Ciprofloxacin HCL

What is Ciprofloxacin HCL?

Ciprofloxacin HCL (Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride) is used for the treatment of several bacterial infections, including infections of the Respiratory tract, Uncomplicated Cystitis in females, UTI’s, Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis, joint infections, urethral gonorrhea and infections of the joints, bones and skin. The Ciprofloxacin HCL is the tablet form of the Cipro drug (the suspension version).

Ciprofloxacin HCL tablets are available in 250, 500 and 750 mg strengths. The tablets are slightly yellowish to white; the drug’s inactive ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, silicon dioxide, cornstarch, titanium dioxide and polyethylene glycol. By contrast, the Cipro suspension version is available in 5% and 10% (5 and 10 g ciprofloxacin 100 mL) strengths.

Ciprofloxacin HCL utilizes in vitro activity against a broad range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Ciprofloxacin HCL is effective by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase, which is an enzyme responsible for counteracting a build-up of supercoiling DNA during transcription or replication. The mechanism for action in Ciprofloxacin HCL is unique from other antimicrobial such as macrolides, tetracyclines, beta-lactams or aminoglycosides.

Ciprofloxacin HCL has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of uncomplicated, acute cystitis, directly caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus or E. Coli. Cystitis is regarded as one of the most common forms of urinary tract infections in women. Ciprofloxacin HCL comes in blister packs that contain full courses of therapy; the blister packet tablets should be taken twice a day for three days with or without food.

Ciprofloxacin Warnings:

Taking Ciprofloxacin HCL increases the risk that your tendons will rupture (tearing of the fibrous tissue that connects the bone to a muscle) or you will develop severe tendinitis (swelling of the fibrous tissue that connects a bone to a muscle). The presence of these side effects will vary—they may begin at the onset of treatment or arise many months following discontinuation.

Ultimately, Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects may rupture the tendons of the shoulder, hand, back of the ankle or other parts of the body. Tendinitis or tendon ruptures presents a greater risk to individuals over the age of 60 years old.

To reduce the presence of Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects, you should notify your doctor of the following:

- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to any ingredients of Ciprofloxacin HCL; to procure a list of ingredients, please ask your pharmacist, medical professional or doctor.

- Tell your doctor if you are taking Zanaflex; the combination of Ciprofloxacin HCL and Zanaflex is potentially dangerous.

- Inform your doctor of all vitamins, herbal products, supplements and nonprescription/prescription medications that you are planning to take or are taking. Be sure to mention all drugs listed in the warning section located on the Ciprofloxacin HCL’s warning section.

- Notify your doctor if you are breast feeding, pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

- Never operate heavy machinery, automobiles or perform activities that require alertness while on Ciprofloxacin HCL.

- Inform your doctor if your or any family member has a history of heart problems, specifically irregular heartbeats. Moreover, let your doctor be aware of any cerebral arteriosclerosis, nerve problems, seizures or liver problems.

Ciprofloxacin HCL Side Effects:

The most common Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects include:

- Ciprofloxacin HCL may cause stomach pain, headaches, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and heartburn

Some side effects of Cipro may be regarded as serious. If you experience the more dangerous side effects of Ciprofloxacin HCL, you must discontinue use and immediately contact your doctor. Please observe the following Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects:

- Watery or bloody stools may be present with or without noticeable fevers. This Ciprofloxacin HCL side effect requires immediate medical attention

- Blisters, itching or hives are considered as serious Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects

- Tingling of the tongue, face, neck, hands eyes, ankles, and/or lower legs are regarded as severe Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects

- Difficulty breathing or swallowing are rendered severe Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects

- Wheezing, muscle pain, fever, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, fatigue and pain in the upper region of the stomach are regarded as serious Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects

- Dark urine or yellowing of the skin are eyes are rendered Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects

- Flu-like symptoms, abnormal dreams, depression, restlessness, paranoia, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty staying or falling asleep, hallucinations and uncontrollable shaking of the body are considered severe Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects

Pain, burning, tingling and numbness and/or weakness of the body are severe Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects and require immediate medical attention.

If you experience the above Ciprofloxacin HCL side effects, you must immediately contact your medical provider or doctor. You and your medical professional, upon review, may decide to send a report to the United States Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program (organization that places certain high-risk medications on watch) which may be found online at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or via phone at 1-800-332-1088.