Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections
• Typhoid and paratyphoid fever (enteric fever)
• Bacterial gastroenteritis and traveller's diarrhoea
• Certain respiratory tract infections
• Bone, joint, and skin/soft-tissue infections
• Some sexually transmitted and abdominal infections

The dose of Ciprofloxacin depends on the type and severity of the infection. For adults, typical oral courses range from about 250-750 mg twice daily for 5 to 14 days, while typhoid fever may need a longer course as decided by the doctor. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water and stay well hydrated.

For children, the dose is calculated by body weight and must be set by a paediatrician. Take Ciprofloxacin at evenly spaced times each day, and avoid taking it together with milk, yoghurt, or antacids — separate these by at least 2 hours. Never adjust the dose yourself.

Most people tolerate Ciprofloxacin well, but some may experience side effects. Common ones include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal discomfort
• Headache, dizziness, or trouble sleeping
• Skin rash or itching

Rare but serious effects include tendon pain or swelling (especially the Achilles tendon), which can rarely lead to rupture, as well as nerve tingling, mood changes, or an irregular heartbeat. Stop Ciprofloxacin and seek medical help immediately if you notice sudden tendon pain, severe allergic reactions, or seizures.

Ciprofloxacin is a prescription-only antibiotic — never self-medicate. Take it only when a registered doctor prescribes it for you, and never share it with family or buy it over the counter. Always complete the full prescribed course, even if you feel completely better after a few days; stopping early lets the strongest bacteria survive and come back harder to treat.

Antibiotic resistance is a serious national health crisis in Bangladesh, and misuse of medicines like Ciprofloxacin makes it worse. Tell your doctor if you have tendon problems, epilepsy, kidney disease, or a heart-rhythm disorder. Avoid heavy sun exposure and limit strenuous exercise during treatment.

Ciprofloxacin can interact with several medicines and products. Tell your doctor about everything you take. Important interactions include:

• Dairy products, antacids, iron, zinc, and calcium — reduce absorption; separate by at least 2 hours
• Theophylline and tizanidine — levels can rise dangerously
• Warfarin — increased bleeding risk
• NSAID painkillers — higher risk of seizures
• Medicines that affect heart rhythm (QT-prolonging drugs)

Do not take Ciprofloxacin if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics
• Have previously developed tendon problems after taking a fluoroquinolone
• Are taking tizanidine

It is generally avoided in children and adolescents unless a specialist decides the benefit outweighs the risk, and used with great caution in people with epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, or known heart-rhythm problems.

Ciprofloxacin is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless there is no safer alternative, because of concerns about its effect on developing joints and cartilage. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor so a safer antibiotic can be chosen.

The drug passes into breast milk, so it is usually avoided while breastfeeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, who may recommend an alternative or advise pausing breastfeeding.

Store Ciprofloxacin in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it in its original pack and well out of the reach of children. Do not use the medicine after its expiry date, and return any leftover tablets to a pharmacy rather than keeping them for future use.