Ciprofloxacin Side Effects
Serious side effects of ciprofloxacin
- Joint or tendon issues, particularly swelling in the tissues that hold the bone and muscle together, which are signs of tendinitis.
- Severe muscle weakness that can cause breathing issues and death, in rare cases.
- Hypersenstivity to ingredients contained in this medication, which may result in anaphylactic shock, skin rash, swelling of the face and throat, itching, and hives.
- This medication may also increase the risk side effects in the central nervous system, such as seizures, tremors, and depression or hallucinations.
- Phototoxicity, or sensitivity to sunlight.
- Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea, which causes persistent, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramping, bloody stool, and dehydration.
Common side effects of ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin may commonly cause less serious side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. This medication may also cause an elevation of certain enzymes in the liver which can affect liver function tests.
Warnings & Recalls for Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin Black Box Warnings
Ciprofloxacin has received a black box warning from the FDA do to this medication's increased risk for tendinitis and tendon rupturing. Although all patients are at-risk for these serious conditions, those who are over the age of 60 or who also use steroid medications face a higher chance for developing these serious side effects.Ciprofloxacin may also worsen symptoms of muscle weakness in patients who suffer from
myasthenia gravis. If you have a history of this condition, do not use this medication.
General Warnings & Precautions while using ciprofloxacin
Patients with a history of organ transplant(such as lung, heart, or kidney), kidney disease, or rheumatoid arthritis should use caution while taking this ciprofloxacin, as this medication may exacerbate these conditions.Use of this medication is contraindicated in patients who are taking other medications which contain tizanidine.This medication has received an FDA pregnancy Category C label, and patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before using this medication.
Ciprofloxacin Treatment and Use
Ciprofloxacin | Cipro is a generic fluoroquinoloneantibiotic used in the treatment and prevention of certain bacterial infections. It is especially useful in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria which may be resistant to other antibiotics, such as penicillin. Ciprofloxacin has also been prescribed for the following off-label uses:
- Treating patients who have been exposed to anthrax, an infectious, bacterial disease which is notorious for its use as a biological weapon.
- The prevention of infections in patients who have a weakened immune system as a result of HIV.
Ciprofloxacin was first patented by Bayer AG in 1983 and was approved by the FDA in 1987.
How does ciprofloxacin work?
Ciprofloxacin kills bacteria by inhibiting enzymes that allow bacterial DNA to rebuild itself and replicate. This drug is known for its flexibility in interaction with other drugs and supplements, which is rarely found in drugs of this classification.
Ciprofloxacin Dosing Instructions
The amount of ciprofloxacin that a patient is prescribed is dependent of the condition being treated and the risk of serious, adverse side effects. Ciprofloxacin comes in both intravenous and oral suspension forms, and should be taken only as directed by your doctor. This medication is not approved for use in pediatric patients, and should only be used in adults who are 18 years of age or older.
Other Names for Ciprofloxacin
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Lawsuits & Legal Information for Ciprofloxacin
