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Off-Label Uses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nYou may see Ciprofloxacin prescribed for uses that are not “FDA-approved.” This is a very common and legal practice called “off-label” prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common off-label uses for ciprofloxacin currently used in clinical practice and research include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nTraveler’s diarrhea: <\/b>Providers may prescribe ciprofloxacin as a diarrhea prophylaxis for people traveling to areas with poor sanitation \u2013 though this measure is not recommended for everyone.<\/li>\n\n\n\nBacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs): <\/b>Cipro may be prescribed to treat certain bacterial STIs when other treatments have not been effective or the provider suspects the strain is resistant. Due to prevalent resistance in many regions, Cipro is no longer considered a first-line treatment for gonorrhea.<\/li>\n\n\n\nCat scratch disease: <\/b>Cipro can be used to manage Bartonella infections that cause this condition, which is also colloquially known as cat scratch fever.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\t
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Ciprofloxacin is generally well-tolerated, but side effects can occur throughout a ciprofloxacin treatment course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n
\nNausea, vomiting, and mild diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and other nervous system effects<\/li>\n\n\n\n Mild rash or itching<\/li>\n\n\n\n Oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections can occur because Cipro is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can eliminate “good” bacteria and enable fungal growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSerious Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Serious side effects of taking ciprofloxacin can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nTendon rupture and tendinitis: <\/strong>Cipofloxacin can increase the risk of inflammation and tearing in the tendons, particularly the Achilles tendon. This risk is even higher for people over 60, those who take corticosteroids, and people who have undergone an organ transplant.<\/li>\n\n\n\nPeripheral neuropathy: <\/strong>Some people who take Cipro experience nerve damage. Symptoms include tingling, burning, and numbness in the extremities.<\/li>\n\n\n\nCentral nervous dystem effects: <\/strong>Though rare, patients who take Cipro may experience seizures, hallucinations, anxiety, or severe confusion.<\/li>\n\n\n\nC. difficile-associated diarrhea: <\/strong>Ciprofloxacin \u2013 like many antibiotics \u2013 can promote overgrowth of C. diff bacteria in the colon that leads to severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea.<\/li>\n\n\n\nCardiac issues: <\/strong>Cipro may cause QT prolongation, a heart rhythm disorder that can lead to fainting or heart palpitations.<\/li>\n\n\n\nAortic aneurysm: <\/strong>While rare, studies suggest ciprofloxacin may increase the risk of tears or ruptures in the aorta, or large artery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCall your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\nPharmacist Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\nAvoid Dairy at Dose Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n It is not recommended to take ciprofloxacin with only dairy products or calcium-fortified beverages. Dairy can bind to the medication and prevent it from being effective. Consuming dairy as part of larger meals throughout the day shouldn’t cause problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time Your Supplements Accordingly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n If you take multivitamins, antacids, or supplements with iron, magnesium, or zinc, it is recommended to wait until six hours before or two hours after your ciprofloxacin dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay Hydrated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n It is advised to drink fluid throughout the day while taking ciprofloxacin. This helps prevent crystals from forming in the urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take Precautions in the Sun<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Cipro can increase sensitivity to sunlight, so be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing if you plan to be outside on a clear day while taking the medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finish the Course<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Even if you notice your symptoms tapering off before the treatment is complete, it is advised to finish the entire course of medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drug Interactions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Numerous interactions between ciprofloxacin and other drugs have been observed. These interactions may decrease the effectiveness of the antibiotic, or exacerbate the side effects of the other medication. Known ciprofloxacin interactions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nTizanidine: <\/strong>Ciprofloxacin interacts with tizanidine, a muscle relaxant sold under the brand name Zanaflex. These two drugs should not be taken together because it can cause a dangerous increase of tizanidine levels in the blood.<\/li>\n\n\n\nTheophylline: <\/strong>Taking Cipro can cause levels of this asthma medication to build up, sometimes to toxic levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\nWarfarin: <\/strong>Ciprofloxacin can enhance the effects of warfarin, a blood thinner sold under the name Coumadin, and increase the risk of bleeding.<\/li>\n\n\n\nNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): <\/strong>Taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can elevate a patient’s risk of central nervous system stimulation and seizures.<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiabetes medications: <\/strong>Ciprofloxacin can affect blood sugar levels, especially when taken alongside oral diabetes medication like glyburide or glipizide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nAlways give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\tFAQs<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n
\n\t\n\t\tWhat types of infections does ciprofloxacin treat?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Ciprofioxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. These include ciprofloxacin urinary tract infection (UTI), bone and joint infections, infectious diarrhea, respiratory infections, and prostate inflammation. Cipro cannot treat viral infections.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tWhy is there a “black box warning” on ciprofloxacin?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
The “black box warning” lists potential serious side effects of taking ciprofloxacin, including tendon rupture and neuropathy. This label is meant to ensure consumers know their risk of side effects, and that the medication is used only when benefits outweigh the risks.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tDoes ciprofloxacin cause sun sensitivity?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Yes, ciprofloxacin can cause sun sensitivity and make you more susceptible to severe sunburn. Standard guidelines for protecting yourself while taking Cipro include avoiding prolonged sun exposure and using high-SPF sunscreen.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tHow long does ciprofloxacin stay in your system?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
For people with normal kidney function, ciprofloxacin stays in the body for roughly four to six hours. It typically takes 24 to 30 hours for the medication to be cleared from the body after the final dose.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tIs ciprofloxacin safe to take during pregnancy?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Providers generally avoid prescribing ciprofloxacin for pregnant patients unless there is not a safer alternative. Studies indicate taking ciprofloxacin while pregnant can potentially increase risks to fetal bone and joint development.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tIs ciprofloxacin used for traveler’s diarrhea?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Yes, using ciprofloxacin to treat traveler’s diarrhea is one of the medication’s most common off-label uses. Healthcare providers typically reserve Cipro for people traveling to locations with known severe cases or specific pathogens.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tWhat to avoid when taking ciprofloxacin?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
It is recommended to avoid taking ciprofloxacin at the same time as dairy, antacids, and mineral supplements. Limiting caffeine intake can also help you cut down on “jitters,” and minimizing strenuous exercise can lower the risk of tendon rupture or tendonitis.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n