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Generic Name: Ciprofloxacin
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Cipro belongs to a class of potent antibiotics called quinolones. These
drugs have become quite popular in recent years because they can help cure a
wide variety of infections.
Side effects are uncommon and bacteria
appear slower to develop resistance to such medications.
Cipro is
especially useful against hard-to-treat infections that affect the lungs,
urinary tract, skin, bones and joints.
This antibiotic also works
against traveler's diarrhea and other bugs that invade the digestive tract.
Side Effects and Interactions
Cipro may cause lightheadedness. Do not drive
or attempt any activity that requires coordination and judgment if you become
impaired.
Some people report restlessness, insomnia, nightmares,
dizziness, tremor, headache, or irritability while taking this medicine.
Such symptoms can be made worse by coffee or the asthma medicine theophylline.
Cipro affects the liver and may allow caffeine and theophylline to build
up to toxic levels in the body.
Because Cipro may cause digestive tract
upset, nausea, pain or diarrhea, you may be tempted to use an antacid. That
could be a big mistake.
Aluminum or calcium-based products, including
Di-Gel, Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta, and Tums, can dramatically interfere with the
absorption of Cipro. Wait at least two hours after taking Cipro before
swallowing an antacid.
Vitamin and mineral formulas can also cause
problems, so they should not be taken at the same time either.
Other side
effects are rare, but be alert for changes in vision, rash, sores in the mouth,
joint pain or stiffness, chest pain or heart palpitations, urinary changes, or
breathing difficulty. Report any symptoms or suspected side effects to your
physician promptly.
Special Precautions
Pregnant women and children should not take Cipro. Others may be allergic to this medication.
If you experience symptoms such as breathing difficulty, wheezing, sneezing, hives, or itching, obtain emergency medical attention.
Life-threatening anaphylactic shock is rare, but it demands instant treatment.
People with kidney disease should take Cipro only under careful medical supervision, as special dosage modifications may have to be made.
Liver enzyme elevations have also been noted, so periodic blood tests will be necessary if you have to take this medicine for any length of time.
Taking the Medicine
Cipro is absorbed more efficiently when it is taken on an empty stomach. The manufacturer
recommends that it be swallowed two hours after a meal.
If this medicine upsets your
stomach, though, it can be swallowed with food without losing potency.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000