Ciprofloxacin For Gonorrhea Chlamydia And Syphilis
Bacterial STD infections are on the rise. According to the CDC, in the USA every year since 2014 the number of STD cases has been steadily climbing. Due to the large number of cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis around the world and of the use and misuse of antibiotic therapies, most bacteria are now resistant to one or more treatment options. It is extremely important to not try and cure any of these diseases by self-administering antibiotic therapy: antibiotic resistance varies according to your geographic location and so treatment protocols vary as well. While ciprofloxacin was once used to treat gonorrhea, now it is rarely the case with some areas of the world reporting an almost 100% rate of quinolone-resistant gonorrhea ciprofloxacin 500 mg was also used in some cases for the treatment of chlamydia, but has never been considered the first line treatment for chlamydia infection and its use in this infection is limited to a small number of cases. Ciprofloxacin has never been used, nor has any effectiveness, against syphilis and Treponema Pallidum, for which only penicillins are indicated.
What Is It Prescribed For
- Community acquired pneumonia
- How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?Ciprofloxacin 500 MG Tablet starts showing its effect within 1-2 hours of intake.
- How long do the effects of this medicine last?The duration of action for Ciprofloxacin 500 MG Tablet is about 24 hours.
- Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is this a habit forming medicine?No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Ciprofloxacin 500 MG Tablet.
- Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?Ciprofloxacin 500 MG Tablet is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of adverse effects on developing joints of your foetus. Take Ciprofloxacin 500 MG Tablet only upon your doctor’s recommendation.
- Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?Using Ciprofloxacin 500 MG Tablet is not known to be harmful in breastfeeding. It passes into breast milk in small amounts. However, if you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. The baby should be observed for symptoms of yeast infection like diarrhoea, thick white coating on the tongue and diaper rash.
Ciprofloxacin In Pregnancy And While Lactating
Although data suggests that ciprofloxacin is safe to use during pregnancy, as a precautionary measure it is generally avoided due to the potential for cartilage, tendon and joint damage to the developing fetus. Ciprofloxacin is also excreted in breast milk and for the potential risk of joint damage to the baby should not be used by breast-feeding women unless otherwise directed by your specialist.
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How To Store Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin should be stored in the original box and container it came in the container should be tightly closed and kept out of sight and reach of children. Tablets should be kept at room temperature and away from moisture or heat. The suspension form of this medication should be kept in the refrigerator for up to 14 days and then discarded. Do not freeze the ciprofloxacin suspension.
Financial And Insurance Assistance
If you need financial support to pay for Cipro, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
Financial assistance in helping you pay for Cipro may be available. You can search Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds to find programs that may help decrease Cipros cost. To learn more, visit their websites.
To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.
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Cipro And Other Medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Cipro. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Cipro.
Before taking Cipro, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Antacids
Many antacids contain calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and aluminum hydroxide. These ingredients can bind to Cipro and prevent your body from absorbing it. This can decrease how well Cipro works.
To avoid this interaction, take Cipro at least two hours before taking an antacid, or six hours afterward.
Anticoagulant drugs
Taking Cipro with oral anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin might increase the anticoagulant effects. This might result in increased bleeding. If you take an anticoagulant, your doctor may need to monitor your bleeding risk more frequently if you take Cipro.
Drugs that prolong the QT interval
Certain medications prolong your QT interval, which means they might affect the rhythm of your heartbeat. Taking Cipro with these drugs can increase the risk of having a dangerous irregular heartbeat. Cipro should be avoided or used very carefully with these medications.
Examples of these medications include:
Clozapine
Diabetes drugs
Methotrexate
Probenecid
Ropinirole
What Is Ciprofloxacin Hcl 500 Mg Used For
Ciprofloxacin hcl is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic whose chemical structure makes it effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is and has been one of the most widely used antibiotics worldwide. Its use and misuse contributed to the development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria, which paired with the risk of serious side effects caused by this medication made the use of ciprofloxacin as first line treatment not recommended anymore in many cases of infections.
Ciprofloxacin may be indicated in the treatment of:
- Lower respiratory tract infections due to gram-negative bacteria
- Urinary tract infections
- Genital tract infections such as urethritis, orchitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease due to Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Sinusitis due to gram-negative bacteria
- Skin infections due to gram-negative bacteria
- Prophylaxis for meningitis after exposure to Neisseria Meningitidis
- Anthrax inhalation
Ciprofloxacin should not be used to treat streptococcal infections, severe infections by gram-positive anaerobic pathogens, fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria, or viral infections, nor should be used for children, pregnant or breast-feeding women unless directed by a specialist.
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Are There Any Other Precautions Or Warnings For This Medication
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.
How To Cope With Side Effects
What to do about:
- feeling sick â stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food while you’re taking this medicine. It might help to take ciprofloxacin after you have had a meal or snack
- diarrhoea after taking the tablets or liquid â drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor
- discomfort or redness in the eyes after using the drops or ointment â this should go away on its own. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until your eyes feel comfortable again and your vision is clear
- bad taste in your mouth after using the eyedrops or ointment â this should not last long after using your medicine. Drink some water or juice, or chew some sugar-free gum
- white specks on the surface of your eye after using the eyedrops or ointment â keep taking your ciprofloxacin but tell your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away
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How To Use The Eardrops
Put up to 5 drops into the affected ear twice a day, or as your doctor advises.
- Warm the drops by holding the container in your hands for a few minutes.
- Tilt your head and bring the container up to the affected ear, with the open end close to your ear hole.
- Squeeze the drops into your ear.
- If you can, lie down for at least 5 minutes afterwards.
- If you are only treating 1 ear, turn your head to one side, so your affected ear is towards the ceiling.
Side Effects In Older Adults
People ages 65 years and older are more likely than younger adults to have side effects from Cipro. However, the types of side effects they have are the same as those in younger adults, with one exception.
Adults ages 65 years or older have a risk of aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection with Cipro. Aortic aneurysm refers to bulging due to weakness in the aorta. This is the major blood vessel that transports blood out of your heart to the rest of your body. Aortic dissection is a tear in the aorta.
Symptoms of these conditions can include:
- sudden, severe pain in the stomach, chest, or back
- trouble speaking or walking
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your risk of side effects with Cipro.
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How To Use Ciprofloxacin Er 1000 Mg Tabletextended Release 24hr Mphase
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ciprofloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Take this medication at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking other products that may bind to it, decreasing its effectiveness. Ask your pharmacist about the other products you take. Some examples include: quinapril, sevelamer, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals , and products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium .
Calcium-rich foods, including dairy products or calcium-enriched juice, can also decrease the effect of this medication. Take this medication at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after eating calcium-rich foods, unless you are eating these foods as part of a larger meal that contains other foods. These other foods decrease the calcium binding effect.
Who Can And Cannot Take Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin can be taken by most adults and children from the age of 1 year.
Ciprofloxacin is not suitable for some people.
To make sure ciprofloxacin is safe for you, tell your doctor if:
- you have had an allergy to ciprofloxacin or any other medicine
- you have had a serious side effect with ciprofloxacin or another antibiotic in the past
- you had diarrhoea when you have taken antibiotics before
- you or someone in your family has an abdominal aortic aneurysm or any other problem with the aorta
- you have fast, pounding or irregular heartbeats
- you have a heart infection, congenital heart disease or heart valve disease
- you have rheumatoid arthritis, Behcet’s disease or a connective tissue disorder such as
- you have problems with your tendons
- you have epilepsy or another health problem that puts you at risk of seizures
- you have problems with your kidneys
- you have diabetes, as ciprofloxacin might affect your blood sugars
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What If I Forget To Take It
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just skip the missed dose and take your next one as normal.
Make sure you finish your full course of antibiotics. Do not have a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines
How To Use The Eye Ointment
Put just over 1 centimetre of ointment on the affected eye 2 or 3 times a day, or as your doctor advises. If the infection is severe, your doctor may tell you to use it as often as every hour, and throughout the night.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid with a clean finger and tilt your head back.
- Hold the tube with the nozzle close to your eye and gently squeeze the ointment into the space between your lower lid and your eye.
Do not touch your eye or eyelid with the nozzle as it may cause infection to spread.
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How To Apply The Eyedrops
You’ll usually put 1 or 2 drops into the affected eye 4 times a day.
For severe infections, your doctor may tell you to use the drops as often as every 15 minutes for the first 6 hours. You can then reduce how often you use it.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid with a clean finger and tilt your head back.
- Hold the bottle over your eye and allow a single drop to fall into the space between your lower lid and your eye.
- Wipe away any extra liquid with a clean tissue.
- Put in a second drop if you have been told to.
Do not touch your eye or eyelid with the dropper as it may cause infection to spread.
What To Do If I Skip A Ciprofloxacin 500 Mg Pill
In general, if you missed a dose you should take the pill as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, then you should skip the missed dose and keep taking the medication according to your schedule. Do not take a double dose to make-up for the one you missed. For more information consult the patient information leaflet or ask your family doctor or pharmacist.
Important disclaimer: this is a summary with some useful information about ciprofloxacin and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for your specific case. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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How Fast Does Ciprofloxacin Work
Ciprofloxacin starts working within a couple of hours from the moment you take it. After 36-48 hours you should be able to see some improvement already or even an apparent resolution of all symptoms within 72 hours: do not stop the treatment and finish your entire course of antibiotic as directed by your doctor if you dont, the infection may come back and this time it may have become resistant to ciprofloxacin treatment.
Warnings And Side Effects
Like any other medication, ciprofloxacin may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, sleepiness and tiredness. Other rarer and more serious symptoms that may occur are:
- Peeling or blistering of the skin
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
If you experience any serious side effect call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention.
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Members Of The Urinary Tract Infection Study Group
The participant investigators in the Urinary Tract Infection Study Group who made patients available for the trial and were as follows. C. A. P. Salvador Maluquer: N. Salleras, C. Adalid, E. Simó, L. L. Vicenç, R. Meléndez, C. Corominas, M. Costa, C. Rodríguez, N. Payolà, P. Ferrer, F. Anguera. C. A. P. Roquetes: J. M. Benet, A. Pérez, J. Hernández, O. Figueres, J. Castro. C. A. P. Platja d’Aro: J. Casablanca, F. Planelles, B. Lluch. A. B. S. Sant Feliu de Guixols: J. F. Rovira, L. Beltran, J. A. Bravo, J. Gay, I. Legazpi, R. L. L. Ortigosa, M. Ciurana, C. Armengol, L. Cinos, R. Herrero, M. Pujiula. A. B. S. Santa Coloma de Farners: N. Xifró, F. Barrot. A. B. S. Sarrià de Ter: R. Creus, P. Pérez, C. de Castro, E. Marco, J. Taberner. A. B. S. El Fondo Sta Coloma de Gramanet: M. J. Martinez Vicente, C. de Febrer, M. Corominola, M. del Pozo, J. Font, C. Lisicio, A. Figueredo, J. Romero. A. B. S. La Jonquera: J. Isart, J. Domènech, J. Lecumberri, F. Iriarte. A. B. S. Torroella de Montgrí: C. González, J. Lafont, J. Vinyet, M. Vidal, C. Iglesias, A. Sáenz.
Approved Uses For Cipro
Cipro is FDA-approved for treating many different types of infections in adults. Examples of these FDA-approved uses include:
- Abdominal infections such as:
Cipro XR extended-release tablets are only approved for treating UTIs.
Although Cipro is effective, the that Cipro and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics should not be used as a first-choice antibiotic for certain infections, such as:
- sinus infections
For these conditions, the risk of serious side effects caused by Cipro outweigh the benefits. Other antibiotics should be used as a first choice.
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Is It Safe To Take Ciprofloxacin During Pregnancy
Ciprofloxacin may be used during pregnancy when the benefit outweighs the risk. No human or animal data shows that ciprofloxacin causes birth defects however, there is also no data showing that it doesnt cause birth defects. Keep in mind that just because a medicine is safe to take one pregnancy does not always mean its safe for every other pregnancy. Always check with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant while taking ciprofloxacin.
Breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking ciprofloxacin while nursing. Ciprofloxacin is present in human breast milk after intravenous and oral administration. It is unknown how much of the medication is passed through breast milk. If taken, avoid breastfeeding or discard pumped milk during treatment and for up to two days after discontinuing the medication. If ciprofloxacin is taken while breastfeeding, the infant should be monitored for signs of altered gastrointestinal flora, as there is a risk for C.Difficile infection. Monitor the infant for signs of stomach discomfort, diaper rash, thrush, and diarrhea.