Cipro XL (Ciprofloxacin)

Description

Indications

Ciprofloxacin is a medication employed to treat or prevent specific bacterial infections. It is effective against conditions such as pneumonia, gonorrhea, typhoid fever, infectious diarrhea, and infections of the skin, bone, joints, abdomen, and prostate.

Ciprofloxacin extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used to treat kidney and urinary tract infections; however. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones and functions by eliminating bacteria that cause infections.

Uses and Dosage

Ciprofloxacin is available in tablet, suspension, and extended-release tablet forms and should be taken orally with or without food. The tablets and suspension are taken twice daily, while the extended-release tablets are taken once daily.

For the treatment of gonorrhea, the tablets and suspension may be administered as a single dose.

Take ciprofloxacin at approximately the same time each day, the duration of treatment depends on the nature of the infection. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage and duration of therapy, follow their instructions carefully.

Ciprofloxacin formulations are not interchangeable. Only take the specific type of ciprofloxacin prescribed by your physician.

Avoid consuming dairy products or calcium-fortified juices alone when taking ciprofloxacin. Swallow the tablets whole, without crushing or chewing them. If your doctor advises you to split a 250-mg or 500-mg tablet, you may do so along the scored line. Extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole, and not crushed, split, or chewed.

If you are using the suspension, shake the bottle for 15 seconds before each use to ensure uniform mixing. Swallow the correct dose without chewing the granules in the suspension.

You should start to feel better within the first few days of taking ciprofloxacin. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your physician immediately.

Complete the entire course of ciprofloxacin as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better. Abruptly stopping ciprofloxacin or skipping doses may not completely treat your infection, and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• heartburn
• diarrhea
• vaginal itching and/or discharge
• pale skin
• unusual tiredness
• sleepiness

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• severe diarrhea
• rash
• hives
• itching
• peeling or blistering of the skin
• fever
• swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
• hoarseness or throat tightness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• ongoing or worsening cough
• fainting or loss of consciousness
• decreased urination
• sudden pain in the chest, stomach, or back

Caution

• Prior to taking ciprofloxacin, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have an allergy to ciprofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics such as norfloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or ofloxacin. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other issues.
• Before using this medication, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly if you have conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, joint or tendon problems, kidney disease, liver disease, mental or mood disorders, myasthenia gravis, nerve problems, seizures, or conditions that increase your risk of seizures, blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, or certain genetic conditions.
• Ciprofloxacin has the potential to cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm, which can rarely result in serious and occasionally fatal fast or irregular heartbeat, as well as other symptoms such as severe dizziness or fainting, requiring immediate medical attention.
• This medication may occasionally cause significant changes in blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your healthcare provider. Be alert for symptoms of high blood sugar.
• This medication can cause dizziness, and alcohol or marijuana may increase dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or undertaking activities that require alertness until it is safe to do so.
• This medication may increase your sensitivity to sunlight, limit your time in the sun and avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. When outdoors, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
• During pregnancy, this medication should only be used when it is absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
• This medication passes into breast milk and may have negative effects on a nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Cipro XL is available in the following forms and strengths:

• ciprofloxacin tablet:
  • 500 mg

FAQ

How quickly does Cipro XL work?

Cipro XL starts working within hours of taking it, you may not notice an improvement in your symptoms for 2 to 3 days.

Is Cipro XL better taken with or without food?

You can take Cipro XL tablets and liquid with or without food. However, avoid dairy products.

Resources

1. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-cipro-work-3565236/#:~:text=Although%20ciprofloxacin%20starts%20working%20within,before%20you%20show%20any%20improvement
2. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ciprofloxacin/how-and-when-to-take-or-use-ciprofloxacin/#:~:text=You%20can%20take%20ciprofloxacin%20tablets,affect%20how%20your%20medicine%20works
3. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medications/ciprofloxacin-sustained-release-oral
4. https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/cipro-xl#google_vignette
5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688016.html
6. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7748/ciprofloxacin-oral/details