| name | Ciprofloxacin |
| classification | Fluoroquinolone antibiotic |
| pharmacokinetics | Ciprofloxacin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. It is widely distributed throughout tissues, including lungs, kidneys, and bone. Renal excretion is the primary route of elimination, with renal impairment significantly affecting clearance. The half-life is relatively short, necessitating multiple daily doses. Active metabolites exist but contribute less to the overall effect. |
| suggested dosage | | adults | 500 mg orally every 12 hours; adjusted based on individual patient factors (e.g., renal function). Consult a physician for specific recommendations. |
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| indications | | 1 | | infection type | Urinary tract infections (UTIs) | | description | Effective against various bacterial pathogens responsible for UTIs. |
| | 2 | | infection type | Respiratory tract infections | | description | Useful against specific bacterial pathogens causing respiratory infections; specific pathogen identification is crucial. |
| | 3 | | infection type | Skin and soft tissue infections | | description | May be indicated for specific bacterial infections; diagnosis and appropriate choice of antibiotic depend on the exact nature and causative organisms. |
| | 4 | | infection type | Bone and joint infections | | description | Effective for certain bacterial causes of bone and joint infections; specific pathogen identification is needed to guide treatment decisions. |
| | 5 | | infection type | Certain sexually transmitted infections | | description | Indicated in specific cases; appropriate diagnosis and pathogen identification are essential. |
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| safety in pregnancy | Use only if potential benefit outweighs potential risk to the developing fetus. Animal studies show some adverse effects; limited human data available. Consult a physician. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Ciprofloxacin can be excreted in breast milk. Potential risk to the infant warrants careful consideration. Consult a physician before use. |
| side effects | | 1 | | effect | Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) | | severity | Moderate |
| | 2 | | effect | Headache | | severity | Mild-Moderate |
| | 3 | | effect | Dizziness | | severity | Mild-Moderate |
| | 4 | | effect | Photosensitivity (increased skin sensitivity to sunlight) | | severity | Moderate |
| | 5 | | effect | Nervous system effects (e.g., tremors, seizures, confusion in rare cases) | | severity | Rare |
| | 6 | | effect | Tendinopathy (tendon inflammation or rupture, particularly in the Achilles tendon and other tendons, risk increased with higher doses or duration of therapy) | | severity | Potentially serious |
| | 7 | | effect | Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) | | severity | Rare |
| | 8 | | effect | Allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty breathing) | | severity | Possible serious |
| | 9 | | effect | Myasthenia gravis exacerbations | | severity | Rare |
| | 10 | | effect | Prolonged QT interval | | severity | Rare |
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| alternatives | | 1 | | | 2 | | drug | Moxifloxacin | | mechanism | Fluoroquinolone | | dosage details | Various strengths available; consult with a physician |
| | 3 | | drug | Ofloxacin | | mechanism | Fluoroquinolone | | dosage details | Various strengths available; consult with a physician |
| | 4 | | drug | Amoxicillin/clavulanate | | mechanism | Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor | | dosage details | Various strengths available; consult with a physician |
| | 5 | | drug | Cephalexin | | mechanism | Cephalosporin | | dosage details | Various strengths available; consult with a physician |
| | 6 | | drug | Azithromycin | | mechanism | Macrolide | | dosage details | Various strengths available; consult with a physician |
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| contraindications | Hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones or other components. Caution in patients with pre-existing tendon disorders, certain cardiac conditions, history of seizures, or myasthenia gravis. |
| interactions | Ciprofloxacin can interact with several medications; consult with a physician for potential interactions. |
| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor renal function in patients with pre-existing kidney problems. | | 2 | Monitor for signs of tendonitis or tendon rupture, particularly in patients receiving high doses or prolonged therapy. | | 3 | Use caution in patients with a history of seizures, myasthenia gravis, or other neurological conditions. | | 4 | Avoid prolonged sun exposure or tanning beds due to photosensitivity. | | 5 | Use with caution in patients with cardiac or hepatic impairment. |
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| additional information | Ciprofloxacin is a potent antibiotic; use only as directed by a healthcare provider. |
| patient info | | age | 25 | | weight | 70 | | notes | Patient is a healthy male with no pre-existing conditions. |
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