Drug Review: Ciprofloxacin

Written by Prince Assandoh-Mensah in 2015

Ciprofloxacin is a broad spectrum antibiotic which is effective against many gram negative and gram positive organisms. They are mainly used to treat urinary tracts infections, diarrhoea, Respiratory Tract Infections such as pneumonia and other severe life threatening infections usually associated with Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. They are also used in the treatment of Septicaemia, Peritonitis and Bone Joint infections.

Administration

Ciprofloxacin can be administered per oral, intravenously or as ointment and eye drops. IV Ciprofloxacin mostly comes in 200mg in 100 – 250mls Normal Saline or 5% Dextrose dilution and 400mg in 250 – 500mls in Normal Saline or 5% Dextrose dilution. Whiles the tab Ciprofloxacin mostly comes in 250mg and 500mg formulations.

Adverse Effect

Ciprofloxacin mainly cause

Abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, tendon rupture, local burning and discomfort, seizures, vertigo, headache and itching.

Nursing Implications

• IV Ciprofloxacin must be administered slowly over 60min. Avoid rapid infusion.
• Avoid the use of small vein for IV Ciprofloxacin infusion.
• Do not give an antacid within 4hours of Oral Ciprofloxacin dose.
• Discontinue other IV infusions while infusing Ciprofloxacin or infuse through another site.
• Discontinue Ciprofloxacin at any sign of tendinitis (e.g painful swelling) and inform physician.
• Infusion bottles must be removed from the box only immediately before use (Rem. the drug is photosensitive). Efficacy is guaranteed in daylight conditions for a period of 3days.
• Reconstituted IV infusion is stable for 14days refrigerated.

Patient Education

Educate the patient

• To report sudden, unexplained joint pain.
• To restrict caffeine as it can cause CNS stimulation.
• To report nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
• Avoid the use of heavy duty machines as it can cause light headedness and vertigo.
• Do not breastfeed whiles taking the drug.