Description
Ciplox – also known as Ciprofloxacin – is an antibiotic in a group of drugs known as fluoroquinolones. Ciplox fights various bacterial infections in the body. Additionally, Ciplox is an antibiotic that is also strong enough to treat individuals who have been exposed to anthrax. Ciplox is also available in cheap pharmacy products or over-the-counter. These products are usually eye or ear drops and they have a little Ciplox mixed in with them.
Precautionary measures
This drug should be avoided if an individual is also taking tizanidine. Individuals with muscle disorders should also avoid taking this drug as it has been known to cause swelling or tears in a tendon – particularly in the heel’s Achilles tendon – though this usually occurs in people over the age of 60. Additionally, online sources indicate that individuals who are on steroid medication or who have had kidney, lung or heart transplant, are also more likely to suffer from a swollen or torn tendon. Thus, these groups of people should avoid the drug.
People who are allergic to the medication or other drugs that fall into the same group of fluoroquinolones, should refrain from taking the drug. If you have any medical condition that puts you at high risk for side effects when taking the drug, you should inform your doctor before embarking on the treatment plan. Some examples of these conditions or disorders are a heart rhythm disorder, tendon problems, liver disease, seizures, epilepsy, diabetes or a history of brain tumours. Having these ailments does not mean that one should stay away from Ciplox absolutely. However, to be on the safe side, the individual will be tested before being given the green light to take the drug.
Pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant should avoid taking the drug. Though no studies or bodies of research have conclusively proven negative effects of pregnant women on Ciplox, it is simply safer to stay off it unless absolutely necessary. Ciplox secretes into breast milk, hence nursing mothers should discontinue the drug well before nursing begins.
Side Effects
Hives, a skin rash, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face and lips are all signs of an allergic reaction to Ciplox and emergency medical attention should be sought immediately. Due to the stress it puts on your tendons and muscles, you should stop taking it instantly if you experience swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness or problems moving. Medical attention should also be immediately requested if one has headaches, dizziness or convulsions.
Slightly more common side effects of using the drug are mild diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, itching and a mild headache or dizziness. However, these side effects are often transient and tend to dissipate on their own in a day or two.
Dosage
Ciplox is usually taken every 12-hours. Be sure to drink a full 8-ounces of water when taking it. Though it can be taken with or without food, it is important to consume it at the exact same time every day for maximum effectiveness. Do not take the drug with dairy products such as yoghurt or milk. Consuming the medication together with dairy makes it less effective.
Store the medication in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. If you buy the liquid version of the drug, remember to throw it out after 14 days.
