Did your doctor prescribe you an intravenous antibiotic? It's probably called Ciprofloxacin. This is a very important medication that is often given in hospitals to treat bacterial infections. So today, let's talk about Ciprofloxacin, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is Ciprofloxacin?
Simply put, Ciprofloxacin is a medicine used to treat infections caused by bacteria . It belongs to a class of antibiotics called quinolones. One thing to keep in mind is that this medicine will not treat viral infections like colds and flu. This is because bacteria and viruses are two different types of organisms. This medicine only targets bacteria.
This medicine is usually given into the body as a saline solution through a vein. That's why we call it Ciprofloxacin Injection.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor starts you on this medication, it is very important to know your medical history. This is because people with certain medical conditions need to be very careful when giving this medication. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Your health condition | Why should I inform you? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities, low potassium in the blood. | This medicine can affect the heart rhythm (QT interval). |
| Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) | This can cause blood sugar levels to increase or decrease. |
| Liver or kidney disease | Because these organs help remove drugs from the body, it is important to know their function. |
| Problems related to bones, joints, or tendons. | There is a small risk of tendon rupture due to the medication. |
| Seizures or other mental illnesses. | There is very little chance of these situations escalating. |
| Myasthenia gravis (a disease of muscle weakness). | Symptoms may temporarily worsen. |
| Neurological disorders such as numbness in the limbs. | The medication may cause neurological side effects. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | In these cases, the doctor must determine the safety of the medication. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods, and dyes. | It is important to know if you are allergic to Ciprofloxacin or other quinolone medications. |
How to use the medicine?
This medicine is an intravenous injection. That is, it is given as a saline solution into a vein. This is usually done by a trained person in a hospital or clinic.
However, sometimes you may need to take this medicine at home. If so, you will be fully informed about how to prepare and administer it. It is very important to take the medicine at the right time and in the right amount, as prescribed by your doctor .
Important note: Never throw away needles and syringes left over from injections. They should be placed in a special sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor how to get one.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases ? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, absolutely. Ciprofloxacin is a medication that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
The table below lists the main types of medications that can cause problems.
| Do not take Ciprofloxacin with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| Cisapride | Pimozide |
| Dronedarone | Thioridazine |
| Flibanserin | Tizanidine |
| Lomitapide | |
| There can be problems with this medicine, so tell your doctor. | |
| Birth control pills, caffeine (tea, coffee), Theophylline | Medications for diabetes (e.g. glipizide, insulin) |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin) | Painkillers (NSAIDS) - (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen) |
| Medications for mental illness (e.g. Clozapine, Olanzapine) | Other medications that affect heart rate |
| Sildenafil | Cyclosporine, Methotrexate, Phenytoin |
*This list is not complete. Therefore, please inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.*
Things to consider when taking medication
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your infection symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor immediately.
- Skin reactions: Sometimes, serious skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting this medicine. Seek medical advice immediately if you have fever, body aches, red or purple blisters or welts on your skin, or swollen lymph nodes in your face, lips, neck, or armpits.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea may occur while taking this medication. However, if you have diarrhea for more than two days, or if it becomes severe, such as watery stools, do not take over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications for any reason. Talk to your doctor immediately.
- Dehydration: Losing too much water from your body due to excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating can be dangerous. So drink plenty of water and fluids.
- Be careful with the sun: This medication may make your skin very sensitive to the sun (photosensitive). So avoid sun exposure as much as possible. If you do go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen.
- Drowsiness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Ciprofloxacin can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Tendon, joint, or muscle pain | Pain and swelling, especially in areas like the Achilles tendon (above the heel). |
| Neurological symptoms | Pain, numbness, and inflammation in the hands and feet. |
| Mental changes | Restlessness, agitation, mental confusion, suicidal thoughts. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark urine. |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe diarrhea and fever, seizures, severe headaches, vision changes. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Headache | Nausea (feeling sick) |
| Dry mouth | Mild diarrhea |
Take-Home Message
- Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not treat viral infections.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all other medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe diarrhea, skin blisters, tendon pain, or mental changes, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you develop diarrhea, do not take medication as you please and talk to your doctor.
- Be careful of the sun while taking this medicine.
- Take the full dose of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full duration of the medication. Do not stop taking it just because your symptoms have subsided.
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