Ciprofloxacin is an antibacterial agent of the fluoroquinolone class. The term antibacterial means that it inhibits or kills the growth of certain bacteria, which is why they are commonly known as antibiotics. The mechanism of action of quinolones consists of inhibiting enzymatic proteins involved in the replication and transcription of bacterial DNA; by blocking these proteins, which are essential for bacterial life, the bacteria die.
Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means that it can kill most bacteria; only a few are resistant to its antimicrobial action. Therefore, this antibiotic can be used to treat multiple pathologies caused by bacteria, but as with all medications of this type, they can only be acquired under prescription.
At FastlyHeal, we explain the uses and side effects of Ciprofloxacin so that you can clarify your doubts during its intake.
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Uses of ciprofloxacin
As we have mentioned previously, Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, so that it can kill different types of bacteria. It is not usually used as the first choice in treating any pathology. Instead, it is used when other antibiotics have not been effective.
It is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions :
- Uncomplicated urinary infections and cystitis.
- Lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or abscess.
- Otitis.
- Secondary infectious diarrhea or salmonella infections in AIDS patients.
- Moderate typhoid fever caused by salmonella Typhi.
- Traveler’s diarrhea.
- Systemic brucellosis is caused by Brucella melitensis.
- To treat chancre, that is, the first lesion caused by syphilis.
- Gonorrhea .
- Legionnaires’ disease.
- Acute intra-abdominal infections in combination with metronidazole.
- Multi-resistant tuberculosis in combination with other anti-tuberculosis drugs.
- Treatment of exposure to anthrax.
Depending on the bacteria we want to attack, the dose of medicine will be different. Remember that the doctor will diagnose the disease and establish the necessary dosage for each pathology. It can be administered orally, intravenously, and otic; this route is only used in the case of otitis.
Side effects of Ciprofloxacin
This drug is generally considered to be a well-tolerated antibiotic. The incidence of adverse reactions does not reach 5%.
The most common side effects of Ciprofloxacin are:
- Arthralgias, this medication should be used with caution in children under the age of sixteen due to joint pain that may develop.
- Gastrointestinal effects include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, being more frequent in the elderly and with higher doses.
- Seizures, increased intracranial pressure, and toxic psychosis.
- Nervous system reactions include confusion, depression, dizziness, hallucinations, tremors, and very rarely thoughts of suicide. These reactions can appear already after the first dose.
- Achilles tendon rupture.
- Hypersensitivity reactions such as fever, eosinophilia, and interstitial nephritis.
- Cardiovascular reactions include palpitations, premature ventricular contractions, syncope, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and cerebral thrombosis.
- In the case of ophthalmic Ciprofloxacin, local discomfort and burning have been described, with white or crystalline corneal deposits observed in some patients with bacterial corneal ulcers.
If there is any adverse reaction when ingesting this medication, it is recommended to suspend treatment and immediately consult a doctor.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.