Conversion of IV to Oral Dosing in Adults
Patients whose therapy is started with Ciprofloxacin IV may be switched to Ciprofloxacin Tablets or Oral Suspension when clinically indicated at the discretion of the physician (
Table 2)
[see Clinical Pharmacology (
12.3)].
Table 2: Equivalent AUC Dosing Regimens| Ciprofloxacin Oral Dosage | Equivalent Ciprofloxacin IV Dosage |
| 250 mg Tablet every 12 hours | 200 mg intravenous every 12 hours |
| 500 mg Tablet every 12 hours | 400 mg intravenous every 12 hours |
| 750 mg Tablet every 12 hours | 400 mg intravenous every 8 hours |
Pediatric patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency were excluded from the clinical trial of cUTI and pyelonephritis. No information is available on dosing adjustments necessary for pediatric patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency (that is, creatinine clearance of < 50 mL/min/1.73m
2).
With Multivalent Cations
Administer Ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after magnesium/aluminum antacids; polymeric phosphate binders (for example, sevelamer, lanthanum carbonate) or sucralfate; Videx
®(didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution; other highly buffered drugs; or other products containing calcium, iron or zinc.
With Dairy Products
Concomitant administration of Ciprofloxacin with dairy products (like milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone should be avoided since decreased absorption is possible; however, Ciprofloxacin may be taken with a meal that contains these products.
Hydration of Patients Receiving Ciprofloxacin
Assure adequate hydration of patients receiving Ciprofloxacin to prevent the formation of highly concentrated urine. Crystalluria has been reported with quinolones.
Instruct the patient of the appropriate Ciprofloxacin administration
[see Patient Counseling Information (
17)].
Pregnancy Category C
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Ciprofloxacin should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to both fetus and mother. An expert review of published data on experiences with ciprofloxacin use during pregnancy by TERIS–the Teratogen Information System–concluded that therapeutic doses during pregnancy are unlikely to pose a substantial teratogenic risk (quantity and quality of data=fair), but the data are insufficient to state that there is no risk.
2
A controlled prospective observational study followed 200 women exposed to fluoroquinolones (52.5% exposed to ciprofloxacin and 68% first trimester exposures) during gestation.
3In utero exposure to fluoroquinolones during embryogenesis was not associated with increased risk of major malformations. The reported rates of major congenital malformations were 2.2% for the fluoroquinolone group and 2.6% for the control group (background incidence of major malformations is 1–5%). Rates of spontaneous abortions, prematurity and low birth weight did not differ between the groups and there were no clinically significant musculoskeletal dysfunctions up to one year of age in the ciprofloxacin exposed children.
Another prospective follow-up study reported on 549 pregnancies with fluoroquinolone exposure (93% first trimester exposures).
4There were 70 ciprofloxacin exposures, all within the first trimester. The malformation rates among live-born babies exposed to ciprofloxacin and to fluoroquinolones overall were both within background incidence ranges. No specific patterns of congenital abnormalities were found. The study did not reveal any clear adverse reactions due to in utero exposure to ciprofloxacin.
No differences in the rates of prematurity, spontaneous abortions, or birth weight were seen in women exposed to ciprofloxacin during pregnancy.
2, 3However, these small postmarketing epidemiology studies, of which most experience is from short term, first trimester exposure, are insufficient to evaluate the risk for less common defects or to permit reliable and definitive conclusions regarding the safety of ciprofloxacin in pregnant women and their developing fetuses.
Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and mice using oral doses up to 100 mg/kg (0.6 and 0.3 times the maximum daily human dose based upon body surface area, respectively) and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to ciprofloxacin. In rabbits, oral ciprofloxacin dose levels of 30 and 100 mg/kg (approximately 0.4- and 1.3-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose based upon body surface area) produced gastrointestinal toxicity resulting in maternal weight loss and an increased incidence of abortion, but no teratogenicity was observed at either dose level. After intravenous administration of doses up to 20 mg/kg (approximately 0.3-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose based upon body surface area), no maternal toxicity was produced and no embryo toxicity or teratogenicity was observed.
Complicated Urinary Tract Infection and Pyelonephritis
Ciprofloxacin is indicated for the treatment of cUTI and pyelonephritis due to
Escherichia coliin pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age. Although effective in clinical trials, Ciprofloxacin is not a drug of first choice in the pediatric population due to an increased incidence of adverse reactions compared to the controls, including events related to joints and/or surrounding tissues
[see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure)
Ciprofloxacin is indicated in pediatric patients from birth to 17 years of age, for inhalational anthrax (post exposure). The risk-benefit assessment indicates that administration of ciprofloxacin to pediatric patients is appropriate
[see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Plague
Ciprofloxacin is indicated in pediatric patients from birth to 17 years of age, for treatment of plague, including pneumonic and septicemic plague due to
Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis)and prophylaxis for plague. Efficacy studies of Ciprofloxacin could not be conducted in humans with pneumonic plague for feasibility reasons. Therefore, approval of this indication was based on an efficacy study conducted in animals. The risk-benefit assessment indicates that administration of Ciprofloxacin to pediatric patients is appropriate
[see Indications and Usage (1.8), Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Clinical Studies (14.3)].
Food
When Ciprofloxacin Tablet is given concomitantly with food, there is a delay in the absorption of the drug, resulting in peak concentrations that occur closer to 2 hours after dosing rather than 1 hour. The overall absorption of Ciprofloxacin Tablet, however, is not substantially affected. The pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin given as the suspension are also not affected by food. Avoid concomitant administration of Ciprofloxacin with dairy products (like milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone since decreased absorption is possible; however, Ciprofloxacin may be taken with a meal that contains these products.
Distribution
The binding of ciprofloxacin to serum proteins is 20% to 40% which is not likely to be high enough to cause significant protein binding interactions with other drugs.
After oral administration, ciprofloxacin is widely distributed throughout the body. Tissue concentrations often exceed serum concentrations in both men and women, particularly in genital tissue including the prostate. Ciprofloxacin is present in active form in the saliva, nasal and bronchial secretions, mucosa of the sinuses, sputum, skin blister fluid, lymph, peritoneal fluid, bile, and prostatic secretions. Ciprofloxacin has also been detected in lung, skin, fat, muscle, cartilage, and bone. The drug diffuses into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); however, CSF concentrations are generally less than 10% of peak serum concentrations. Low levels of the drug have been detected in the aqueous and vitreous humors of the eye.
Metabolism
Four metabolites have been identified in human urine which together account for approximately 15% of an oral dose. The metabolites have antimicrobial activity, but are less active than unchanged ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin is an inhibitor of human cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) mediated metabolism. Co-administration of ciprofloxacin with other drugs primarily metabolized by CYP1A2 results in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs and could lead to clinically significant adverse events of the co-administered drug
[see Contraindications (4.2), Warnings and Precautions (5.9,5.15), and Drug Interactions (7)].
Excretion
The serum elimination half-life in subjects with normal renal function is approximately 4 hours.
Approximately 40 to 50% of an orally administered dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged drug. After a 250 mg oral dose, urine concentrations of ciprofloxacin usually exceed 200 mcg/mL during the first two hours and are approximately 30 mcg/mL at 8 to 12 hours after dosing. The urinary excretion of ciprofloxacin is virtually complete within 24 hours after dosing. The renal clearance of ciprofloxacin, which is approximately 300 mL/minute, exceeds the normal glomerular filtration rate of 120 mL/minute. Thus, active tubular secretion would seem to play a significant role in its elimination. Co-administration of probenecid with ciprofloxacin results in about a 50% reduction in the ciprofloxacin renal clearance and a 50% increase in its concentration in the systemic circulation.
Although bile concentrations of ciprofloxacin are several fold higher than serum concentrations after oral dosing, only a small amount of the dose administered is recovered from the bile as unchanged drug. An additional 1% to 2% of the dose is recovered from the bile in the form of metabolites. Approximately 20% to 35% of an oral dose is recovered from the feces within 5 days after dosing. This may arise from either biliary clearance or transintestinal elimination.
Specific Populations
Elderly
Pharmacokinetic studies of the oral (single dose) and intravenous (single and multiple dose) forms of ciprofloxacin indicate that plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin are higher in elderly subjects (older than 65 years) as compared to young adults. Although the C
maxis increased 16% to 40%, the increase in mean AUC is approximately 30%, and can be at least partially attributed to decreased renal clearance in the elderly. Elimination half-life is only slightly (~20%) prolonged in the elderly. These differences are not considered clinically significant
[see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
Renal Impairment
In patients with reduced renal function, the half-life of ciprofloxacin is slightly prolonged. Dosage adjustments may be required
[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Hepatic Impairment
In preliminary studies in patients with stable chronic liver cirrhosis, no significant changes in ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics have been observed. The kinetics of ciprofloxacin in patients with acute hepatic insufficiency, have not been fully studied.
Pediatrics
Following a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg Ciprofloxacin suspension to 16 children ranging in age from 4 months to 7 years, the mean C
maxwas 2.4 mcg/mL (range: 1.5 mcg/mL to 3.4 mcg/mL) and the mean AUC was 9.2 mcg*hr/mL (range: 5.8 mcg*hr/mL to 14.9 mcg*h/mL). There was no apparent age-dependence, and no notable increase in C
maxor AUC upon multiple dosing (10 mg/kg three times a day). In children with severe sepsis who were given Ciprofloxacin IV (10 mg/kg as a 1-hour intravenous infusion), the mean C
maxwas 6.1 mcg/mL (range: 4.6 mcg/mL to 8.3 mcg/mL) in 10 children less than 1 year of age; and 7.2 mcg/mL (range: 4.7 mcg/mL to 11.8 mcg/mL) in 10 children between 1 year and 5 years of age. The AUC values were 17.4 mcg*hr/mL (range: 11.8 mcg*hr/mL to 32 mcg*hr/mL) and 16.5 mcg*hr/mL (range: 11 mcg*hr/mL to 23.8 mcg*hr/mL) in the respective age groups. These values are within the range reported for adults at therapeutic doses. Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis of pediatric patients with various infections, the predicted mean half-life in children is approximately 4 hours –5 hours, and the bioavailability of the oral suspension is approximately 60%.
Drug-Drug Interactions
Antacids
Concurrent administration of antacids containing magnesium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide may reduce the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by as much as 90%
[see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Drug Interactions (7)].
Histamine H2-receptor antagonists
Histamine H
2-receptor antagonists appear to have no significant effect on the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin.
Metronidazole
The serum concentrations of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole were not altered when these two drugs were given concomitantly.
Tizanidine
In a pharmacokinetic study, systemic exposure of tizanidine (4 mg single dose) was significantly increased (C
max7-fold, AUC 10-fold) when the drug was given concomitantly with Ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice a day for 3 days). Concomitant administration of tizanidine and Ciprofloxacin is contraindicated due to the potentiation of hypotensive and sedative effects of tizanidine
[see Contraindications (
4.2)].
Ropinirole
In a study conducted in 12 patients with Parkinson's disease who were administered 6 mg ropinirole once daily with 500 mg Ciprofloxacin twice-daily, the mean C
maxand mean AUC of ropinirole were increased by 60% and 84%, respectively. Monitoring for ropinirole-related adverse reactions and appropriate dose adjustment of ropinirole is recommended during and shortly after co-administration with Ciprofloxacin
[see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Clozapine
Following concomitant administration of 250 mg Ciprofloxacin with 304 mg clozapine for 7 days, serum concentrations of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine were increased by 29% and 31%, respectively. Careful monitoring of clozapine associated adverse reactions and appropriate adjustment of clozapine dosage during and shortly after co-administration with Ciprofloxacin are advised.
Sildenafil
Following concomitant administration of a single oral dose of 50 mg sildenafil with 500 mg Ciprofloxacin to healthy subjects, the mean C
maxand mean AUC of sildenafil were both increased approximately two-fold. Use sildenafil with caution when co-administered with Ciprofloxacin due to the expected two-fold increase in the exposure of sildenafil upon co-administration of Ciprofloxacin.
Duloxetine
In clinical studies it was demonstrated that concomitant use of duloxetine with strong inhibitors of the CYP450 1A2 isozyme such as fluvoxamine, may result in a 5-fold increase in mean AUC and a 2.5-fold increase in mean C
maxof duloxetine.
Lidocaine
In a study conducted in 9 healthy volunteers, concomitant use of 1.5 mg/kg IV lidocaine with Ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily resulted in an increase of lidocaine C
maxand AUC by 12% and 26%, respectively. Although lidocaine treatment was well tolerated at this elevated exposure, a possible interaction with Ciprofloxacin and an increase in adverse reactions related to lidocaine may occur upon concomitant administration.
Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide significantly accelerates the absorption of oral ciprofloxacin resulting in a shorter time to reach maximum plasma concentrations. No significant effect was observed on the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin.
Omeprazole
When Ciprofloxacin was administered as a single 1000 mg dose concomitantly with omeprazole (40 mg once daily for three days) to 18 healthy volunteers, the mean AUC and C
maxof ciprofloxacin were reduced by 20% and 23%, respectively. The clinical significance of this interaction has not been determined.
Mechanism of Action
The bactericidal action of ciprofloxacin results from inhibition of the enzymes topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV (both Type II topoisomerases), which are required for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination.
Mechanism of Resistance
The mechanism of action of fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, is different from that of penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, macrolides, and tetracyclines; therefore, microorganisms resistant to these classes of drugs may be susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Resistance to fluoroquinolones occurs primarily by either mutations in the DNA gyrases, decreased outer membrane permeability, or drug efflux.
In vitroresistance to ciprofloxacin develops slowly by multiple step mutations. Resistance to ciprofloxacin due to spontaneous mutations occurs at a general frequency of between < 10
-9to 1x10
-6.
Cross Resistance
There is no known cross-resistance between ciprofloxacin and other classes of antimicrobials.
Ciprofloxacin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, both
in vitroand in clinical infections
[see Indications and Usage (1)].
Gram-positive bacteria
Bacillus anthracis
Enterococcus faecalis
Staphylococcus aureus(methicillin-susceptible isolates only)
Staphylococcus epidermidis(methicillin-susceptible isolates only)
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pyogenes
Gram-negative bacteria
Campylobacter jejuni
Citrobacter koseri
Citrobacter freundii
Enterobacter cloacae
Escherichia coli
Haemophilus influenzae
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Moraxella catarrhalis
Morganella morganii
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Proteus mirabilis
Proteus vulgaris
Providencia rettgeri
Providencia stuartii
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Salmonella typhi
Serratia marcescens
Shigella boydii
Shigella dysenteriae
Shigella flexneri
Shigella sonnei
Yersinia pestis
The following
in vitrodata are available,
but their clinical significance is unknown.At least 90 percent of the following bacteria exhibit an
in vitrominimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for ciprofloxacin (≤1 mcg/mL). However, the efficacy of ciprofloxacin in treating clinical infections due to these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.
Gram-positive bacteria
Staphylococcus haemolyticus(methicillin-susceptible isolates only)
Staphylococcus hominis(methicillin-susceptible isolates only)
Gram-negative bacteria
Acinetobacter lwoffi
Aeromonas hydrophila
Edwardsiella tarda
Enterobacter aerogenes
Klebsiella oxytoca
Legionella pneumophila
Pasteurella multocida
Salmonella enteritidis
Vibrio cholerae
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Vibrio vulnificus
Yersinia enterocolitica
Susceptibility Test Methods
When available, the clinical microbiology laboratory should provide the results of
in vitrosusceptibility test results for antimicrobial drug products used in resident hospitals to the physician as periodic reports that describe the susceptibility profile of nosocomial and community-acquired pathogens. These reports should aid the physician in selecting an antibacterial drug product for treatment.
Dilution Techniques
Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). These MICs provide estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be determined using a standardized test method (broth and/or agar).
5,6,7The MIC values should be interpreted according to criteria provided in
Table 12.
Diffusion Techniques
Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters can also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size provides an estimate of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size should be determined using a standardized test method.
6,7,8This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 5 mcg ciprofloxacin to test the susceptibility of bacteria to ciprofloxacin. The disc diffusion interpretive criteria are provided in
Table 12.
Table 12: Susceptibility Test Interpretive Criteria for Ciprofloxacin |
|
| MIC (mcg/mL) | Zone Diameter (mm) |
| Bacteria | S | I | R | S | I | R |
| Enterobacteriaceae | ≤1
| 2 | ≥4
| ≥21
| 16–20 | ≤15
|
| Enterococcus faecalis | ≤1
| 2 | ≥4
| ≥21
| 16–20 | ≤15
|
| Staphylococcus aureus | ≤1
| 2 | ≥4
| ≥21
| 16–20 | ≤15
|
| Staphylococcus epidermidis | ≤1
| 2 | ≥4
| ≥21
| 16–20 | ≤15
|
| Staphylococcus saprophyticus | ≤1
| 2 | ≥4
| ≥21
| 16–20 | ≤15
|
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | ≤1
| 2 | ≥4
| ≥21
| 16–20 | ≤15
|
| Haemophilus influenzae1 | ≤1 | - | - | ≥21
| - | - |
| Haemophilus parainfluenzae1 | ≤1
| - | - | ≥21
| - | - |
| Salmonella typhi | ≤0.06 | 0.12–0.5 | ≥1 | ≥31 | 21–30 | ≤20 |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae | ≤1
| 2 | ≥4
| ≥21
| 16–20 | ≤15
|
| Streptococcus pyogenes | ≤1
| 2 | ≥4
| ≥21
| 16–20 | ≤15
|
| Neisseria gonorrhoeae2 | ≤0.06 | 0.12–0.5 | ≥1 | ≥41 | 28–40 | ≤27 |
| Bacillus anthracis1 | ≤0.25 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Yersinia pestis1 | ≤0.25 | - | - | - | - | - |
| S=Susceptible, I=Intermediate, and R=Resistant. |
A report of “Susceptible” indicates that the antimicrobial is likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial compound reaches the concentrations at the site of infection necessary to inhibit growth of the pathogen. A report of “Intermediate” indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and, if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone that prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of “Resistant” indicates that the antimicrobial is not likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial compound reaches the concentrations usually achievable at the infection site; other therapy should be selected.
Quality Control
Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory controls to monitor the accuracy and precision of supplies and reagents used in the assay, and the techniques of the individuals performing the test.
5,6,7,8Standard ciprofloxacin powder should provide the following range of MIC values noted in
Table 13. For the diffusion technique using the ciprofloxacin 5 mcg disk the criteria in
Table 13should be achieved.
Table 13: Acceptable Quality Control Ranges for Ciprofloxacin |
| Bacteria | MIC range (mcg/mL) | Zone Diameter (mm) |
| Enterococcus faecalisATCC 29212
| 0.25–2 | - |
| Escherichia coliATCC 25922
| 0.004–0.015 | 30–40 |
| Haemophilus influenzaeATCC 49247
| 0.004–0.03 | 34–42 |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosaATCC 27853
| 0.25–1 | 25–33 |
| Staphylococcus aureusATCC 29213
| 0.12–0.5 | - |
| Staphylococcus aureusATCC 25923
| - | 22–30 |
| Neisseria gonorrhoeaeATCC 49226
1 | 0.001–0.008 | 48–58 |
| Campylobacter jejuniATCC 33560
| 0.06–0.25 and 0.03–0.12 | - |
Serious Adverse Reactions
Advise patients to stop taking Ciprofloxacin if they experience an adverse reaction and to call their healthcare provider for advice on completing the full course of treatment with another antibacterial drug.
Inform patients of the following serious adverse reactions that have been associated with Ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolone use:
- Disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions that may occur together:Inform patients that disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions, including tendinitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathies, and central nervous system effects, have been associated with use of Ciprofloxacin and may occur together in the same patient. Inform patients to stop taking Ciprofloxacin immediately if they experience an adverse reaction and to call their healthcare provider.
- Tendinitis and tendon rupture:Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience pain, swelling, or inflammation of a tendon, or weakness or inability to use one of their joints; rest and refrain from exercise; and discontinue Ciprofloxacin treatment. Symptoms may be irreversible. The risk of severe tendon disorder with fluoroquinolones is higher in older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart or lung transplants.
- Peripheral Neuropathies:Inform patients that peripheral neuropathies have been associated with ciprofloxacin use, symptoms may occur soon after initiation of therapy and may be irreversible. If symptoms of peripheral neuropathy including pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness develop, immediately discontinue Ciprofloxacin and tell them to contact their physician.
- Central nervous system effects(for example, convulsions, dizziness, lightheadedness, increased intracranial pressure): Inform patients that convulsions have been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones, including Ciprofloxacin. Instruct patients to notify their physician before taking this drug if they have a history of convulsions. Inform patients that they should know how they react to Ciprofloxacin before they operate an automobile or machinery or engage in other activities requiring mental alertness and coordination. Instruct patients to notify their physician if persistent headache with or without blurred vision occurs.
- Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis:Instruct patients to inform their physician of any history of myasthenia gravis. Instruct patients to notify their physician if they experience any symptoms of muscle weakness, including respiratory difficulties.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions:Inform patients that ciprofloxacin can cause hypersensitivity reactions, even following a single dose, and to discontinue the drug at the first sign of a skin rash, hives or other skin reactions, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, any swelling suggesting angioedema (for example, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, tightness of the throat, hoarseness), or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
- Hepatotoxicity:Inform patients that severe hepatotoxicity (including acute hepatitis and fatal events) has been reported in patients taking Ciprofloxacin. Instruct patients to inform their physician if they experience any signs or symptoms of liver injury including: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, tiredness, right upper quadrant tenderness, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, light colored bowel movements or dark colored urine.
- Diarrhea:Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, instruct patients to contact their physician as soon as possible.
- Prolongation of the QT Interval:Instruct patients to inform their physician of any personal or family history of QT prolongation or proarrhythmic conditions such as hypokalemia, bradycardia, or recent myocardial ischemia; if they are taking any Class IA (quinidine, procainamide), or Class III (amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. Instruct patients to notify their physician if they have any symptoms of prolongation of the QT interval, including prolonged heart palpitations or a loss of consciousness.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders in Pediatric Patients:Instruct parents to inform their child's physician if the child has a history of joint-related problems before taking this drug. Inform parents of pediatric patients to notify their child's physician of any joint-related problems that occur during or following ciprofloxacin therapy
[see Warnings and Precautions (
5.12) and Use in Specific Populations (
8.4)].
- Tizanidine:Instruct patients not to use ciprofloxacin if they are already taking tizanidine. Ciprofloxacin increases the effects of tizanidine (Zanaflex
®).
- Theophylline:Inform patients that Ciprofloxacin may increase the effects of theophylline. Life-threatening CNS effects and arrhythmias can occur. Advise the patients to immediately seek medical help if they experience seizures, palpitations, or difficulty breathing.
- Caffeine:Inform patients that Ciprofloxacin may increase the effects of caffeine. There is a possibility of caffeine accumulation when products containing caffeine are consumed while taking quinolones.
- Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity:Inform patients that photosensitivity/phototoxicity has been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones. Inform patients to minimize or avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds or UVA/B treatment) while taking quinolones. If patients need to be outdoors while using quinolones, instruct them to wear loose-fitting clothes that protect skin from sun exposure and discuss other sun protection measures with their physician. If a sunburn-like reaction or skin eruption occurs, instruct patients to contact their physician.
Antibacterial Resistance
Inform patients that antibacterial drugs including Ciprofloxacin Tablets should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (for example, the common cold). When Ciprofloxacin Tablets are prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Ciprofloxacin Tablets or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Administration with Food, Fluids, and Concomitant Medications
Inform patients that Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food.
Inform patients to drink fluids liberally while taking Ciprofloxacin to avoid formation of highly concentrated urine and crystal formation in the urine.
Inform patients that antacids containing magnesium, or aluminum, as well as sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, and multivitamin preparations with zinc or didanosine should be taken at least two hours before or six hours after Ciprofloxacin administration. Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with dairy products (like milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone since absorption of ciprofloxacin may be significantly reduced; however, Ciprofloxacin may be taken with a meal that contains these products.
Drug Interactions Oral Antidiabetic Agents
Inform patients that hypoglycemia has been reported when ciprofloxacin and oral antidiabetic agents were co-administered; if low blood sugar occurs with Ciprofloxacin, instruct them to consult their physician and that their antibacterial medicine may need to be changed.
Anthrax and Plague Studies
Inform patients given Ciprofloxacin for these conditions that efficacy studies could not be conducted in humans for feasibility reasons. Therefore, approval for these conditions was based on efficacy studies conducted in animals.
Manufactured and Distributed by:
Carlsbad Tech
5928 Farnsworth Court
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Revised: July 2016
CTI-6 Rev L
Marketed by:
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