Ciprofloxacin 250mg

Ciprofloxacin 250mg — Uses and Benefits

Ciprofloxacin 250mg is used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria in different parts of the body.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Urinary tract infections
• Certain types of diarrhoea caused by bacteria
• Respiratory tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Certain sexually transmitted infections
• Typhoid fever

HOW IT WORKS

• It stops bacteria from copying their DNA, which they need to grow and multiply
• This leads to the death of the bacteria causing the infection
• It works only against bacteria, not viruses or fungi

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Common cold, flu, or other viral infections
• Fungal infections
• Preventing infections without a doctor's advice
• Self-treatment of fever without knowing the cause

Always complete the full course as advised by your doctor, even if you feel better before finishing it, to prevent the infection from returning or bacteria becoming resistant.

How to Use Ciprofloxacin 250mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with a full glass of water
• Can be taken with or without food, but avoid taking with dairy products or calcium-fortified juices alone
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine
• Avoid taking antacids, iron, or calcium supplements within 2 hours of this medicine
• Complete the full course even if symptoms improve earlier

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
• Do not take double doses to make up for a missed one
• Try to take doses at the same times each day for best effect

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink

Ciprofloxacin 250mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Skin rash
• Restlessness or sleep disturbance
• Taste changes
• Vaginal itching or discharge

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Sudden tendon pain, swelling, or difficulty moving a joint (risk of tendon rupture)
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness suggesting nerve damage
• Severe allergic reaction such as swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing, or severe rash
• Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine
• Severe, watery, or bloody diarrhoea
• Unusual mood changes, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Ciprofloxacin 250mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be taken only under medical supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics
• Are taking tizanidine (a muscle relaxant)
• Have a history of tendon problems linked with fluoroquinolone use

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have epilepsy or a history of seizures
• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have a heart rhythm problem or family history of it
• Have myasthenia gravis
• Are elderly, as risk of tendon problems is higher
• Have diabetes

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Antacids, calcium, iron, or zinc supplements
• Warfarin or other blood thinners
• Theophylline
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen
• Certain medicines for heart rhythm (QT-prolonging drugs)
• Oral diabetes medicines like glibenclamide
• Corticosteroids (increase tendon rupture risk)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine for a common cold?

No, it does not work against viruses and should only be used for bacterial infections as diagnosed by a doctor.

Can I drink milk with this medicine?

It is best to avoid taking it with milk or dairy products alone, as calcium can reduce its absorption.

Is it safe to drive after taking this medicine?

• Some people feel dizzy or lightheaded, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.