Ciprofloxacin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial infections in different parts of the body.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescription required, available at pharmacies.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Ciprofloxacin FAQ


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What is ciprofloxacin used for?

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. This includes bone and joint infections, intra-abdominal infections, certain types of infectious diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, skin infections, typhoid fever, and urinary tract infections, among others.

Is ciprofloxacin a fluoroquinolone?

Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Sep 20, 2023. What is ciprofloxacin? Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic, it is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. It is also used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague.

How do you take ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin is suitable to treat mixed infections caused by susceptible strains of both gram-negative and Gram-positive aerobic bacteria. If anaerobic organisms are suspected as accompanying aetiological agents, additional therapy should be considered. The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.

Is ciprofloxacin reversible?

Ciprofloxacin extended-release is only approved for use in adults. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects that may not be reversible. Ciprofloxacin should be used only for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.

What infections does ciprofloxacin treat?

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat a wide variety of infections, including infections of bones and joints, endocarditis, gastroenteritis, malignant otitis externa, respiratory tract infections, cellulitis, urinary tract infections, prostatitis, anthrax, and chancroid.

Does ciprofloxacin reduce the effectiveness of treatment?

It will reduce the effectiveness of your treatment. Ciprofloxacin is given to treat a bacterial infection. It is useful for treating infections such as chest infections, urine infections, prostatitis, infections of the digestive system, bone and joint infections, and some sexually transmitted infections.

How does ciprofloxacin work?

Ciprofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Can ciprofloxacin be used to treat urinary tract infections?

Ciprofloxacin extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used to treat kidney and urinary tract infections; however, some types of urinary tract infections should only be treated with ciprofloxacin extended release tablets if no other treatment options are available. Ciprofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones.

Ciprofloxacin References

If you want to know more about Ciprofloxacin, consider exploring links below:

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