updated 01.18.2021
What Is Cipro?
Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) belongs to the fluoroquinolones group of antibiotics. Doctors prescribe it to treat bacterial infections caused by various bacteria and microorganisms.
What is Cipro Used For?
Ciprofloxacin is mostly used to treat the following:
- Respiratory infections
- Diseases of the bronchi and lungs
- Infections of soft skin tissues
- Purulent inflammations with a risk of blood poisoning;
- Gastrointestinal tract infections( including salmonella infections)
- Meningitis
- Postoperative infections
- Sepsis
Cipro For UTI
It is essential to distinguish between inflammation caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs are a large group of diseases caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria transmitted from person to person. While urinary tract infections result from poor hygiene, weakened immunity, the influence of other factors.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common of all nephrological diseases.
For example, in the United States, UTIs account for 7 million visits to a physician each year, including 2 million for cystitis. Besides, UTIs are responsible for 100,000 hospitalizations per year, most often due to pyelonephritis.
In the United States, approximately 15% of all antibiotics are prescribed to patients diagnosed with a UTI.
Among all existing UTI’s, different pathologies are specific to men or exclusively to women. In addition to gender-dependent diseases, common disorders caused by UTI’s are also common.
Regardless of gender, the most common UTI diseases in men and women are pyelonephritis, cystitis, and urethritis. These conditions require prior examination, accurate diagnosis, and the prescription of antibiotics with additional therapy.
Ciprofloxacin has a high success rate in the treatment of urinary tract infections. The drug quickly penetrates the tissues but stays in the kidneys for a long time. And that is why Cipro is very effective in fighting all bacteria, which cause urinary tract infections.
Ciprofloxacin was only available in its usual form until a certain time, immediate-release tablets, which required taking it twice a day. Extended-release Ciprofloxacin (Cipro XR) is currently available, which provides rapid action and convenience – you have to take Cirpo XR only once a day.
You can watch this video to find out more about the drug:
Precautions
- Discuss the following and other information with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea during treatment.
- Drink a lot of water during treatment with Ciprofloxacin. Be sure to drink the volume of fluids recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid taking antacids with Cipro unless your doctor prescribes this type of medication.
- Protect your skin from direct sunlight when taking Cipro.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, warn your attending physician of possible dosage adjustment.
- Take the drug strictly according to your prescription.
- Avoid taking the drug if you have hypersensitivity to the Ciprofloxacin.
- Store Ciprofloxacin at room temperature.
Cipro Dosage
- Do not take Cipro or Cipro XR without consulting with your doctor.
- Do not crush the tablet. Swallow the whole pill with a glass of water.
- Take the drug every day at the same time.
- Take Ciprofloxacin with or without food. If the drug causes stomach upset, take it with food.
- Do not use Ciprofloxacin with dairy or products rich in calcium.
- Limit the caffeine intake during the treatment.
- Take the dose of the drug as soon as possible if you miss it. Do not do this only if there is little time left before the next dose. Never double the amount of the next intake! Do not take more than one Cipro RX a day.
Only your doctor can prescribe the right dose for you. It depends on the severity of the disease, type of infection, body condition, age, weight, and kidney function.
| Condition | Dosage | Duration of Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Lower and upper respiratory tract infection | 500 – 750mg twice a day | 7 – 14 days |
| Chronic purulent otitis | 500 – 750mg twice a day | 7 – 14 days |
| Urinary Tract Infections | 250 – 750mg twice a day | 3 days |
| Complicated cystitis, uncomplicated pyelonephritis | 500 mg twice a day | 7 days |
| Prostatitis | 500 – 750mg twice a day | 2 – 4 weeks (acute) 4 – 6 weeks (chronic) |
| Gastrointestinal tract infections | 500 mg twice a day | 1 day |
| Skin and soft tissue infections | 250 – 750mg twice a day | 7 – 14 days |
| Joint and bone infections | 250 – 750mg twice a day | up to 3 months |
Contraindications
- Do not use the drug if you have hypersensitivity to holonym and epilepsy.
- Avoid using the medicine together with tizanidine.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children less than 15 years old, should not use the drug.
- Avoid using Cipro if you have pseudomembranous colitis.
Side Effects
Like all medications, Ciprofloxacin can cause side effects regardless of whether it was previously taken.
The most common side effects are:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Hyperactivity
- Agitation
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sleep disorders
- Taste disorders
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Itching
- Kidney dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Fever
If any of the side effects become severe, or if you notice any side effects not listed in the prescription label, please tell your doctor or pharmacist about it.
Can You Buy Cipro Online Or Over The Counter?
You can buy Cipro in the United States only if you have a prescription from your doctor. You can choose from purchasing a brand drug or a generic, which is much cheaper.
One possible way to get Cipro or Cipro XR over the counter is to order it online from various pharmacies from abroad. However, there is no guarantee you will receive authentic medication. That is why we strongly advise you against it.
What Is The Price of Cipro?
The price of Cipro can be different in various pharmacies. Moreover, there is a considerable difference between the price of a generic and a brand drug. Generics tend to cost much lower, and Cipro is no exception.
Average Price Of Cipro Generic
| Dosage | Quantity | Price | Price per pill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250mg | 30 pills | $22.49 | $0.75 |
| 250mg | 60 pills | $37.79 | $0.63 |
| 250mg | 90 pills | $51.29 | $0.57 |
| 250mg | 120 pills | $62.09 | $0.51 |
| 250mg | 189 pills | $84.59 | $0.47 |
| Dosage | Quantity | Price | Price per pill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500mg | 30 pills | $34.19 | $1.35 |
| 500mg | 60 pills | $61.19 | $1.14 |
| 500mg | 90 pills | $83.69 | $1.02 |
| 500mg | 120 pills | $101.69 | $0.93 |
| 500mg | 180 pills | $138.59 | $0.77 |
| 500mg | 360 pills | $277.19 | $0.77 |
| Dosage | Quantity | Price | Price per pill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750mg | 30 pills | $63.89 | $2.13 |
| 750mg | 60 pills | $101.69 | $1.69 |
| 750mg | 90 pills | $136.79 | $1.52 |
| 750mg | 120 pills | $164.69 | $1.37 |
| 750mg | 180 pills | $222.29 | $1.23 |
| Dosage | Quantity | Price | Price per pill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000mg | 30 pills | $105.29 | $3.51 |
| 1000mg | 60 pills | $174.59 | $3.51 |
| 1000mg | 90 pills | $238.49 | $2.65 |
| 1000mg | 120 pills | $288.89 | $2.40 |
| 1000mg | 180 pills | $394.19 | $2.19 |
Average Price of Cipro in Major Pharmacies
References:
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688016.html
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1124-93/cipro-oral/ciprofloxacin-oral/details