Cipro Is A Powerful Antibiotic Used To Combat Bacterial Infections
Ciprofloxacin, commonly referred to as Cipro, is an antibiotic designed to fight certain types of bacterial infections and belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Commonly used to treat infections of the lower respiratory tract, urinary tract and infections of the skin, Cipro become better known in the United States after the Anthrax scares in 2001 as an effective antidote for inhaled anthrax exposure.
As with any medication, there are certain precautions which should be taken to ensure optimal benefit from Cipro and to minimize the risk of adverse side effects and drug interactions. Before beginning a course of Cipro tell your doctor all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements currently being taken, as well as any health issues for which you are being treated by another doctor. Although there are certain medications which may preclude the use of Cipro by a patient, there are others which can be taken with Cipro but may require special consideration. For example, taking antacids which contain calcium, magnesium or aluminum can decrease the effectiveness of Cipro and should be taken at spaced intervals as directed by your prescribing physician. Additionally, certain vitamin, herbal or mineral supplements can also detract from the drug’s potency and should be cleared with a doctor before used in conjunction with Cipro.
Cipro should always be taken with a full glass of water, never with juice or milk due to their high calcium contents. Also, drinking several glasses of water throughout the day will reduce the build up of ciprofloaxacin crystals in the urinary tract. The effects of caffeine can be greatly increased in those patients undergoing a course of Cipro and should be limited to a small amount per day. As with any antibiotic, it is imperative that the full prescribed regime of Cipro be completed even if your symptoms disappear after only a few days of treatment.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
