Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is a type of medicine known as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The active ingredient ciprofloxacin works by killing the bacteria that cause gastrointestinal infections (travellers' diarrhoea), urinary infections and other bacterial infections, thereby reducing symptoms such as diarrhoea, pain and fever. Ciprofloxacin is a prescription-only medicine.

Ciprofloxacin is a type of medicine known as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The active ingredient ciprofloxacin works by killing the bacteria that cause gastrointestinal infections (travellers' diarrhoea), urinary infections and other bacterial infections, thereby reducing symptoms such as diarrhoea, pain and fever. Ciprofloxacin is a prescription-only medicine.

Ciprofloxacin is a strong antibiotic that is often used when other antibiotics are not effective. It is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including:

• Infections of the gastrointestinal system (characterised by symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach pain and/or vomiting);
• Infections of the urinary tract (e.g. bladder infection and pyelonephritis);
• Respiratory infections such as pneumonia, middle ear infection and sinus infection;
• Infections of the skin and soft tissue;
• Infections of the joints and bones.

Ciprofloxacin tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed. It is important to drink plenty of fluid while taking this medicine. Do not consume dairy products (e.g. milk, yoghurt or cheese) at the same time as Ciprofloxacin tablets, as they can reduce the absorption of the antibiotic from the gut. Always finish the entire course, even if you feel better. Stopping the course too soon may cause the infection to return. In general, Ciprofloxacin tablets are given as a 5 to 21-day course, depending on the symptoms.

Ciprofloxacin is available in tablets of 250 mg and 500 mg. The doctor will recommend the right variant for you depending on your symptoms. Unless otherwise prescribed, the usual dose in adults is 100 mg to 750 mg twice a day for as long as the doctor prescribes. This medicine should only be given to children and young people on the advice of a doctor, who will prescribe an adjusted dose. Read the package leaflet before use.

Ciprofloxacin tablets may cause side effects. The most commonly reported ones are:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite);
• Increased sensitivity of the skin to UV light (you should therefore avoid exposure to direct sunlight and sunbeds);
• Joint pain; headaches, dizziness and sleep disturbances.

Consult a doctor if these or other side effects are severe. For more information on possible side effects, see the package leaflet.

Ciprofloxacin is not suitable for everyone and should not be used if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or any other ingredient in this medicine, or if you are taking tizanidine (muscle relaxant). Consult a doctor on the use of ciprofloxacin if you have epilepsy, diabetes, cardiac arrhythmia, abnormal muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis) or other health problems.

Ciprofloxacin tablets may interact with other medicines. It is therefore important to tell the doctor which other medicines you are taking when you order.

Do not take Ciprofloxacin tablets if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. This medicine may affect your ability to react, so you should avoid traffic if you are less alert. Alcohol may trigger or intensify the side effects. It is therefore important to reduce or cease alcohol consumption while taking this medicine.