"Ciprofloxacin": how to take, instructions, dosage, contraindications

Ciprofloxacin is considered an antimicrobial agent that belongs to the group of fluoroquinolones. The medication is used to eliminate various infectious diseases that are caused by bacteria sensitive to the active component of the drug.

The drug is available in tablet form; they have a white tint and a smooth surface. The main active ingredient is ciprofloxacin. Its concentration in one tablet is 250 and 500 milligrams. In addition, the medicine contains additional substances. The drug is packaged in blisters of 10 tablets. How to take Ciprofloxacin 500 mg?

Pharmacological properties

The main component of the tablets belongs to the antimicrobial agents of the fluoroquinolone group. The medication has a bactericidal effect, leading to the death of sensitive microorganisms. This effect is achieved by inhibiting the catalytic activity of the bacterial cell enzyme DNA gyrase.

"Ciprofloxacin" has an active effect against a huge number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the drug leads to the elimination of specific pathogens, which are considered intracellular parasites.

After consuming the drug, the active substance is well absorbed into the general bloodstream and distributes evenly throughout the tissues, where it has a therapeutic effect.

Compatibility

If the patient is taking any other medications, it is imperative to inform the doctor, and if the treatment is carried out independently, then you should at least consult with the doctor about the possibility of using this medicine in each specific case.

In accordance with the instructions for use for Ciprofloxacin 500 tablets, simultaneous use increases the concentration and slows down the elimination of theophylline and other xanthines (for example, we are talking about caffeine, pentoxifylline, oxpentiphylline). The same applies to phenytoin, clozapine, oral hypoglycemic drugs, indirect anticoagulants, which helps to lower the prothrombin index. Tablets enhance the effect of Tizanidine. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (excluding acetylsalicylic acid) increase the risk of developing seizures in patients.

The effect of various antimicrobial drugs, such as beta-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, Clindamycin, Metronidazole, increases.

The drug "Ciprofloxacin 500" can be successfully used in combination with "Ceftazidime", as well as with "Azlocillin" against the background of various infections. It can be combined with drugs such as Mezlocillin, Azlocillin and other beta-lactam antibacterial agents that are effective against streptococcal infections. The medicine in question is also combined with Metronidazole for anaerobic infections.

The drug Ciprofloxacin 500 enhances the nephrotoxic effect of cyclosporine and increases the toxicity of Methotrexate. Oral use in conjunction with iron-containing medications and antacid preparations that contain calcium, magnesium and aluminum ions leads to a decrease in the absorption of ciprofloxacin, and therefore it should be taken two hours before or four after using the above drugs.

What else do you need to know about the compatibility of Ciprofloxacin 500? “Metoclopramide” accelerates the absorption of the drug we are describing. The joint prescription of uricosuric drugs leads to a slower withdrawal (up to fifty percent) and an increase in the concentration of the main component of the drug in question.

You should avoid combining the use of Ciprofloxacin 500 tablets with dairy products or drinks enriched with minerals (for example, yogurt, juices), as this may significantly reduce the absorption of the active substance. Calcium, which is included in other foods, does not have a significant effect on the absorption of the medicine.

Instructions for use for Ciprofloxacin 500 tablets indicate that some caution should be exercised when combined with antiarrhythmic drugs, since the main ingredient of the described antibiotic can prolong the QT interval. The simultaneous use of ciprofloxacin with ropinirole, as well as with drugs that contain lidocaine along with clozapine and sildenafil, leads to an increase in the concentration and bioavailability of the latter, because of this, the use of such combinations is allowed only after an assessment of the benefit-risk ratio.

When can you take Ciprofloxacin?

Taking the drug is indicated for the etiotropic treatment of various infectious processes that are provoked by pathogens sensitive to the active substance:

1. Sinusitis (inflammatory damage to the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses).
2. Bronchitis (a disease of the respiratory system in which the bronchi are involved in the inflammatory process).
3. Sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary sinuses).
4. Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils, which occurs due to the effects of bacteria or viruses on lymphoid tissue).
5. Otitis (a disease that is an inflammatory process in the ear).
6. Adnexitis (inflammatory process with simultaneous involvement of the ovaries and fallopian tubes).
7. Oophoritis (a disease during which the ovaries become inflamed).

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose of Ciprofloxacin when taken orally or intravenously are nausea, vomiting, mental agitation, and clouded consciousness.

A specific antidote is unknown. When taking the drug orally, it is recommended to perform gastric lavage. You should also carefully monitor the patient’s condition, if necessary, resort to emergency measures and ensure that a large amount of fluid enters the body. Only a small (less than 10%) amount of Ciprofloxacin is excreted through hemo- or peritoneal dialysis.

Cases of overdose of Ciprofloxacin when applied topically have not been reported. If the drug is accidentally taken orally, the occurrence of overdose symptoms is unlikely, since the content of ciprofloxacin in 1 bottle of drops is negligible and is only 15 mg with a maximum daily dose of 1000 mg for adult patients and 500 mg for children. However, if the drug is ingested unintentionally, you should consult your doctor.

What other indications does the drug have?

Ciprofloxacin is prescribed for the following diseases:

1. Prostatitis (inflammatory disease of the prostate gland, the most common disease of the genitourinary system in men).
2. Cystitis (inflammatory process in the lining of the bladder due to the development of a bacterial infection).
3. Pyelonephritis (nonspecific inflammatory process with predominant damage to the renal tubular system, predominantly of bacterial etiology).
4. Pleurisy (inflammatory damage to the pleural layers, with the deposition of fibrin on their surface or the accumulation of fluid of various origins in the pleural cavity).
5. Purulent and inflammatory processes of the skin.
6. Osteomyelitis (purulent-necrotic lesion that occurs in the bone and bone marrow, provoked by pyogenic bacteria or mycobacteria).
7. Sepsis (a severe infectious disease that develops with the progression and spread of the infectious process throughout the body through the blood).

In addition, the medicine is used for prophylactic purposes to prevent infectious processes in people with reduced activity of the body's defenses.

Base and auxiliary components

Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that is effective against gram (+) and gram (-) pathogenic (disease-causing) microbes.

The medicine, which suppresses the activity of microbes, is produced in the form of a solution for injection into the muscle and vein, drops for the eyes and ears, and ophthalmic ointment.

However, the most common form of Ciprofloxacin is tablets, the main pharmaceutical substance of which is ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. The auxiliary components of the drug include:

• croscarmellose sodium;
• magnesium salt and stearic acid;
• carboxymethylcellulose;

• talc;
• silica;
• starch.

The tablet shell contains the following elements:

• hypromellose;
• titanium dioxide;
• oxyethylene;
• sunset yellow dye.

The tablet contains 250, 500 or 750 mg of the main pharmaceutical substance. The dragees are whitish or yellowish, bilaterally convex, coated. Tablets with a dosage of 250 mg are round, with a dosage of 500 and 750 mg - elongated, elongated, capsule-like, with a double-sided bevel.

Restrictions

How to take Ciprofloxacin during pregnancy? Women are prohibited from using the medication at any time during lactation.

The medication is also contraindicated in children under eighteen years of age, and in the presence of intolerance to the active substance or other representatives of the fluoroquinolones group. Before prescribing Ciprofloxacin, the doctor must make sure there are no contraindications.

Use of this medication for prostatitis

The medication "Ciprofloxacin" for prostatitis is also often prescribed. Against this background, the dosage directly depends on the severity of the pathology, as well as on the patient’s age, weight, height, susceptibility to antibiotics and other individual indicators.

The minimum course of treatment during which prostatitis is treated with Ciprofloxacin 500 is seven days, and it is very important not to stop using the drug, even if all the symptoms of the urological disease disappear. Having penetrated the body, the active component acts on pathogenic bacteria, preventing their subsequent reproduction and changing their structure.

It is worth noting that the described antibiotic fights streptococci, chlamydia, gardnerella, E. coli, ureaplasma, gonococci and other pathogens. The main advantage of this medicine is the fact that it destroys not only bacteria that are in the active phase, but also those that are dormant, which makes it possible to avoid relapses in the future.

How to take Ciprofloxacin - before or after meals?

According to the instructions for use, the drug is intended for oral use on an empty stomach. The tablets must be swallowed whole, without chewing, and washed down with water.

The dosage of the drug depends on the nature and severity of the disease. For uncomplicated infectious diseases, tablets are usually used in a concentration of 250 milligrams twice a day.

In case of complicated or severe course of the disease, as well as diseases of the bones and genital organs - 500 mg twice a day. How many days should I take Ciprofloxacin?

For patients of retirement age, as well as with a pronounced decrease in the functional functioning of the kidneys and liver, the dosage of the drug is reduced. The average duration of treatment varies from seven to ten days; in severe cases of the disease, it may increase.

In most situations, the doctor determines the dosage regimen, as well as the concentration of the active component and the duration of therapy individually for each person.

How to take Ciprofloxacin for cystitis:

1. If the disease is at an early stage and is not combined with other ailments, then it is enough to consume 250 milligrams twice a day.
2. In acute forms of the disease, the dosage is increased to 500 mg at a time. The duration of therapy is at least five days.

Directions for use and dosage

The treatment regimen is determined by the type and severity of the infection. Ciprofloxacin - instructions for its use indicate 3 methods of use. The drug can be used externally, internally or by injection. Dosage is also affected by kidney function, and sometimes by age and body weight. For older people and children it is much lower. Tablets are taken orally; it is recommended to do this on an empty stomach. Injections are used in more severe cases to make the drug work faster. According to the instructions, before prescribing, a test is performed to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to the medication.

Ciprofloxacin tablets

For an adult, the daily dose ranges from 500 mg to 1.5 g. It is divided into 2 doses at intervals of 12 hours. To prevent crystallization of salts, the antibiotic is washed down with plenty of liquid (most importantly, not milk). Treatment lasts until the symptoms of the infectious disease are completely relieved and for a couple of days after. The average duration of treatment is 5-15 days. According to the instructions, therapy is extended to 2 months for osteomyelitis, and to 4-6 weeks for lesions of bone tissue and joints.

Drops

The ophthalmic drug is instilled 1-2 drops into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye every 4 hours. According to the instructions, for more severe infections, use 2 drops. To treat otolaryngology diseases, the medicine is instilled into the ears, after first cleaning the external auditory canal. Use a dosage of 3-4 drops up to 4 times throughout the day. After the procedure, the patient needs to lie down for a couple of minutes on the opposite ear to the sore ear. Duration of therapy is from 7 to 10 days.

Ointment

Eye ointment is placed in small quantities behind the lower eyelid of the affected eye several times throughout the day. This form of release is not so widespread, because there are drops. It is produced by only one plant - OJSC Tatkhimfarmpreparaty. For this reason and due to ease of use, eye drops are often used rather than ointment.

Ciprofloxacin intravenously

The solution is administered as an intravenous infusion. For an adult patient, Ciprofloxacin in ampoules is prescribed by dropper with a daily dosage of 200-800 mg. For lesions of joints and bones, 200-400 mg is administered twice a day. Treatment lasts approximately 7 to 10 days. Ampoules of 200 ml are prescribed intravenously for administration over half an hour, and 400 ml - over an hour. They can be combined with sodium chloride solution. Ciprofloxacin injections for intramuscular administration are not prescribed to patients.

Adverse reactions

When using Ciprofloxacin, negative effects may occur on the part of various organs and systems:

1. Nausea.
2. Vomiting.
3. Diarrhea.
4. Pain in the abdomen.
5. Pseudomembranous colitis.
6. Headache.
7. Periodic dizziness.
8. Feeling tired.
9. Various sleep disorders.
10. Nightmarish dreams.
11. Fainting.
12. Vision disorders.
13. Auditory or visual hallucinations.

The price of this drug

The described pharmaceutical product is available to all consumers. Today, the price of Ciprofloxacin 500 tablets in pharmacies ranges from thirty-five to sixty rubles.

Thus, these pills are in great demand today and are used for various pathologies. You can read about their effectiveness in the reviews that people leave on the Internet. One of the advantages of the considered antibacterial drug is its affordability. But immediately before treatment, it is imperative to consult a qualified specialist.

What other side effects does the drug have?

Ciprofloxacin can cause the following unpleasant symptoms:

1. Arrhythmias (pathological condition leading to disturbances in the frequency, rhythm and sequence of excitation and contraction of the heart).
2. Arterial hypotension (persistent or regular decrease in blood pressure below 100/60 millimeters of mercury).
3. Dysuria (a symptom of a disorder of the excretory system, which is characterized by problems with urination).
4. Urinary retention.
5. Crystalluria (a condition characterized by an increase in the level of crystallizing salts in urine).
6. Hematuria (a medical term that refers to the presence of blood in the urine above the physiological norm).
7. Glomerulonephritis (a complex of immunological diseases that affect the kidneys).
8. Interstitial nephritis (a pathological process characterized by chronic or acute inflammatory lesions of the kidney tubules and interstitial tissue).
9. Leukopenia (severe syndrome in which there is a decrease in the number of white cells in the blood).
10. Thrombocytopenia (a disorder of the platelet component of hemostasis, which is characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood).
11. Neutropenia (reduced level of neutrophil granulocytes in the general cellular composition of the blood).
12. Arthralgia (joint pain that occurs in the absence of pronounced signs of joint damage, but may precede a more serious pathology).
13. Photosensitivity (a condition in which a person develops an acute allergic reaction to exposure to ultraviolet rays).
14. Rashes on the skin.
15. Itching.
16. Urticaria (dermatitis of allergic origin, which is characterized by the immediate appearance of itchy pale pink blisters).
17. Angioedema (a reaction to various biological and chemical factors, often of an allergic nature).
18. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (an acute toxic-allergic disease, the main characteristic of which is rashes on the skin and mucous membranes).

If negative symptoms occur when taking the drug Ciprofloxacin tablets, you should consult a doctor.

If the prescribed pharmacological dosage of Ciprofloxacin is significantly exceeded, side effects increase. In such a situation, the stomach and intestines are washed. In addition, intestinal enterosorbents are prescribed, and, if necessary, symptomatic treatment is carried out, since there is no specific antidote.

special instructions

Systemic application

For the treatment of suspected/established pneumonia caused by the pneumococcus Streptococcus pneumoniae, Ciprofloxacin is not the drug of choice.

Exceeding the recommended daily doses is unacceptable; to avoid the development of crystalluria, it is also necessary to consume a sufficient amount of fluid and maintain an acidic urine reaction.

If prolonged severe diarrhea occurs during or after therapy, the presence of pseudomembranous colitis should be excluded, which requires immediate discontinuation of the drug and appropriate treatment.

Pain that appears in the tendons or the first signs of tenosynovitis require immediate discontinuation of therapy; there is some evidence of inflammation and even tendon rupture during the use of fluoroquinolones.

During therapy with Ciprofloxacin, it is recommended to avoid intense artificial ultraviolet irradiation and direct sunlight, and in case of photosensitivity reaction (burn-like skin rashes) to stop taking the drug.

With long-term therapy, regular monitoring of general blood counts and renal/liver function is required.

Ciprofloxacin solution and concentrate contain sodium chloride, which should be taken into account in patients limiting sodium intake (with heart and kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome).

During treatment, due to the possibility of developing undesirable effects from the nervous system, such as dizziness, convulsions, drowsiness, caution must be observed when driving vehicles and complex mechanisms and engaging in other potentially hazardous activities.

Local application

Eye and ear drops (eye drops) are not intended for intraocular injection.

When using Ciprofloxacin drops simultaneously with other ophthalmic drugs, the interval between administrations should be at least 5 minutes.

If any symptoms of hypersensitivity occur, use of the drops should be discontinued.

If conjunctival hyperemia occurs over a long period of time or increases as a result of Ciprofloxacin therapy, you should stop using the drops and consult a doctor.

The use of soft contact lenses in conjunction with the use of Ciprofloxacin drops is not recommended. When wearing hard contact lenses, they should be removed before instillation and reinserted 15–20 minutes after instillation.

Due to possible blurred visual perception as a result of instillation of the drug, it is recommended to start working with complex mechanisms and driving vehicles 15 minutes after the procedure.

Recommendations

Can people with epilepsy take Ciprofloxacin? Before prescribing the drug, the doctor should pay attention to some features when using Ciprofloxacin. With extreme caution, the medication should be used by people with concomitant epilepsy, as well as the presence of seizures of various etiologies, as well as atherosclerotic damage to the arteries of the brain. In this case, the drug is prescribed only for health reasons.

The occurrence of prolonged diarrhea during treatment with this drug is considered a reason for additional examination to exclude pseudomembranous colitis. If the diagnosis is confirmed, then Ciprofloxacin is immediately discontinued.

If pain occurs in the ligament or tendon area, the medication is immediately discontinued, especially in patients of retirement age, which is associated with an increased risk of pathological ruptures. You should not perform heavy physical work while using the tablets.

Direct exposure of the skin to sunlight should be avoided during therapy with this medication. When using the drug, you should drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of developing crystalluria.

Is it possible to take Ciprofloxacin at the same time as alcohol? You should not drink alcohol during treatment.

The active substance of the tablets may interact with drugs from other therapeutic groups, so when using them you should warn your doctor about this.

During treatment, it is important to take special care when performing potentially dangerous work that requires increased attention and sufficient speed of psychomotor reactions.

In pharmacies, Ciprofloxacin is dispensed with a prescription from a medical specialist.

Contraindications

Systemic application

Absolute:

• co-administration with tizanidine [due to the high likelihood of a pronounced decrease in blood pressure (blood pressure) and drowsiness];
• pseudomembranous colitis;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• childhood and adolescence up to 18 years of age, except for cases of treatment and prevention of pulmonary anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), as well as treatment of complications caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cystic fibrosis of the lungs aged 5 to 17 years;
• lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption (for tablets);
• increased individual sensitivity to Ciprofloxacin, other fluoroquinolones and auxiliary ingredients of the drug.

Relative: systemically Ciprofloxacin is used with caution in cases of severe cerebral atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular accidents, mental illness, epilepsy, severe renal/liver failure, in old age, in the presence of a history of tendon lesions during fluoroquinolone therapy. Solution for infusion (optional) is used with caution in cases of increased risk of prolongation of the QT interval/development of arrhythmia such as torsades de pointes, including heart failure, bradycardia, myocardial infarction, congenital long QT interval syndrome and electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia).

Local application

Absolute contraindications to topical use of ciprofloxacin:

• ophthalmic mycosis and viral eye infections;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding (for ophthalmic instillations);
• age up to 1 year (for ophthalmic instillations);
• increased individual sensitivity to components.

The use of the drug in otorhinolaryngology (eye and ear drops) during pregnancy and during breastfeeding is permissible only if the possible benefit of therapy for the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus or child.

Analogues of "Ciprofloxacin"

The following medications have similar structure and pharmacological properties:

1. "Tsiprobay."
2. "Ecocifol".
3. "Avelox".
4. "Abaktal."
5. "Ciprinol".
6. "Rotomox".
7. "Tsiprolet".
8. "Levofloxacin".

Before changing medication, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

Release form of ciprofloxacion

Depending on the severity of the disease and dosage, ciprofloxacin is used in the following forms:

• film-coated tablets;
• solution for infusion;
• ampoules for injections;
• ointment and suspension;
• eye and ear drops.

The most common and convenient form of this antibiotic is tablets.
It is most convenient for the patient; in addition, this method, unlike an injection, reduces the risk of complications from the action of ciprofloxacin. It is worth noting that in terms of action, ciprofloxacin tablets are not inferior to injection ampoules. In some cases, taking tablets will be the preferred form of antibiotic use, in particular for intestinal diseases, when the active substance should be immediately directed to the site of infection. The coating on ciprofloxacin tablets is necessary to protect gastric juice during absorption, and some ciprofloxacin analogues cover the tablets with special capsules for protection.

Another popular form of release of this antibiotic is drops. They are very often prescribed for ophthalmological diseases , in particular for purulent eye diseases, as well as in the following cases:

• bacterial conjunctivitis;
• corneal ulcers;
• blepharitis;
• complications in ophthalmic surgery;
• chronic eye diseases.

Eye drops are produced as a 0.3% solution of yellow or yellow-green color; the active ingredient of the drug, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, is contained in drops in the amount of 3 mg.

Reviews

Patients' opinions about the drug Ciprofloxacin are mixed. Some patients enthusiastically talk about its effectiveness, while others did not notice any changes during therapy. Almost all patients note the presence of side effects that manifest themselves to one degree or another.

According to doctors, the advantages of Ciprofloxacin are increased bactericidal activity, as well as good tolerability and a wide range of antimicrobial effects. In addition, the active substance can enter the cells and tissues of the body, accumulating in them.

How to buy medicine if it is sold with a prescription from a Finnish doctor?

You can fill out a prescription without visiting Finland, remotely through the website of the Finnish medical center using this link , the cost of the prescription is 48 euros.

When your prescription is received, send it to us to purchase the required medication.

Conditions for delivery of medicines from Finland:

1. Availability of a valid prescription from a Finnish doctor
2. Prepayment of 100% of the cost of the medicine
3. If the cost of a medicine in Finland is more than 100 euros, then we do not mark it up, but deliver it at the cost of the pharmacy, according to the Sberbank exchange rate at the time of payment. That is, the price will be the same if you went to Finland to buy the medicine yourself. Condition: filling out the prescription using our link in the medical center.