Ciprofloxacin

About Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections including traveller’s diarrhoea. Traveller’s diarrhoea is the term used to describe diarrhoea experienced by people travelling to foreign countries. It is most common in young adults and can affect up to 60% of travellers visiting high risk destinations such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. In most occurrences, traveller’s diarrhoea is caused by bacteria from contaminated food or water and risk can be minimised by avoiding consuming tap water, ice, unpasteurised milk, seafood, undercooked meat and raw fruit and vegetables. Symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea typically begin abruptly and can either occur during travel or soon after returning home. The main symptom is an increase in frequency of bowel movements (typically 3 or more loose stools in 24hrs) which can also be accompanied by other symptoms including cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, bloating and loss of appetite. Ciprofloxacin effectively treats the condition by preventing the growth and reproduction of bacteria.

Can Ciprofloxacin be used to treat all types of diarrhoea?

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic which can only treat infections caused by bacteria. It therefore cannot treat diarrhoea caused by a virus a parasite.

Can Ciprofloxacin be used to prevent traveller’s diarrhoea?

It is not recommended to use Ciprofloxacin as a preventative for traveller’s diarrhoea.

Is it possible to order Ciprofloxacin if I am not suffering from traveller’s diarrhoea?

It is possible to request a private prescription in advance of travelling to a foreign country if it is expected there will be no access to a doctor.

• Ciprofloxacin should be used in circumstances where there is no immediate medical assistance available.
• Do not take Ciprofloxacin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Ciprofloxacin can reduce your attention and you should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medication.
• Inform your doctor before taking Ciprofloxacin if you suffer from epilepsy, convulsions, heart problems, myasthenia gravis, kidney impairment or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Ciprofloxacin contains the active ingredient ciprofloxacin hydrochloride which kills the bacteria that has caused the infection.

The recommended dose is one 500mg tablet taken twice daily at equally spaced intervals for up to 3 days. It is advised to drink plenty of water while taking this medication to avoid developing kidney problems. Avoid taking with dairy products as this can slow the uptake of Ciprofloxacin in the stomach.

A short course of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin or azithromycin together with the anti-diarrhoeal Loperamide is effective in treating traveller’s diarrhoea. An anti-sickness tablet such as Avomine will also relieve symptoms and help to prevent dehydration. These standby treatments work best if taken as soon as diarrhoea starts.

Ciprofloxacin Side Effects

Common side effects of Ciprofloxacin include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rash and flatulence.

Rare Ciprofloxacin side effects include: dizziness, headache, joint pain, sleep disturbance, photosensitivity (sensitivity to light), jaundice, confusion, convulsions, inflamed tendons, loss of appetite, pancreatitis, chest pain, fast heart rate (tachycardia), fainting, swelling, hot flushes, sweating, excessively high glucose levels.

In very rare cases, side effects include: movement disorders, tinnitus (ringing of the ears).