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Is Cipro Effective In Treatment Of Urinary Tract Infection?

Posted on Tue, 13 May 2014

Question: I am on day 2 of Cipro - started about 36 hours ago for enterococcus bladder infection. I felt better yesterday and this am, but this evenign I still feel that I have the infection. I hope this doesn't mean that the Cipro isn't working. I am taking 250 mg twice/day for 7 days. I am 64 years old, in good health, athletic, and am also worried hearing that I can rupture a tendon from this drug, as I am a runner. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Continue treatment.Do not sport Detailed Answer: Hi dear.Thanks for giving me an opportunity to address your query. I am glad to know about your are good health and physical fitness.Ciprofloxacin (Fluroquinolone) is the standard of care for the treatment of urinary tract infection and has to be taken for a minimum of one week duration to achieve clinical and symptomatic remission. Inflammation of tendon/rupture of tendon are rarely seen(1 in 1 lakh population) and Ciprofloxacin double/triples this risk which is marginal or negligible.This is a warning for the public so that adequate precaution can be taken by them by intimating their MD's in case they experience soreness or inflammation in muscles or tendons. I were to suggest to continue and complete the course. Do not exercise or sport Drink plenty of oral fluids.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (18 minutes later)

Thank you for your response: I am however confused. You say that the risk of Cipro for causing tendon problems is minimal then you say "do not exercise or "sport." What do you mean by do not "sport? I'm not sure what I have never heard that exercise is to be avoided on Cipro. . I have no intention of stopping the medication - my question was whether it could still be working if I am feeling worse today after having started it on Friday? Thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Advise Cirpo 500mg twice daily Detailed Answer: Thanks for writing me back. I advised not to exercise or sport as a precautionary measure only, since you are an athlete. Vigourous activity might trigger tendon problems for unexplained/unknown reasons though not being heard/documented when you are ciprofloxacin therapy.I follow this in my clinical practice especially for somebody who is very active and this is to avoid any such adverse consequences though they are minimal. Inadequate relief is due to the insufficient dosage - I were to prescribe 500mg twice daily for 2 weeks.I hope you will definitely get better on this dosage which is routinely used. Keep me posted further about health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (7 hours later)

Do you think the dosage of only 250 mg is due to my weight? I weigh 100 lbs?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: One gram per day is the right dose Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing me back. Normally Ciprofloxacin 20mg/kg body weight is prescribed .According to me 1 gram is the right dose (20*50=1000mg) and 500mg has to be taken twice daily after food. Hope this answers your query.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T