Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, effective for cystitis, pyelonephritis, infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, internal organs, skin, bones, and respiratory organs. The drug is also used externally in ophthalmological practice for the treatment of inflammatory processes of the eyes and postoperative complications. Cystitis in men: causes, symptoms and treatment.
The active ingredient of the drug is norfloxacin, the main antiseptic of the fluoroquinolone series, which has an active fluorine atom in its structure. It is he who suppresses the enzyme DNA gyrase, which is responsible for the supercoiling of the bacterial cell, its development and reproduction. A list of bacteria that effectively destroy fluoroquinolones can be found in the article devoted to the flagship drug of the family called Nolitsin.
Drugs of the fluoroquinolone family are not effective in the treatment of infections caused by streptococci, asynebacteria, and anaerobic flora - this must be taken into account when prescribing treatment. Ciprofloxacin also does not act on fungi - as a result, candidiasis often occurs during a course of treatment. Fungi of the genus candida, taking advantage of the fact that ciprofloxacin has destroyed all vulnerable bacterial flora, colonize the vacant area. To combat possible fungal complications, the doctor may prescribe prophylactic fungicidal drugs in parallel with antibiotics.
Composition, description, release form
This medicine is presented in film-coated tablets. Each contains two hundred fifty or five hundred milligrams of ciprofloxacin as the main component and auxiliary elements - microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, povidone, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide.
The drug is antimicrobial, has a wide spectrum of effects, is capable of suppressing bacterial DNA gyrase, disrupting DNA synthesis, development and division of microorganisms.
The medicine can cause pronounced morphological changes and almost instantaneous death of bacterial cells. It creates a bactericidal effect on gram-negative microorganisms during their dormancy and division, but on gram-positive microorganisms only during division.
Action of Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is a second generation antibacterial agent of the fluoroquinolone group. Shows a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. The harmful effect of the drug on bacterial cells is due to the suppression of DNA synthesis in them. Thus, the antibiotic prevents the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, causing their rapid death.
The effectiveness of Ciprofloxacin is 3–8 times higher than that of the drug of the same group – Norfloxacin.
High sensitivity to the drug is characterized by gram-negative pathogenic microorganisms - Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae, Salmonella, Shigella, strains of Escherichia coli, meningococci and gonococci.
The antibiotic also acts on gram-positive bacterial flora - streptococci (including species that produce penicillinase and are resistant to methicillin), campillobacteria, enterococci, mycoplasma, legionella, mycobacteria, chlamydia.
Thus, the antibiotic suppresses all types of pathogens that cause cystitis. This is the reason for the high effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of infectious processes in the bladder.
Ciprofloxacin is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, distributed throughout the tissues and fluids of the body (bioavailability is 70%). It is found in large quantities in urine, bile and cerebrospinal fluid (with inflamed meninges). Present in breast milk, penetrates the placenta.
Dosage regimens for various forms of cystitis
The medicine is taken orally, the tablet is not chewed, but simply washed down with a sufficient amount of water. Eating does not affect therapy.
The dose of the drug is determined based on the type and form of the disease, the age category of the patient, his weight and the functionality of the paired organ. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the disease, clinical and bacterial responses.
As a rule, treatment continues for at least three days after the body’s temperature has stabilized or painful symptoms have disappeared.
For uncomplicated cystitis, you need to take 1-2 tablets twice a day for three days. The complicated form takes a little longer to treat – from one to two weeks. The dosage of the drug is five hundred milligrams twice a day.
If there is still a need to use this medicine, stop feeding the child before starting therapy. This medicine is not prescribed to young patients and adolescents whose age category has not reached eighteen years.
Analogs
There are dozens of modern analogues of Ciprofloxacin. These include:
- Alcipro,
- Basijen,
- Betaciprol,
- Ificipro,
- Oftocipro,
- Cycloxinal,
- Tsifran and others.
They are made on the basis of the same component and are used for the same diagnoses, but they differ in cost.
Ciprofloxacin is a drug with numerous advantages. It is prescribed with equal frequency to both men and women. Since the medicine is strong, you should consult your doctor before using it. Before starting use, you should carefully study the attached instructions and do not exceed the permissible dosage. In addition, the use of the product is unacceptable if there are contraindications.
Adverse reactions
During the treatment course, negative manifestations are possible:
- Digestive system – feeling of nausea, gag reflex, abdominal pain, flatulence, colitis, anorexia.
- Urinary excretion - there is a possibility of crystalluria, dysuria, increased creatinine levels in the blood.
- Hematopoietic system - thrombocytosis is manifested, and leukocytosis is not common. There is a possibility of anemia, bone marrow suppression, and decreased platelet levels.
- Cardiovascular system – sensations of hot flashes, migraines, fainting, arrhythmia;
- Central nervous system - dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, blurred vision, agitation, tinnitus, etc. If such signs appear, it is necessary to interrupt therapy and consult a specialist.
- Allergies – itching of the skin, rash, angioedema, hepatitis.
- Musculoskeletal system - the likelihood of arthritis appears, cramps form, and tone in muscle tissue increases. Tendon ruptures are possible.
- Respiratory system – asthmatic conditions, shortness of breath.
- Sweating, swelling, fever.
Opinions of patients and doctors
Reviews from doctors and advice on patients taking Ciprofloxacin for cystitis:
Irina
When I first got cystitis, I experienced such headaches that I could not find a place to rest. She began treatment on her own, deciding to take urolesan drops. There was no relief, and I had to go to the clinic. The doctor prescribed Ciproflaxacin. Already the second night was calm, and after five days of therapy, the signs of the disease completely disappeared. Excellent medicine, quickly relieves pain. But when taking it, the microflora is disrupted and there are negative consequences for the liver.
Masha
When pain began to appear and the urge to go to the toilet became more frequent, I immediately consulted a doctor. I thought that another exacerbation of pyelonephritis had come, but nothing was confirmed. The doctor diagnosed cystitis and prescribed Ciprofloxacin. After three days of treatment, I came for my second appointment. The result was not very comforting - the pain did not go away, the temperature remained elevated. The specialist changed the antibiotic, so Ciprofloxacin is not my option.
Marina
I have been suffering from cystitis for a long time. I constantly take norfloxacin, it helps just fine. However, during the last treatment there were no positive dynamics. I came to the clinic, the doctor suggested trying Ciprofloxacin. It was necessary to take five hundred milligrams twice a day. Already on the second day I felt relief. I am very pleased and there were no side effects. I took Hilak Forte along with this drug.
Misha
I was not too pleased with this medicine. The effect of therapy is excellent, but there are many side effects. During the treatment period, my stomach was bothered, I had diarrhea in the mornings, and there were bouts of nausea.
Katerina
I’ll tell you about my experience of treatment with Ciprofloxacin. This antibiotic is always in my home medicine cabinet. Great for cystitis. With the first signs of illness I take one tablet, and after a few hours everything returns to normal. To record positive dynamics, I take the product for three to four days. At first I take two tablets, and after a couple of days - just one. I forget about the problem for a long period. I use this drug to treat sinusitis.
Denis
I only use this medicine. It is inexpensive, helps excellently, and is sold at any pharmacy kiosk. The drug perfectly helps against a large number of diseases. At the first sign of illness, I start taking an antibiotic. I’ll be honest, I never followed the instructions in the instructions. I just took a few tablets and washed them down with plenty of water. Then I took the dosage for three days and stopped the course. This is a very strong medicine and has many side effects. It even treats gonorrhea.
Advantages and disadvantages
Reviews from patients who have taken this drug are positive. Everyone notes that it quickly and effectively eliminates various infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. Many took it for advanced and chronic cystitis. They claim that this drug has an excellent effect.
For the female half of the population, this medicine is especially popular. The fact is that women more often suffer from cystitis. However, it must be remembered that there are certain contraindications for which the medicine is not prescribed.
The main thing is the quality of the drug, not its quantity
There is no need to try to outsmart your body and try to take a larger dose than was prescribed by the doctor. If, out of ignorance, more than the norm was taken, and the patient feels unwell, the stomach should be rinsed and the patient’s health condition should be carefully monitored.
Of course, it’s good that there are such wonderful medicines that will help with cystitis and other serious diseases, but still the risk of diseases needs to be reduced, and to do this, follow some rules:
- The bladder should not be full, you need to empty it on time;
- Genital hygiene will prevent many diseases;
- It is better to wear underwear made from natural fibers;
- Don't get carried away with tight pants;
- You need to beware of hypothermia;
- It is advisable to exclude spicy, salty, smoked foods from the diet;
- Don't get carried away with colored toilet paper;
- You should not wash your genitals with scented soap; it is better to use “Children’s soap, it has a mild, gentle effect;
- Sedentary work has a detrimental effect on the genitourinary system, so it is necessary to move more in your free time and visit sports centers.
What else is the drug used for?
Ciprofloxacin is prescribed for infectious diseases caused by microorganisms sensitive to this drug. These include:
- damage to the respiratory system;
- disease of the middle ear, paranasal sinuses;
- infection of the kidneys and ureteral canals;
- lesions of the skin and soft tissues;
- infection of joints and bone base;
- diseases of organs located in the pelvic area;
- gonorrhea;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal system;
- infectious diseases in people with weak immunity.
Contraindications
This medicine should not be used by patients suffering from individual intolerance to the components included in its composition. This requirement applies to people experiencing heart or kidney failure. Doctors also do not advise giving this medicine to young children, elderly patients and the elderly.
It is not recommended to take Ciprofloxacin for patients experiencing mental pathologies, abnormalities in blood circulation, epilepsy and atherosclerosis. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should definitely not use the tablets.
One of the popular drugs is Ciprofloxacin for cystitis. We'll tell you more about how to take it, reviews and effectiveness. After all, doctors often prescribe it to their patients and you need to navigate some of the treatment features.
Cystitis is a dangerous disease and most often occurs in women in conjunction with gynecological problems. This is due to the structural features of the pelvic organs. And the sooner you take adequate measures to eliminate pathogenic microflora, the greater the chances of recovering from the disease completely.
Interaction with other drugs
Ciprofloxacin, with the simultaneous use of drugs belonging to the group of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs, significantly increases the likelihood of seizures in the patient .
In combination with other antibacterial agents, on the contrary, a beneficial effect , in particular, synergism (the effect when drugs mutually enhance the positive effect of each other). As a result, Ciprofloxacin is often prescribed together with beta-lactam antibiotics, metronidazole, and vancomycin.
Also, Ciprofloxacin, when used together with indirect coagulants, enhances the effect of the latter, but the opposite direction is not observed in this case, and the pharmacological effect of Ciprofloxacin remains at the same level.
When administering Ciprofloxacin by infusion the use of other infusion solutions is unacceptable if these drugs exhibit chemical and physical instability in an acidic environment.
Release form and properties
Ciprofloxacin is one of the most common second-generation fluoroquinolone antibacterial agents. It stops the growth of bacteria and their reproduction, which helps eliminate the cause of infectious inflammation in a short time. Many gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, as well as certain types of bacteria that cause sexually transmitted diseases, are sensitive to it.
The concentration of the main substance in the blood is achieved within two hours after taking the first tablet and to constantly maintain the desired level, it is necessary to take the drug every 12 hours. It is this period that the therapeutic effect is limited, then Ciprofloxacin is excreted through the urinary system.
The product is available in different forms for the convenience of treating various diseases, both in mild and advanced cases:
- tablets with active substance concentrations of 250, 500 and 750 mg;
- solutions for intravenous infusion in special bottles at a dosage of 0.2%;
- a product for injection into muscle tissue, sold in ampoules of 1%, which must be diluted additionally;
- eye drops and ointment with 0.3% active substance content.
Its price is relatively low compared to other similar products. And the higher the dosage, the cheaper the overall cost. But there is no need to save by dividing the tablet into smaller parts.
Depending on the patient’s condition, his weight, height and age, the complexity of the disease and associated problems, the doctor chooses a more appropriate form of administering the drug to the body. For example, during inpatient treatment, the hospital prefers intravenous solutions to quickly kill the infection and prevent many adverse reactions associated with taking pills.
Treatment for cystitis
Quite often, experts stop at Ciprofloxacin to eliminate the symptoms of cystitis. This is justified for many reasons:
- the medicine actively fights most microorganisms that cause this disease;
- due to the leaching of the substance through the kidneys, the bladder has a chance to be directly cleansed of pathogenic microflora as much as possible;
- the drug is quickly absorbed into the blood and tissues and reaches a high concentration in a short time, which speeds up the treatment process;
- differs in bioavailability;
- capable of inhibiting DNA gyrase;
- valid for a long period;
- has low toxicity and is easily tolerated by most patients;
- inhibits exotoxins and exoenzymes;
- makes it possible to choose the appropriate form and treatment regimen for each patient.
For cystitis, Ciprofloxacin is unable to help only in cases where the disease is caused by viral, allergic or traumatic factors. But since it is incompatible with many drugs, its effectiveness is observed only with monotherapy.
Main indications for use
Doctors prescribe this antibiotic for the treatment of various pathologies:
- from cystitis and other inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- for prostatitis in men;
- in gynecology;
- some types of sexually transmitted diseases;
- skin infections;
- damage to the respiratory tract and ENT organs;
- arthritis and other bone problems;
- meningitis;
- to eliminate dental infections;
- in some cases to stop the processes of sepsis, peritonitis and the growth of cancer cells;
- for intestinal diseases;
- cholecystitis;
- various problems of the gallbladder and its ducts.
For prophylactic purposes, such an antibiotic is also prescribed after surgery to prevent various complications and infection of weakened tissues.
In what cases is the drug prohibited?
The instructions indicate a small list of problems that lead to a contraindication for the medication. Thus, Ciprofloxacin is not prescribed to patients who have been diagnosed with hypersensitivity to the ingredients of this drug. It is prohibited to prescribe a combination course together with tizanidine due to the development of pathologies (drowsiness or arterial hypotension).
Antibiotics are not prescribed to expectant mothers during lactation. The drug is contraindicated for patients with epileptic seizures.
Who is it contraindicated for?
Not all patients can resort to such an effective remedy. For example, treatment of cystitis with Ciprofloxacin is unacceptable in the following cases:
- women during the period of bearing and breastfeeding a child;
- children under 18 years of age and elderly over 60;
- with a history of epileptic seizures;
- people with pseudomembranous colitis;
- for allergy sufferers;
- in the presence of psychological disorders;
- if renal or liver failure is detected;
- suffering from atherosclerosis.
Negative sides
Ciprofloxacin is a good remedy for the treatment of cystitis. The therapeutic effect in the required concentration is formed in the kidneys and bladder within several hours.
Despite the positive aspects, not everyone is allowed to use the medication. The list of contraindications includes:
- Intolerance to fluoroquinolones, with a severe allergic reaction to the first dose.
- Simultaneous use with a drug such as Tizanidine. There is a risk of developing a sharp decrease in blood pressure.
- The patient has pseudomembranous colitis.
- Children under 18 years of age, before this age the skeleton begins to form.
- Pregnancy and lactation period. According to pharmacokinetics, Ciprofloxacin easily penetrates the placental barrier and into milk. As a result, the risk of developing a teratogenic effect increases.
The negative aspects consist of a number of side effects that occur when taken. Adverse reactions are listed based on frequency of occurrence.
Changes in hematopoiesis: eosinophilia, anemia, decrease in the number of leukocytes, platelets.
Impairment of the immune system, which is accompanied by the development of an allergic reaction. Redness of the skin, itching, and the appearance of blisters with liquid are observed. Urticaria, skin itching, and anaphylactic shock occur.
Changes in the functioning of the central nervous system are observed: drowsiness, headache, dizziness. Psychomotor agitation and retardation are noted.
From the heart and blood vessels: palpitations, tachycardia or bradycardia. Sometimes fainting occurs associated with a sharp drop in blood pressure.
- How to take Tsiprolet for cystitis in women: instructions for use
Some patients experienced nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and oral or vaginal candidiasis. Pancreatitis has occurred extremely rarely.
Adverse reactions
In case of too large doses, individual intolerance and in other individual cases, the following unpleasant symptoms are observed:
- gastrointestinal disorder (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea);
- disturbances in the functioning of the liver and gall bladder (bitter taste in the mouth, high levels of bilirubin, jaundice, liver failure);
- worsening kidney problems (nephritis, increased protein in urine tests and creatinine in the blood, glomerulonephritis);
- from the central nervous system - headaches, depression, sleep disturbances, fainting, deterioration of the senses, hallucinations, confusion, etc.;
- reactions of the cardiovascular system - tachycardia, decreased blood pressure, arrhythmia, vasculitis;
- the appearance of blood in the urine;
- difficulty urinating;
- all kinds of allergic manifestations - skin rashes, Quincke's edema, redness, etc.;
- problems in the skeletal system in some cases lead to tendon rupture.
These signs appear extremely rarely, but if at least one of them occurs, you must stop taking Ciprofloxacin and immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance in case of serious problems. Patient reviews of taking this drug are usually good and indicate that it is easily tolerated by the body.
Dosage and method of treatment
In the instructions for use you can find the following instructions:
- If cystitis is at an early stage and is not combined with other diseases, then it is enough to take 250 mg twice a day in tablet form or 100 mg via intravenous infusion.
- In acute form and with severe pain, the dosage is increased to 500 mg at a time. The duration of treatment is at least five days.
- For constantly recurring cystitis, that is, recurrent, doctors recommend taking 250 mg twice a day, but extending the course of therapy to seven days.
- In case of prolonged and complicated form, hospitalization and administration of the drug intravenously or intramuscularly are required. Thus, it is possible to more effectively influence pathogenic microorganisms.
- If cystitis is combined with prostatitis or gonorrhea, then a high dose of the drug is required - 750 mg twice a day. If the infection spreads throughout the pelvic area, it is necessary to increase the duration of treatment to 1-4 months in a row.
If the drug is prescribed to prevent various complications, for example, after surgery, then it is enough to take 250 mg once a day for a week.
Independent and thoughtless treatment with antibiotics should not be allowed. Only a doctor can decide in what form, dosage, how much and how to take this drug in order to achieve the desired cure in a short time and prevent deterioration of the condition of other body systems.
Special rules
In order for the treatment to be as successful as possible, you need to adhere to the following recommendations when taking Ciprofloxacin:
- The tablet is selected in accordance with the prescribed dose, without exceeding it, and without trying to divide, for example, 750 mg into smaller parts.
- Wash it down with plenty of water.
- It is important to drink enough fluid throughout the course of treatment, at least two liters per day.
- Strictly follow the regimen of taking the drug, that is, wait 12 hours between taking each tablet.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks completely during this period.
- It is advisable not to drive a car or operate complex machinery, as the medicine dulls concentration and sometimes causes drowsiness.
- Direct sunlight should be avoided, because Ciprofloxacin can increase tissue sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. This, in turn, will lead to burns from even short exposure to the sun.
Video: about Ciprofloxacin.
Advice should be taken carefully
It is necessary while taking Ciprofloxacin:
- Drink a little more than your usual dose of fluid;
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages altogether;
- Do not drive or engage in work that requires maximum concentration;
- Avoid exposure to bright sunlight and avoid all UV radiation. This precaution should be maintained after the end of the course of taking the drug. Until it is completely eliminated from the body;
- When a doctor prescribes a drug, you need to tell him or her about other medications you are taking so that a negative interaction does not occur when one drug inhibits the activity of another.
Reviews
I was once prescribed this drug, but it did not help. Perhaps the cause of cystitis was some other type of bacteria that is resistant to the active substance. But more often I use other antibiotics.
I always turn to this medicine for any serious infectious diseases. I rarely suffer from cystitis, but I also had to treat it with Ciprofloxacin.
I suffered for a long time before I decided to take an antibiotic. But he really helped. The pain and burning decreased on the second day, and on the third I began to feel great.
Requirements for prescribing the drug
Before prescribing ciprofloxacin, you must inform your doctor in advance about all other substances that enter your body daily to prevent the development of unwanted reactions.
All these rules must be followed not only while taking the drug, but also several days later, until it is completely removed from the bloodstream.
When using ciprofloxacin, it should be remembered that ureaplasma, clostridia and some other microorganisms are resistant to it. Therefore, before prescribing it, it is necessary to conduct a microbiological examination of urine to determine sensitivity to antibiotics.