Ciprofloxacin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic medicine classified as quinolone – a term used to denote any pharmaceutical compound belonging to a large group of broad-spectrum bactericides that share a bicyclic core structure related to the compound 4-quinolone. These medicines are widely used both in medicine and veterinary procedures. In human, Ciprofloxacin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI) and cystitis. This medicine is a generic version of the branded Ciproxin, developed and marketed by Bayer pharmaceutical company.
This generic UTI medicine manages to provide effective relief from cystitis symptoms with just one to two tablets per day. And as a generic version of a branded medicine, Ciprofloxacin is significantly more affordable as compared to Bayer’s original medicine.
What’s on this page?
What is cystitis?
Cystitis is a very unpleasant medical condition caused by a bacterial infection of the bladder. The usual root cause of this condition is the presence of harmful bacteria in the women which, when left untreated, can migrate to the bladder. While most women will experience this condition at least once in their lives, cystitis can also affect men, albeit in somewhat smaller number. The common symptoms include frequent and painful urination, changes in urine colour and consistency (becoming more discoloured and cloudy).
The initial infection can spread in a number of different ways. For example, women who wipe ‘back to front’ (from anus towards the vagina) may unwillingly transport bacteria from the anus to their urethra. Other cases can be caused by the use of a tampon or cervical barrier contraception such as diaphragm and even sexual intercourse has been known to play a role in causing cystitis.
How is cystitis treated?
In a significant percentage of those affected, the immune system will manage to fight off the infection without the need for any additional treatment aside from drinking plenty of fluids and maybe using mild painkillers. In others, however, the symptoms might linger on and exacerbate as the time goes by, with the infection sometimes even spreading to the kidneys and thus becoming significantly more serious.
How does Ciprofloxacin help with UTIs and cystitis?
Ciprofloxacin can make a significant difference in those cases where the body’s natural defences can’t deal with the infection on their own. It works by directly interfering with the bacteria’s ability to sustain themselves and multiply. More specifically this medicine will inhibit the synthesis and production of DNA-gyrase enzyme, a compound vital for the maintenance of the bacterial cells and their regeneration (when damaged).
Ciprofloxacin will halt the production of this molecule, effectively rendering the bacteria cells defenceless against the immune system which will then easily clear the infection.
Can I buy Ciprofloxacin online? Do I need a prescription?
As is the case with all broad-spectrum antibiotics, you will need a prescription in order to obtain Ciprofloxacin. You can do this by making an appointment with your doctor (general practitioner) and ask for medicine after describing your symptoms and undergoing various tests if needed. However, if you are looking to buy Ciprofloxacin online, you can skip making an appointment and waiting in line at the pharmacy. Instead, you can look up for online clinics and use them to obtain your medicine.
The process is rather simple. You will still need a prescription and for that, you’ll have to talk to a doctor, but with an online clinic, you can do this from the comfort of your own home, via customized questionnaire or a live chat app on the clinic’s website. After answering the questions relevant for your medical profile, the doctor will make a decision. If you are suitable for the treatment, then the prescription will be issued and used that very instant to send the required medicine to your address.
What is the active ingredient of Ciprofloxacin?
The active ingredient of ciprofloxacin is a pharmaceutical compound of the same name. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, used in the treatment of various bacterial infections, including cystitis. This active ingredient was originally developed by Bayer, as was mentioned, but the patent has expired and now Ciprofloxacin is available as a more affordable but otherwise virtually identical alternative.
How is Ciprofloxacin used?
In order to ensure safety of the treatment as well as its optimal results, you should follow the doctor’s instructions precisely. Aside from consultations with certified medical professional, official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medicine can also be of help when it comes to using Ciprofloxacin properly.
The usually prescribed dose is one to two tablets each day for a period that will be precisely determined by a doctor after learning about the severity and the duration of your symptoms. The tablets should be taken whole with plenty of water, usually between meals. However, you should make sure to avoid consuming dairy products (such as milk and yoghurt) when using this medicine. Finally, it would be ideal to take the tablets at the same time each day. In addition, be sure to never exceed the prescribed dose.
What are Ciprofloxacin side effects?
Frequency of occurrence |
Side effects |
Common (1 in 10 users) |
Nausea, diarrhoea |
Uncommon (1 in 100 users) |
Loss of appetite, fungal infections, agitation, headache, difficulty sleeping, rash, muscle pain |
Rare (1 in 1000 users) |
Bowel inflammation, increased blood sugar, tinnitus, increased heartbeat, breathlessness, blood crystals in the urine |
Is Ciprofloxacin safe for me?
As is the case with all medicines, there are certain situations when the use of Ciprofloxacin will be contraindicated. This might be the case if you are currently taking any of the following medicines:
- Vitamin K antagonists
- Anti-coagulants
- Sildenafil
- Cyclosporin
- Metoclopramide
- Antidepressants
- Lidocaine
- Supplements containing calcium, iron, aluminium or magnesium
- Other cystitis medicines
Alternatively, certain medical conditions can make Ciprofloxacin use contraindicated. These include:
- Epilepsy
- Kidney problems
- Tendon problems
- Diabetes
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
- Heart problem
Finally, Ciprofloxacin is not recommended for women who are currently pregnant, and it should certainly be avoided if you are currently breastfeeding.