Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that, due to its therapeutic action and its components, is found in the group of fluoroquinolones. It is a drug that is widely used to fight different bacteria that could be present in the body and generate various disorders. The specialist can prescribe it for the treatment of disorders such as tuberculosis, typhoid fever, urinary tract infections, sinusitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, among other very common conditions.
This antibiotic must be obtained by prescription, so it is essential to consult a doctor if there is any alteration in the body. In this way, the specialist will be able to evaluate the patient and determine the pathology to offer the appropriate treatment, being important never to self-medicate. If your doctor advised you on this medicine and you don’t know much about it, at FastlyHealwe will detail everything about ciprofloxacin: what it is for and how to take it .
Table of Contents
What is ciprofloxacin for?
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat and prevent some infections caused by different bacteria . For this reason, this drug can be prescribed by the doctor for situations in which the patient has gonorrhea , that is, a sexually transmitted pathology, it can also be used for the treatment of pneumonia and for diarrhea caused by infections. .
On the other hand, ciprofloxacin is ideal to combat:
- Skin infections
- Joint infections
- Bone infections
- In the prostate
- In the stomach.
It is also used to prevent or treat pests or when the patient has inhaled anthrax , which are two very serious infections that need immediate attention.
This antibiotic is also indicated for infections in:
- The breasts
- Bronchitis
- Urine infection
In addition to all the above, this drug is used for localized infections in the kidneys, however, depending on the disorder you have, the doctor will prescribe different presentations of ciprofloxacin.
Importantly, this antibiotic does not work or is recommended for viral infections or a cold. This is because, on many occasions, this type of drug does not have to be consumed, since when they are not necessary, the risk of suffering more serious infections increases and the antibiotic no longer has the same effect.
How is ciprofloxacin consumed?
There are different presentations of ciprofloxacin such as:
- In suspension, that is to say liquid
- Injection
- On tablet
- Prolonged-release tablet to ingest orally and can be consumed with or without food.
The latter are highly recommended for kidney and urinary infections, although it all depends on what the doctor considers best.
Generally, the suspension should be consumed twice a day , while the extended-release tablets only once, however, it depends on the disorder and the consideration of the prescriber. The treatment time will also depend on the same and the instructions on the drug label. It is essential never to consume more or less than the dose prescribed by the doctor and it is necessary to ingest it always with the indicated frequency.
On the other hand, you must be sure to buy the type of ciprofloxacin prescribed by your doctor, since one presentation of this medicine cannot be substituted for another. It is important never to ingest this antibiotic with calcium-fortified juices or any dairy product , although it can be consumed with an important meal of the day.
It is imperative that both regular and extended-release tablets are swallowed whole and never crushed, broken, or chewed. If the specialist has prescribed ciprofloxacin in suspension, it is recommended that you shake it for a few seconds before each dose and, finally, close the container properly.
Side effects of ciprofloxacin
Among the most common side effects of ciprofloxacin are:
- Acidity.
- Sickness.
- Stomach ache.
- Drowsiness.
- Pale skin.
- Vomiting
- Itching in the vagina or discharge from it.
- Very unusual tiredness.
If these symptoms are strong or do not go away, you have to consult your doctor. On the other hand, you should stop taking the antibiotic, and in any case go to the specialist, if it causes:
- Urticaria.
- Rash.
- Fever.
- Blisters on the skin or peeling of it.
- Inflammation in any part of the body.
- Chronic cough.
- Hoarseness or trouble swallowing or breathing.
- Dark urine or fainting.
- Pale, bleeding, or bruised stools for no apparent reason.
- Joint or muscle discomfort.
- Unstable or fast heartbeat.
- Jaundice of the skin or eyes.
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.
If you want to read more articles similar to Ciprofloxacin: what it is for and how to take it , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .
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.