Abnormal liver function tests

There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects and to report them; alternatively contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Ciprofloxacin may cause severe side effects, including nerve damage, mood or behaviour changes, or tendon problems. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using this medication and contact your doctor immediately: headaches, nausea, irritability, or numbness; tingling or burning pain; confusion, agitation, or paranoia; problems with concentration or memory; thoughts of suicidal behaviour or feelings of depression. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe pain in your back, chest, or stomach.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to ciprofloxacin, or if

• You are also taking tizanidine.
• You are allergic to any other fluoroquinolones, including gemifloxacin (levofloxacin), moxifloxacin (moxifloxacin), norfloxacin (ofloxacin), and others.

Ciprofloxacin can cause swelling or tears in a tendon (the fibre that connects muscles to bones in the body), especially in the Achilles tendon in the heel. This can occur during treatment or even up to several months after stopping ciprofloxacin. Some people are more susceptible to tendon problems (children, older adults, or those who have used steroid medication or had a transplant).

Tell your doctor about any of the following:

• Tendon problems, bone problems, or arthritis (especially in children)
• Aneurysms, hardening or narrowing of the arteries, blood circulation problems
• Heart problems High blood pressure
• A genetic disorder such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome;
• Diabetes;
• A muscle or nerve disorder such as myasthenia gravis
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• A seizure or head injury;
• Long-QT syndrome
• Low levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood (hypomagnesemia)

There is no way to know if ciprofloxacin can harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed for 2 days after taking this medication. Your healthcare provider will determine if you can breastfeed while taking ciprofloxacin if you're taking it for anthrax inhalation.

How to take Ciprofloxacin?

Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Injections of ciprofloxacin are given into the vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use the medication properly. Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not understand the instructions, don't use ciprofloxacin. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Ciprofloxacin should be administered slowly over a period of at least 60 minutes. Ciprofloxacin can be given for up to 14 consecutive days. Some infections require treatment for up to eight weeks. Anthrax is treated for about 60 days. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. You can get an infection resistant to the medication if you skip doses. The injection of Ciprofloxacin will not treat a virus infection, such as the common cold or flu. You may need to undergo frequent medical tests if you take this medication for a long time. Store away from moisture, light, and heat. Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you missed a dose, call your doctor to get instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

Caffeine can have a greater effect when taken with ciprofloxacin. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your physician if you experience bloody or watery diarrhoea before taking anti-diarrhea medications. Avoid sunbeds and tanning beds. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. Wear protective clothing when outdoors and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) regularly; if experiencing severe sunburns, rashes, or swellings seek medical advice immediately. Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how ciprofloxacin affects you. Your reactions might not be appropriate to the situation at hand.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your physician of all medications taken, such as:

• Theophylline or zolpidem can be used in conjunction with cyclosporine.
• A blood thinner (warfarin; Coumadin; Jantoven);
• A diuretic, or "water pill".
• Heart rhythm medication
• Insulin or oral diabetes medication (regularly check your blood sugar);
• Medicine to treat mental illness or depression
• Products with caffeine
• Prednisone is a steroid medication.
• Nsaids are nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib (Advil and Motrin), diclofenac (Indomethacin), meloxicam (Meloxicam), indomethacin (Indomethacin), and many others.

This list is incomplete. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.This list does not include all possible drug interactions.