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Vero-Ciprofloxacin (Tablets) Instructions for Use

ATC Code

J01MA02 (Ciprofloxacin)

Active Substance

Ciprofloxacin (Rec.INN registered by WHO)

Clinical-Pharmacological Group

Antibacterial drug of the fluoroquinolone group

Pharmacotherapeutic Group

Antimicrobial agent – fluoroquinolone

Pharmacological Action

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, a fluoroquinolone derivative.

It inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerases II and IV, responsible for the supercoiling process of chromosomal DNA around nuclear RNA, which is necessary for reading genetic information), disrupts DNA synthesis, growth, and division of bacteria; causes pronounced morphological changes (including of the cell wall and membranes) and rapid death of the bacterial cell.

It acts bactericidally on gram-negative organisms during both the resting and division phases (as it affects not only DNA gyrase but also causes lysis of the cell wall), and on gram-positive microorganisms – only during the division phase.

Low toxicity to the cells of the macroorganism is explained by the absence of DNA gyrase in them. During the administration of ciprofloxacin, no parallel development of resistance to other antibiotics not belonging to the group of gyrase inhibitors occurs, which makes it highly effective against bacteria that are resistant, for example, to aminoglycosides, penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, and many other antibiotics.

Sensitive to ciprofloxacin are gram-negative aerobic bacteria enterobacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Citrobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia marcescens, Hafnia alvei, Edwardsiella tarda, Providencia spp., Morganella morganii, Vibrio spp., Yersinia spp.), other gram-negative bacteria (Haemophilus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Moraxella catarrhalis, Aeromonas spp., Pasteurella multocida, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Campylobacter jejuni, Neisseria spp.), some intracellular pathogens (Legionella pneumophila, Brucella spp., Chlamydia trachomatis, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium kansasii, Corynebacterium diphtheriae); gram-positive aerobic bacteria Staphylococcus spp. (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus), Streptococcus spp. (Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae).

Most staphylococci resistant to methicillin are also resistant to ciprofloxacin. The sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobacterium avium (located intracellularly) is moderate (high concentrations are required for their suppression).

Resistant to ciprofloxacin are: Bacteroides fragilis, Pseudomonas cepacia, Pseudomonas maltophilia, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Clostridium difficile, Nocardia asteroides. It is ineffective against Treponema pallidum.

Resistance develops extremely slowly because, on the one hand, after the action of ciprofloxacin, practically no persisting microorganisms remain, and on the other hand, bacterial cells lack enzymes that inactivate it.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, Ciprofloxacin is rapidly absorbed mainly from the small intestine. Cmax in blood plasma is reached after 1-2 hours. Bioavailability is about 70-80%. The values of Cmax in blood plasma and AUC increase proportionally to the dose.

The binding of ciprofloxacin to plasma proteins is 20-30%; the active substance is present in the plasma mainly in a non-ionized form. Ciprofloxacin freely distributes in body tissues and fluids. The Vd in the body is 2-3 L/kg. The concentration of ciprofloxacin in tissues significantly exceeds the concentration in blood serum. It is metabolized in the liver. Four metabolites of ciprofloxacin can be detected in the blood in small concentrations: diethylciprofloxacin (M1), sulfociprofloxacin (M2), oxociprofloxacin (M3), formylciprofloxacin (M4), three of which (M1-M3) exhibit antibacterial activity in vitro comparable to the antibacterial activity of nalidixic acid. The in vitro antibacterial activity of metabolite M4, present in smaller quantities, more closely corresponds to the activity of norfloxacin. Ciprofloxacin is excreted from the body mainly by the kidneys through glomerular filtration and tubular secretion; a small amount – through the gastrointestinal tract. Renal clearance is 0.18-0.3 L/h/kg, total clearance is 0.48-0.60 L/h/kg. Approximately 1% of the administered dose is excreted in the bile. Ciprofloxacin is present in bile in high concentrations. In patients with unchanged renal function, T1/2 is usually 3-5 hours. In case of impaired renal function, T1/2 increases.

Indications

Uncomplicated and complicated infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to ciprofloxacin.

Adults

Infections of the respiratory tract – pneumonias caused by Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Proteus spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus spp., Moraxella catarrhalis, Legionella spp., Staphylococcus spp.; middle ear infections (otitis media), especially if these infections are caused by Staphylococcus spp. and gram-negative microorganisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa; eye infections; kidney infections and/or complicated urinary tract infections; genital infections, including adnexitis, gonorrhea, prostatitis; abdominal infections (bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract, peritonitis); skin and soft tissue infections; bone and joint infections; sepsis; infections or prevention of infections in patients with reduced immunity (patients taking immunosuppressants or patients with neutropenia); selective decontamination of the intestine in patients with reduced immunity; prevention and treatment of the pulmonary form of anthrax (infection with Bacillus anthracis).

For the treatment of the following infectious and inflammatory diseases, Ciprofloxacin may be used only as an alternative to other antimicrobial drugs: acute sinusitis; uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

Children

Treatment of complications caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cystic fibrosis of the lungs from 5 to 17 years; prevention and treatment of the pulmonary form of anthrax (infection with Bacillus anthracis) in children from 3 years.

The use of ciprofloxacin in children should be initiated only after assessing the benefit/risk ratio due to the possible side effect on joints and periarticular tissues.

ICD codes

ICD-10 code Indication
A09.0 Other and unspecified gastroenteritis and colitis of infectious origin (infectious diarrhea NOS)
A22 Anthrax
A40 Streptococcal sepsis
A41 Other sepsis
A54 Gonococcal infection
B96.5 Pseudomonas (aeruginosa) (mallei) (pseudomallei) as the cause of diseases classified in other chapters
E84 Cystic fibrosis
H01.0 Blepharitis
H10 Conjunctivitis
H15 Diseases of sclera
H16 Keratitis
H20 Iridocyclitis
H66 Suppurative and unspecified otitis media
J01 Acute sinusitis
J15 Bacterial pneumonia, not elsewhere classified
J20 Acute bronchitis
J42 Unspecified chronic bronchitis
K65.0 Acute peritonitis (including abscess)
K81.0 Acute cholecystitis
K81.1 Chronic cholecystitis
K83.0 Cholangitis
L01 Impetigo
L02 Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle
L03 Cellulitis
L08.0 Pyoderma
L08.8 Other specified local infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue
M00 Pyogenic arthritis
M86 Osteomyelitis
N10 Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (acute pyelonephritis)
N11 Chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis (chronic pyelonephritis)
N30 Cystitis
N34 Urethritis and urethral syndrome
N37.0 Urethritis in diseases classified elsewhere
N41 Inflammatory diseases of prostate
N70 Salpingitis and oophoritis
N71 Inflammatory disease of uterus, excluding cervix (including endometritis, myometritis, metritis, pyometra, uterine abscess)
N72 Inflammatory disease of cervix uteri (including cervicitis, endocervicitis, exocervicitis)
N74.3 Gonococcal inflammatory diseases of female pelvic organs
T79.3 Posttraumatic wound infection, not elsewhere classified
ICD-11 code Indication
1A40.Z Infectious gastroenteritis or colitis, unspecified
1A7Z Gonococcal infection, unspecified
1B70.1 Streptococcal cellulitis of the skin
1B70.2 Staphylococcal cellulitis of the skin
1B70.Z Bacterial cellulitis or lymphangitis caused by unspecified bacterium
1B72.0 Bullous impetigo
1B72.1 Nonbullous impetigo
1B72.Z Impetigo, unspecified
1B75.0 Furuncle
1B75.1 Carbuncle
1B75.2 Furunculosis
1B75.3 Pyogenic skin abscess
1B7Y Other specified pyogenic bacterial infections of skin or subcutaneous tissue
1B97 Anthrax
1C44 Non-pyogenic bacterial infections of skin
1G40 Sepsis without septic shock
9A01.3 Infectious blepharitis
9A02.Z Inflammatory disorders of eyelid, unspecified
9A60.Z Conjunctivitis, unspecified
9A71 Infectious keratitis
9A7Z Diseases of the cornea, unspecified
9A96.0 Anterior uveitis, not associated with systemic diseases
9A96.1 Anterior uveitis, associated with systemic diseases
9A96.Z Anterior uveitis, unspecified
9B5Z Disorders of sclera, unspecified
AA9Z Unspecified suppurative otitis media
CA01 Acute rhinosinusitis
CA20.1Z Chronic bronchitis, unspecified
CA25.Z Cystic fibrosis, unspecified
CA40.0Z Bacterial pneumonia, unspecified
CA42.Z Acute bronchitis, unspecified
DC12.0Z Acute cholecystitis, unspecified
DC12.1 Chronic cholecystitis
DC13 Cholangitis
DC50.0 Primary peritonitis
DC50.2 Peritoneal abscess
DC50.Z Peritonitis, unspecified
EA50.3 Staphylococcal scarlet fever
EB21 Pyoderma gangrenosum
FA1Z Infectious arthropathies, unspecified
FB84.Z Osteomyelitis or osteitis, unspecified
GA01.Z Inflammatory diseases of uterus, except cervix, unspecified
GA07.Z Salpingitis and oophoritis, unspecified
GA91.Z Inflammatory and other diseases of prostate, unspecified
GB50 Acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis
GB51 Acute pyelonephritis
GB55.Z Chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis, unspecified
GB5Z Renal tubulo-interstitial diseases, unspecified
GC00.Z Cystitis, unspecified
GC02.1 Nonspecific urethritis
GC02.Z Urethritis and urethral syndrome, unspecified
NF0A.3 Posttraumatic wound infection, not elsewhere classified
XN022 Pseudomonas
1A71 Gonococcal pelviperitonitis
GA05.Z Inflammatory diseases of female pelvic organs, unspecified
GA0Z Inflammatory diseases of female genital tract, unspecified
XA5WW1 Cervix uteri

Dosage Regimen

The method of application and dosage regimen for a specific drug depend on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the compliance of the dosage form of a specific drug with the indications for use and dosage regimen.

Determine the dosage individually based on the infection type, severity, pathogen susceptibility, and the patient’s clinical status and renal function.

For adults, the standard oral dose is 250 mg to 750 mg administered twice daily. The total daily dose typically should not exceed 1500 mg.

For urinary tract infections, a dose of 250 mg twice daily is often sufficient. For more severe or complicated infections, including those of the respiratory tract, bones, joints, and abdomen, use 500 mg to 750 mg twice daily.

For children aged 5 to 17 years, use a dose of 15 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, administered twice daily. The maximum single dose should not exceed 750 mg, and the maximum total daily dose should not exceed 1500 mg. Initiate treatment in children only after a careful benefit-risk assessment.

For geriatric patients, use a lower dose within the recommended range, adjusted according to the severity of the infection and the patient’s creatinine clearance.

In patients with renal impairment, adjust the dosage based on creatinine clearance (CrCl). For CrCl 30-60 mL/min, use 250 mg to 500 mg every 12 hours. For CrCl 5-29 mL/min, use 250 mg to 500 mg every 18 hours. For patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, use 250 mg to 500 mg every 24 hours after dialysis.

The duration of treatment depends on the clinical response. For acute uncomplicated infections, continue treatment for 3 to 7 days after signs and symptoms have disappeared. For chronic or severe infections, a longer course may be necessary.

Administer tablets with a full glass of water. Patients should maintain adequate hydration. Take doses at evenly spaced intervals, preferably 2 hours after meals. Do not take with dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, or antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium; take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after these products.

Adverse Reactions

Infectious and parasitic diseases infrequently – mycotic superinfections; rarely – pseudomembranous colitis (in very rare cases with a possible fatal outcome).

From the hematopoietic system: infrequently – eosinophilia; rarely – leukopenia, anemia, neutropenia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, thrombocythemia. Very rarely: hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia (life-threatening), bone marrow depression (life-threatening).

Allergic reactions infrequently – urticaria; rarely – allergic edema/angioedema; very rarely – anaphylactic reactions, anaphylactic shock (life-threatening), serum sickness.

From the endocrine system frequency unknown – syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).

From metabolism infrequently – decreased appetite and food intake; rarely – hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia; frequency unknown – severe hypoglycemia, up to the development of hypoglycemic coma, especially in elderly patients, patients with diabetes mellitus taking oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin.

Mental disorders infrequently – psychomotor hyperactivity/agitation; rarely – confusion and disorientation, anxiety, nightmares, depression, hallucinations; very rarely – psychotic reactions (increased self-injurious behavior, such as suicidal actions/thoughts, as well as suicide attempt or successful suicide); frequency unknown – attention disturbances, nervousness, memory impairment, delirium.

From the nervous system infrequently – headache, dizziness, sleep disturbance, taste disturbances; rarely – paresthesia and dysesthesia, hypoesthesia, tremor, convulsions (including epileptic seizures), vertigo; very rarely – migraine, coordination disturbance, smell disturbance, hyperesthesia, intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri symptoms); frequency unknown – peripheral neuropathy and polyneuropathy.

From the organ of vision rarely – visual disturbances; very rarely – color vision disturbance.

From the organ of hearing and labyrinthine disorders rarely – tinnitus, hearing loss; very rarely – hearing disturbances.

From the cardiovascular system rarely – tachycardia, vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, fainting; very rarely – vasculitis; frequency unknown – QT interval prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias (including torsades de pointes, more often in patients predisposed to QT interval prolongation).

From the respiratory system rarely – breathing disorders (including bronchospasm).

From the digestive system often – nausea, diarrhea; infrequently – vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence; very rarely – pancreatitis.

From the liver and biliary tract infrequently – increased activity of hepatic transaminases, increased bilirubin concentration; rarely – liver function disorders, jaundice, hepatitis (non-infectious); very rarely – liver tissue necrosis (in extremely rare cases progressing to life-threatening liver failure).

From the skin and subcutaneous tissues infrequently – rash, itching, urticaria; rarely – photosensitivity, blistering; very rarely – petechiae, erythema multiforme minor, erythema nodosum, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (malignant exudative erythema), including potentially life-threatening; Lyell’s syndrome (toxic epidermal necrolysis), including potentially life-threatening; frequency unknown – acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis.

From the musculoskeletal system infrequently – arthralgia; rarely – myalgia, arthritis, increased muscle tone, muscle cramps; very rarely – muscle weakness, tendinitis, tendon rupture (primarily Achilles), exacerbation of myasthenia gravis symptoms.

From the kidneys and urinary tract infrequently – renal function disorders; rarely – renal failure, hematuria, crystalluria, tubulointerstitial nephritis.

General reactions infrequently – pain syndrome of nonspecific etiology, general malaise, fever; rarely – edema, hyperhidrosis; very rarely – gait disturbance.

From laboratory parameters infrequently – increased alkaline phosphatase activity; rarely – change in prothrombin content, increased amylase activity; frequency unknown – increased INR (in patients receiving vitamin K antagonists).

The frequency of the following adverse reactions with intravenous administration and with the use of step-down therapy with ciprofloxacin (with intravenous administration followed by oral administration) is higher than with oral administration often – vomiting, increased activity of hepatic transaminases, rash; infrequently – thrombocytopenia, thrombocythemia, confusion and disorientation, hallucinations, paresthesia and dysesthesia, convulsions, vertigo, visual disturbances, hearing loss, tachycardia, vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, reversible liver function disorders, jaundice, renal failure, edema; rarely – pancytopenia, bone marrow depression, anaphylactic shock, psychotic reactions, migraine, smell disturbances, hearing disturbances, vasculitis, pancreatitis, liver tissue necrosis, petechiae, tendon rupture.

In children often – arthropathies. The frequency of arthropathy (arthralgia, arthritis) mentioned above is based on clinical studies in adult patients.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or other drugs from the fluoroquinolone group; simultaneous use of ciprofloxacin and tizanidine due to clinically significant side effects (arterial hypotension, drowsiness) associated with an increase in tizanidine plasma concentration; pregnancy; breastfeeding period; children under 3 years of age.

With caution

Epilepsy, lowered seizure threshold (or history of seizures), severe cerebral atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular accident, organic brain lesions or stroke; mental illnesses (depression, psychosis); severe renal and/or hepatic insufficiency; tendon damage during previous treatment with quinolones; increased risk of QT interval prolongation or development of torsades de pointes arrhythmia (e.g., congenital long QT syndrome, heart diseases (heart failure, myocardial infarction, bradycardia), electrolyte imbalance (e.g., in hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia); simultaneous use of drugs that prolong the QT interval (including class IA and III antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, antipsychotics); simultaneous use with inhibitors of the CYP1A2 isoenzyme (including theophylline, methylxanthine, caffeine, duloxetine, clozapine, ropinirole, olanzapine, agomelatine); myasthenia gravis; use in elderly patients, in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving concomitant therapy with oral hypoglycemic drugs (e.g., sulfonylurea drugs) or insulin.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

Use is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Use in Hepatic Impairment

Use with caution in severe hepatic insufficiency.

Use in Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment require dosage regimen adjustment.

Pediatric Use

Use is contraindicated in children under 3 years of age.

Geriatric Use

In elderly patients, Ciprofloxacin should be used at lower doses, depending on the severity of the disease and creatinine clearance.

Special Precautions

When treating severe infections, staphylococcal infections, and infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, Ciprofloxacin should be used in combination with appropriate antibacterial agents.

Ciprofloxacin is not recommended for the treatment of infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae due to its limited efficacy against this pathogen.

In genital infections presumably caused by fluoroquinolone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains, information on local resistance to ciprofloxacin should be considered and the pathogen’s susceptibility should be confirmed by laboratory tests.

Resistance of Escherichia coli, the most common pathogenic microorganism causing urinary tract infections, to fluoroquinolones varies across regions of the Russian Federation. When prescribing, it is recommended to take into account the local prevalence of Escherichia coli resistance to fluoroquinolones.

Ciprofloxacin has an effect on QT interval prolongation. Given that women have a greater average QT interval duration compared to men, they are more sensitive to drugs that cause QT interval prolongation. Elderly patients also have increased sensitivity to the action of drugs that cause QT interval prolongation. Ciprofloxacin should be used with caution in combination with drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g., class IA and III antiarrhythmic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, and antipsychotic drugs) or in patients with an increased risk of QT interval prolongation or development of torsades de pointes arrhythmia (e.g., with congenital long QT syndrome, corrected electrolyte imbalance such as hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, and with heart diseases such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, bradycardia).

Hypersensitivity reactions, including allergic reactions, may sometimes develop after the first dose of ciprofloxacin. In rare cases, anaphylactic reactions up to anaphylactic shock may occur after the first application. In these cases, the use of ciprofloxacin should be discontinued immediately and appropriate treatment should be initiated.

If severe and prolonged diarrhea occurs during or after treatment with ciprofloxacin, the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis should be excluded, which requires immediate discontinuation of the drug and prescription of appropriate treatment (oral vancomycin at a dose of 250 mg 4 times a day). In this situation, the use of drugs that suppress intestinal peristalsis is contraindicated.

Cases of liver necrosis and life-threatening liver failure have been reported with the use of ciprofloxacin. If signs of liver disease occur, such as anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, itching, abdominal pain – ciprofloxacin should be discontinued. In patients taking Ciprofloxacin who have had liver disease, a temporary increase in the activity of liver transaminases and alkaline phosphatase or cholestatic jaundice may be observed.

Ciprofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with severe myasthenia gravis, as exacerbation of symptoms is possible.

At the first signs of tendinitis (painful swelling in the joint area, inflammation), the use of ciprofloxacin should be discontinued, physical activity should be avoided because there is a risk of tendon rupture, and a doctor should be consulted. When taking ciprofloxacin, cases of tendinitis and tendon ruptures (mainly the Achilles tendon), sometimes bilateral, may occur even within the first 48 hours after the start of therapy. Inflammation and tendon rupture may occur even several months after discontinuation of ciprofloxacin treatment. In elderly patients, patients with renal failure, patients after organ transplantation, simultaneously receiving corticosteroid treatment, there is an increased risk of tendinopathy. Ciprofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with a history of tendon disorders associated with quinolone use.

Ciprofloxacin, like other fluoroquinolones, can provoke convulsions and lower the seizure threshold. In patients with epilepsy and those who have had CNS diseases (e.g., lowered seizure threshold, history of convulsive seizures, cerebrovascular disorders, organic brain lesions, or stroke), due to the threat of developing CNS side reactions, Ciprofloxacin should be used only in cases where the expected clinical benefit outweighs the possible risk of side effects. If convulsions occur, the use of ciprofloxacin should be discontinued.

Mental reactions can occur even after the first use of fluoroquinolones, including Ciprofloxacin. In rare cases, depression or psychotic reactions may progress to suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts, including completed ones. If any CNS side effects occur, including mental disorders, it is necessary to immediately discontinue Ciprofloxacin and initiate appropriate therapy. In these cases, it is recommended to switch to therapy with another antibiotic, other than fluoroquinolones, if possible.

Cases of sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy, hypesthesia, dysesthesia, or weakness have been reported in patients taking fluoroquinolones, including Ciprofloxacin. If symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness occur, patients should inform their doctor before continuing the use of the drug.

When taking ciprofloxacin, a photosensitivity reaction may occur, so patients should avoid contact with direct sunlight and UV light. Treatment should be discontinued if symptoms of photosensitivity are observed (e.g., skin changes resembling sunburn).

It is known that Ciprofloxacin is a moderate inhibitor of CYP1A2 isoenzymes. Caution should be exercised when using ciprofloxacin concomitantly with drugs metabolized by these enzymes, such as theophylline, methylxanthine, caffeine, duloxetine, ropinirole, clozapine, olanzapine, agomelatine – because an increase in the serum concentration of these drugs, due to inhibition of their metabolism by ciprofloxacin, can cause specific adverse reactions. Concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and tizanidine is contraindicated.

To avoid the development of crystalluria, exceeding the recommended daily dose is unacceptable, sufficient fluid intake and maintenance of acidic urine reaction are also necessary.

In vitro, Ciprofloxacin may interfere with the bacteriological examination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, inhibiting its growth, which may lead to false-negative results in the diagnosis of this pathogen in patients taking Ciprofloxacin.

As with other fluoroquinolones, changes in blood glucose concentration, including hypo- and hyperglycemia, are possible with the use of ciprofloxacin. During therapy with ciprofloxacin, dysglycemia may occur more frequently in elderly patients and patients with diabetes mellitus receiving concomitant therapy with oral hypoglycemic drugs (e.g., sulfonylurea drugs) or insulin. When using ciprofloxacin in such patients, the risk of hypoglycemia increases, up to hypoglycemic coma. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of hypoglycemia (confusion, dizziness, increased appetite, headache, nervousness, palpitations or rapid pulse, pale skin, sweating, tremors, weakness). If a patient develops hypoglycemia, it is necessary to immediately discontinue ciprofloxacin treatment and initiate appropriate therapy. In these cases, it is recommended to switch to therapy with another antibiotic, other than fluoroquinolones, if possible. When conducting treatment with ciprofloxacin in elderly patients, in patients with diabetes mellitus, careful monitoring of blood glucose concentration is recommended.

According to epidemiological studies, an increased risk of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection has been reported after taking fluoroquinolones, especially in elderly patients.

In this regard, fluoroquinolones should be used only after a careful benefit/risk assessment and consideration of other treatment options in patients with a family history of aortic aneurysm or in patients with a diagnosed aortic aneurysm and/or aortic dissection or in the presence of other risk factors or conditions predisposing to the development of aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection (e.g., Marfan syndrome, vascular type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Takayasu’s arteritis, giant cell arteritis, Behçet’s disease, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis).

In case of sudden abdominal, chest, or back pain, patients should immediately consult a doctor in the emergency department.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms

Fluoroquinolones, including Ciprofloxacin, may impair patients’ ability to drive a car and engage in other potentially hazardous activities requiring increased attention and speed of psychomotor reactions due to the effect on the CNS.

Drug Interactions

Caution should be exercised when using ciprofloxacin concomitantly, as with other fluoroquinolones, in patients receiving drugs that cause QT interval prolongation (e.g., class I A or class III antiarrhythmic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, antipsychotic drugs).

Concomitant oral intake of ciprofloxacin and cation-containing drugs, mineral supplements containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, sucralfate, antacids, polymeric phosphate compounds (such as sevelamer, lanthanum carbonate) and drugs with high buffering capacity (such as didanosine tablets), containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium, reduces the absorption of ciprofloxacin. In such cases, Ciprofloxacin should be taken either 1-2 hours before or 4 hours after taking these drugs.

This restriction does not apply to histamine H2-receptor blockers.

Metoclopramide accelerates the absorption of ciprofloxacin (when taken orally), leading to a shorter time to reach Cmax of ciprofloxacin in plasma. No effect on the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin was found.

With concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and omeprazole, a slight decrease in Cmax in plasma and a decrease in AUC may be noted.

Concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and theophylline may cause an undesirable increase in the plasma concentration of theophylline and, accordingly, the occurrence of theophylline-induced adverse events; in very rare cases, these adverse events may be life-threatening to the patient. If concomitant use of these two drugs is unavoidable, then constant monitoring of the plasma concentration of theophylline is recommended and, if necessary, the dose of theophylline should be reduced.

Concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and caffeine or pentoxifylline (oxpentifylline) may lead to an increase in the serum concentration of xanthine derivatives.

The combination of very high doses of quinolones (DNA gyrase inhibitors) and some NSAIDs (excluding acetylsalicylic acid) may provoke convulsions.

With concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and drugs containing cyclosporine, a short-term transient increase in plasma creatinine concentration was observed. In such cases, it is necessary to determine blood creatinine concentration twice a week.

With concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and oral hypoglycemic agents, mainly sulfonylurea derivatives (e.g., glibenclamide, glimepiride), the development of hypoglycemia is presumably due to the enhancement of the action of oral hypoglycemic agents (see the “Adverse Reactions” section).

Probenecid slows down the rate of renal excretion of ciprofloxacin. Concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and drugs containing probenecid leads to an increase in the plasma concentration of ciprofloxacin.

With concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and phenytoin, a change (increase or decrease) in the plasma phenytoin content was observed. To avoid a weakening of the anticonvulsant effect of phenytoin due to a decrease in its concentration, as well as to prevent adverse events associated with phenytoin overdose upon discontinuation of ciprofloxacin, it is recommended to monitor phenytoin therapy in patients taking both drugs, including determining the plasma phenytoin content throughout the entire period of concomitant use of both drugs and for a short time after the end of combination therapy.

With concomitant use of methotrexate and ciprofloxacin, the renal tubular transport of methotrexate may be slowed down, which may be accompanied by an increase in the plasma concentration of methotrexate. This may increase the likelihood of methotrexate side effects. In this regard, patients receiving simultaneous therapy with methotrexate and ciprofloxacin should be carefully monitored.

With concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and tizanidine, an increase in the serum concentration of tizanidine was observed: an increase in Cmax by 7 times (from 4 to 21 times), an increase in AUC by 10 times (from 6 to 24 times). An increase in the serum concentration of tizanidine can cause a decrease in blood pressure and drowsiness. Thus, concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and drugs containing tizanidine is contraindicated.

During clinical studies, it was shown that concomitant use of duloxetine and potent inhibitors of the CYP1A2 isoenzyme (such as fluvoxamine), may lead to an increase in the AUC and Cmax of duloxetine. Despite the lack of clinical data on a possible interaction with ciprofloxacin, the possibility of such an interaction can be anticipated with the concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and duloxetine.

Concomitant use of ropinirole and ciprofloxacin, a moderate inhibitor of the CYP1A2 isoenzyme, leads to an increase in Cmax and AUC of ropinirole by 60% and 84%, respectively. Adverse effects of ropinirole should be monitored during its concomitant use with ciprofloxacin and for a short time after the end of combination therapy.

In a study on healthy volunteers, it was found that concomitant use of drugs containing lidocaine and ciprofloxacin, a moderate inhibitor of the CYP1A2 isoenzyme, leads to a 22% reduction in the clearance of lidocaine when administered intravenously. Despite the good tolerability of lidocaine when used concomitantly with ciprofloxacin, an increase in side effects due to interaction is possible.

With concomitant use of clozapine and ciprofloxacin at a dose of 250 mg for 7 days, an increase in serum concentrations of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine by 29% and 31%, respectively, was observed. The patient’s condition should be monitored and, if necessary, the dosage regimen of clozapine should be adjusted during its concomitant use with ciprofloxacin and for a short time after the end of combination therapy.

With concomitant use in healthy volunteers of ciprofloxacin at a dose of 500 mg and sildenafil at a dose of 50 mg, a 2-fold increase in Cmax and AUC of sildenafil was noted. In this regard, the use of this combination is possible only after a benefit/risk assessment.

With concomitant use of agomelatine and ciprofloxacin, similar effects can be expected.

With concomitant use of zolpidem and ciprofloxacin, an increase in the plasma concentration of zolpidem is possible. Concomitant use of drugs containing these substances is not recommended.

Concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and vitamin K antagonists (e.g., warfarin, acenocoumarol, phenprocoumon) may lead to an enhancement of their anticoagulant effect. The magnitude of this effect may vary depending on concomitant infections, age, and the general condition of the patient, so it is difficult to assess the effect of ciprofloxacin on the increase in INR. INR should be monitored frequently enough during concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and vitamin K antagonists, as well as for a short time after the end of combination therapy.

Concomitant use of ciprofloxacin and dairy products or mineral-fortified drinks (e.g., milk, yogurt, calcium-fortified orange juice) should be avoided, as the absorption of ciprofloxacin may be reduced. However, calcium contained in other foods does not significantly affect the absorption of ciprofloxacin.

Storage Conditions

Store at 2°C (36°F) to 25°C (77°F). Keep in original packaging, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Dispensing Status

Rx Only

Important Safety Information

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before use. Dosage and side effects may vary. Use only as prescribed.

Medical Disclaimer

Brand (or Active Substance), Marketing Authorisation Holder, Dosage Form

Marketing Authorization Holder

Veropharm, JSC (Russia)

Dosage Form

Bottle Rx Icon Vero-Ciprofloxacin Film-coated tablets, 250 mg: 10 pcs.

Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition

Film-coated tablets 1 tab.
Ciprofloxacin 250 mg

10 pcs. – blister packs (1) – cardboard packs.

Marketing Authorization Holder

Veropharm, JSC (Russia)

Dosage Form

Bottle Rx Icon Vero-Ciprofloxacin Film-coated tablets, 500 mg: 10 pcs.

Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition

Film-coated tablets 1 tab.
Ciprofloxacin 500 mg

10 pcs. – contour cell packs (1) – cardboard packs.

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