Cipro which is the short name for Ciprofloxacin is a drug in the class of fluoroquinolone antibacterial antibiotics.
Ciprofloxacin has a broad spectrum of activities against bacterial infections.
It comes in different pharmaceutical dosage forms which includes tablets, oral suspensions, and intravenous infusions. It also comes in different strengths.
We have Ciprofloxacin in the following strengths:
- Tablets: 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg and 750 mg
- Extended release tablets: 500 mg and 1000 mg
- Oral suspension: 250 mg/5 ml and 500 mg/5 ml
- Ciprofloxacin infusion: 200 mg/20 ml, 200 mg/100 ml, 400 mg/40 ml, and 400 mg/200 ml.
Ciprofloxacin has numerous unwanted effects otherwise called side effects. Some of these side effects rarely occur. Some are uncommon, while some are common.
Common side effects of Ciprofloxacin include the following:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Joint pain and joint inflammation in children
Among the serious side effects of Cipro, tendonitis seems to be very common among children. This is one of the reasons it is seldomly prescribed for them.
Side effects of Cipro at times can be life-threatening. This is one of the reasons a black box warnings is included in Ciprofloxacin packs.
The life threatening side effects of Ciprofloxacin often present as:
- Inflammation of the tendor (tendonitis)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Central nervous system effects
To recover from Cipro side effects, the following measures are recommended:
- Discontinue treatment with Cipro immediately you notice serious or life-threatening side effects while taking Ciprofloxacin.
- Report to or call your doctor immediately you experience serious side effects while taking Ciprofloxacin. You will be told what to do immediate to recover faster or to at least prevent the side effects from becoming worse. You may be likely asked to report to the hospital.
- If the drug was taken orally, then you should take activated charcoal immediately you notice unwanted feeling that is serious or life-threatening after using Cipro. This is true for other drugs. Note that this (activated charcoal) only prevents or reduces the absorption of the ingested drugs. So, it can only be effective if taken before the drug is absorbed. On this note, you are to take the activated charcoal as fast possible for it to work.
- On your doctor\’s instruction, take Ciprofloxacin antidote. He will tell you the best antidote you are to take. This will help you to prevent possible damage to your organs, should the side effects be as a result of over dosage.
- Treat the presenting side effects with appropriate drugs. For instance, if the troubling side effect you have is headache, in addition to trying to prevent further absorption by the use of activated charcoal, it is wise that you take paracetamol to arrest the headache. This is to be done by your doctor or under his instruction and direction.
- Stay away from the sun if you are having photosensitivity.
After you must have recovered from the Cipro side effects, take note of the event and always tell your doctor about it each time you see him.
This will make him to always prescribe safer antibiotics for you other than Ciprofloxacin and other drugs in the same class.