Ciprofloxacin - Brands, Strengths and Prices

Key facts

• Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
• Common brand names are Cipro in the United States and Ciproxin in the United Kingdom and Australia.
• It is a prescription-only medicine in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
• It is mainly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal and abdominal infections, sexually transmitted infections, prostatitis, and bone and joint infections.

Some of the Ciprofloxacin brands we stock at Prashi Pharma are listed below.

What is ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin, also known as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin is a bactericidal antibiotic, which means it kills bacteria rather than just stopping their growth.

It is a generic drug and is considered to be safe and effective. This medicine is a suitable treatment for patients with infections caused by multiple types of bacteria or those at risk of Gram-negative bacterial infections [1].

How ciprofloxacin works

Ciprofloxacin inhibits two vital bacterial enzymes: DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV. The medicine blocks DNA gyrase, which is an enzyme that introduces negative supercoils into bacterial DNA, stopping normal DNA replication and transcription [2].

It also inhibits topoisomerase IV, an enzyme critical for separating replicated chromosomal DNA into daughter cells during cell division.

The broad-spectrum activity and good tissue penetration make Ciprofloxacin a powerful antibiotic, but the potential for resistance highlights the need for caution and appropriate use.

What is ciprofloxacin used for?

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections in adults. This includes:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted infection)
• Sinus infection
• Gastrointestinal and abdominal infection
• Chronic prostatitis
• Joint and bone infections
• Lower respiratory tract infections
• Skin infections
• Typhoid fever
• Diarrhea
• Plague

This medication is recommended for children in certain situations to treat bacterial infections. They are:

• Urinary tract infections in children ages 1 year or older.
• Plague (children of any age).
• Prevention of infections from inhaled anthrax in children of any age.

Important safety warning (FDA and MHRA)

It highlights an increased risk of rare but life-threatening tears (dissections) in the aorta (the main blood vessel of the body), particularly in older patients or those having a history of blockages/aneurysms.

The MHRA warns that fluoroquinolones can cause long-lasting, disabling, and potentially irreversible side effects across multiple bodily systems, including muscles, tendons, joints, nerves, and mental health. The guidance says systemic fluoroquinolones should be prescribed only when standard alternatives are inappropriate and should not be used for mild, non-bacterial, or self-limiting infections like uncomplicated cystitis or mild bronchitis [3].

Dosage strengths and forms

Our product range includes Ciprodac 250 mg in oral tablet form.

Dosage information

The recommended dosage of ciprofloxacin depends on the severity of the medical condition. Some of the usual adult dosages are:

For preventing inhaled anthrax, the usual dosage of ciprofloxacin is 500 mg every 12 hours. It is usually continued for 60 days.

Dosage information for children

For a 55-lb child weighing about 25 kg being treated for a kidney infection, the child's dosage would be 250 mg every 12 hours. For certain infections in children, a doctor may determine the right dosage.

How to take ciprofloxacin

• Take ciprofloxacin as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
• Read the medication guide carefully and follow the instructions.
• Take the tablet at the exact time as advised by your doctor.
• Swallow the oral tablet whole with a glass of water. Drink plenty of water while taking this medication.
• Do not stop the course of your medicine, even if the symptoms improve quickly. Consult a doctor before stopping or skipping doses.
• Ask your doctor before taking just one-half of the tablet.
• Take guidance from a healthcare professional before using this medication for your child.

Side effects

Ciprofloxacin can cause mild or serious side effects. This includes:

Some of the side effects that may occur in children are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Joint pain
• Headache
• Rash
• Joint swelling
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping

These are not all side effects of Ciprofloxacin. Read the leaflet that came with your medicine carefully, or report adverse situations to the US FDA through the FDA MedWatch Program, the UK through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, or in Australia to the TGA.

Who should avoid ciprofloxacin?

Do not take Ciprofloxacin if you are/have:

• Taking tizanidine (a muscle relaxant), as it can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and extreme drowsiness
• History of myasthenia gravis, as it can worsen muscle weakness and lead to severe breathing difficulties or death
• History of severe allergic reactions to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics

Tell your doctor before taking ciprofloxacin, as extra caution is needed, if you are/have:

• History of blockages, aneurysms, or genetic conditions affecting blood vessels
• Under 18 (it is used in children only for certain infections)
• Older adults (age 60 and older)
• Taking corticosteroids, as it sharply increases the risk of tendon rupture
• Pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Kidney or liver disease

Possible interactions

Some medicines may not mix well with Ciprofloxacin. This includes:

• Theophylline
• Blood thinners like warfarin
• Antidiabetic medications like metformin and sulfonylureas
• Tizanidine
• QT-prolonging drugs such as amiodarone, sotalol and certain antidepressants
• Phenytoin
• Methotrexate
• Cyclosporine
• Antacids, multivitamins, and supplements containing magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, or zinc
• Ziprasidone
• Chlorpromazine
• Zolpidem
• Duloxetine

Food, alcohol and drinks while taking ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin vs other antibiotics

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and not a penicillin. Amoxicillin and cephalexin are beta-lactam antibiotics, and azithromycin is a macrolide that works by stopping bacteria from making proteins. These medications are used for the treatment of different bacterial infections, so they are not directly interchangeable.

Ciprofloxacin in the US, UK and Australia

How to order ciprofloxacin online with a prescription

Prashi Pharma is a trusted India-based pharmaceutical supply platform delivering quality medications. To order ciprofloxacin online with a prescription, follow these steps:

1. Choose the dosage on your prescription that matches your medical condition.
2. Add the selected product to your cart.
3. Enter your contact information, delivery address, and other required details.
4. Upload a valid prescription from your healthcare professional.
5. Our registered pharmacist will review your prescription and the medical information.
6. After the review, our team will process the discreet dispatch of your package.

How to order · Prescription policy · Shipping policy

Sources

1. Ciprofloxacin - National Library of Medicine
2. Label: CIPROFLOXACIN tablet - DAILYMED
3. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: must now only be prescribed when other commonly recommended antibiotics are inappropriate - MHRA