Ciflox (ciprofloxacin) is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections in patients of all ages.

Though tablets are the most common administration form, the medication is also available in an oral solution for young patients or individuals who have difficulty swallowing. Tablets may also be crushed and sprinkled in soft foods, such as applesauce, if desired.

Conditions Treated

Ciflox is effective against a wide range of bacteria, but it is not always the best choice in all cases. For best results a doctor will identify the agent causing the infection and recommend the ideal treatment; Ciflox has little impact on some types of bacteria, or viral or fungal infections. In some areas bacterial resistance may also be a concern.

Assuming the infection is caused by susceptible bacteria, Ciflox is used to treat:

• Urinary tract infections
• Bacterial prostatitis
• Cystitis in women
• Sinusitis
• Infectious diarrhea
• Lower respiratory tract infections
• Bone or joint infections
• Skin infections
• Typhoid fever
• Cervical or urethral gonorrhea
• Intra-abdominal infections

The medication is also used to prevent anthrax infections in individuals who have been exposed.

As is the case with all antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral treatments, it is crucial to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms disappear. Failure to complete treatment can lead to a resurgence of the infection---which may now have some resistance to the antibiotic. As a general rule, treatment should continue for three days following the resolution of all symptoms.

Dosage & Administration

Ciflox comes in tablets, typically taken twice per day for 7 to 14 days. Depending on the infection there exceptions, however; again it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting treatment.

Dosage of Ciflox is also dependent on the type and severity of the infection, generally ranging from 250 mg to 750 mg doses. To a lesser exent treatment may be influenced by weight, other medications or medical conditions, and other individual factors.

A rough treatment guideline for otherwise healthy adults is as follows:

• Mild to moderate Urinary Tract infections: 250 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Severe urinary tract infections: 500 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Bacterial prostatitis: 500 mg twice per day for 28 days.
• Mild lower respiratory tract infections: 500 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Severe lower respiratory tract infections: 750 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Sinusitis: 500 mg twice per day for 10 days.
• Mild skin infections: 500 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Severe skin infections: 750 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
• Mild bone and joint infections: 500 mg twice per day for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Severe bone and joint infections: 750 mg twice per day for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Intra-abdominal infections: 500 mg twice per day for 7 to 14 days. Usually prescribed along with metronidazole.
• Infectious diarrhea: 500 mg twice per day for 5 to 7 days.
• Typhoid fever: 500 mg twice per day for 10 days.
• Cervical or urethral gonorrhea: Single dose of 250 mg.
• Exposure to inhalational anthrax: 500 mg twice per day for 60 days.

Patients who are very young or elderly and those with other major medical conditions, such as kidney or liver impairment, may require modified dosing.

Some improved is often seen with the first dose, and improvements should be significant after a few days of treatment. Again, be sure to complete treatment even if otherwise feeling fine---there may be some lingering bacteria.

Potential Complications

Most side effects from Ciflox are mild and similar to those experienced with any other antibiotic, including:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness

The above side effects are cause for concern only if severe enough to be disruptive.

Rarely more serious symptoms are experienced which warrant medical attention:

• Severe diarrhea
• Severe headaches or pressure in the skull
• Vision changes or eye pain
• Persistent ringing in the ears
• Severe dizziness, weakness or fainting
• Heartbeat changes

Ciflox can cause the swelling or tearing of tendons, particularly the Achilles' tendon. The risk of this happening is greater in elderly patients, patients taking steroids, patients who have had an organ transplant, and patients with a history of tendon problems. All patients taking Ciflox should take care to not strain joints, and be alert for warning symptoms, including:

• Difficulty moving joints
• Pain, bruising and/or swelling at joints
• Stiff joints

Ciflox can interact with a number of other medications, which may exacerbate side effects or reduce effectiveness. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments.