Cipro Treatment for Urinary Infections

According to the Mayo Clinic, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect anywhere from your urethra to your kidneys. The bladder and urethra are most commonly involved. The infection is characterized by symptoms such as burning while urinating, urinary urgency, increased frequency, decreased urine volume, bloody urine and cloudy urine with a strong odor. Proper treatment is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to your kidneys. One commonly used antibiotic is ciprofloxacin (brand name Cipro).

Indications

• Cipro belongs to a family of medications called fluoroquinolones. It has antimicrobial components and is effective in treating various kinds of bacterial infections. It is indicated to treat UTIs that are caused by the following strains of bacteria: Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter diversus, Serratia marcescens, Providencia rettgeri, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii, Citrobacter freundii, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus epidermis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcis saprophyticus.

Contraindications

• Be sure to tell your doctor about your entire medical history. If you have a history of liver or kidney disease, diabetes, joint problems, myasthenia gravis, low potassium levels or seizures you may need special dosing instructions. Tell your doctor if you have a family history or a personal history of long QT syndrome. Do not take Cipro if you have a history of allergic reactions to this medication or similar medications (such as levofloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin or lomefloxacin).

Side Effects

• Possible side effects include altered vision, drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, nervousness, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, nightmares and increased skin sensitivity (particular sensitivity to sunlight). Serious side effects include allergic reaction (characterized by rash, hives, breathing problems or swelling of the throat or face), dizziness, confusion, fainting, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, sudden joint pain, sudden swelling of the joints, depression, abnormal behavior, seizures, diminished urination, skin rash, fever, headache, sore throat, pale skin, yellowed skin, dark-colored urine, weakness, bruising easily, abnormal bleeding and bloody or watery diarrhea. If you experience any serious side effects, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Drug Interactions

• To avoid the risk of serious drug interactions, tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking (including over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements and vitamins). Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with tizanidine. Other medications may interfere with Cipro including warfarin, clozapine, insulin, cyclosporine, methtrexate, phenytoin, metoclopramide, ropinirole, tacrine, probenecid, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen), theophylline or oral steroids (such as prednisone).

What to Avoid

• Avoid taking antacids, sucralfate, didanosine or any vitamin supplements containing zinc, iron or calcium for six hours prior to taking ciprofloxacin or two hours after taking it since these medications will inhibit the efficacy of Cipro. Ciprofloxacin may intensify the effects of caffeine. Avoid direct sun exposure and avoid tanning beds or sunlamps as your skin will be more sensitive and may burn. Avoid taking Cipro with dairy products since they may lessen the effectiveness of the medication.