Appropriate Cipro® dosage can depend on the location and nature of a bacterial infection, along with a patient’s general level of health. This potent antibiotic is effective against a wide range of organisms, including those responsible for common urinary tract, respiratory, and sinus infections. A medical professional may recommend it if a condition is likely to respond to Cipro® treatment, or if the outcome of a culture reveals that an infection is sensitive to the antibiotic. Concerns can include a history of kidney problems, which might require dosage adjustments.
This medication is available in tablets, an oral suspension, and a solution to be injected. The best option can depend on the patient’s infection; for severe infections, intravenous infusion may be recommended to attack the bacteria quickly, while more mild infections can be treated with oral medications. Patients need a new dose every 12 hours to keep levels of the medication consistent in the body, and may need to remain on Cipro® for seven to 14 days. For some infections, the duration of therapy may need to be longer, up to two months for conditions like inhalation anthrax.
Patients may take a lower starting Cipro® dosage, starting at 250 milligrams, for mild infections or in cases where kidney sensitivity necessitates a dose adjustment. More serious infections can require 500 to 750 milligram doses to adequately destroy the bacteria. While on any Cipro® dosage, patients may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This medication is also associated with muscle and kidney damage. Patients who notice a sudden onset of aches, pains, and irritation should discuss it with their doctors, as it may be a sign of an adverse reaction.
In cases where a patient needs an intravenous Cipro® dosage, a care provider may recommend hospitalization. The patient could be unstable enough to require hospital care anyway, or there could be concerns about complications from the infection that might create a medical emergency. Care providers in the hospital can make sure patients receive adequate fluids and nutrition during treatment. They can also provide patients with respiratory support, pain management, and other therapy deemed necessary.
If the patient does not appear to respond to the Cipro® dosage within several days, it may be necessary to increase the dose or perform a culture. In a culture, a pathologist can grow the organisms causing the infection and expose them to several different antibiotics. The antibiotic that effectively kills the bacteria in culture can be used to treat the patient.