Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) Uses

What is Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) used for?

Ciprofloxacin uses enzyme interference as its main mechanism to treat infections, as an antibiotic. Although not all infections can be treated by Cipro, uses include treatments of urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and sinus infections. Ciprofloxacin uses do not include treatment of viral infections or even all bacterial infections, and there are complications in the growth of tendons for children that take Cipro. This antibiotic is available in a few different formats and potencies. Always consult a physician before taking any medications and it is especially important to take the antibiotics, such as Cipro, in the complete cycle so that there is less chance of recurring infection. The oral or injectable type of Cipro uses a delivery method that is primarily suited for treatment of UTIs, known commonly as bladder infections.

How does ciprofloxacin work?

Ciprofloxacin uses enzyme interference to kill the bacteria that cause infections. The enzymes, which are needed for the bacteria to grow, are disrupted and thus the proper assembly and further growth-life cycle-is diminished.

Cipro uses for children

Although it is a treatment method for children with bladder or kidney infections, or to prevent infection after being exposed to anthrax, ciprofloxacin is not always the first choice of antibiotic. This is due to the side effects surrounding the development of bones, joints, and/or tendons, which are prevalent in children that have to take Cipro. Most of the negative side effects from ciprofloxacin uses in children pertain to the oral and injectable types, with the topical drops being a bit safer for use-especially around the eyes and ears.

Ciprofloxacin uses for older adults

There are many antibiotics that can be used to treat a variety of infections, and because of the side effects caused by the disruption that Cipro uses, it is generally not the first choice for older adults. The increased risk for disrupting the heart’s rhythm and inherent tendon issues, are further multiplied when taking certain medications, including steroids. Additionally, the decreased function of the kidneys in older adults further exacerbates the problem, as they try to filter the Cipro out of their systems. There are workarounds to these problems of ciprofloxacin uses, but the most common solution is just to use a different antibiotic medication.

Miscellaneous Cipro uses

Ciprofloxacin is often used to treat the bacterial infections that cause swimmer’s ear, pink eye, and corneal ulcers. While Cipro is considered a broad spectrum antibiotic there are several strains of bacteria that don’t respond to the mechanism, and it will not work at all against viruses, such as colds or flus. Consulting a physician and discussing all of the possible side effects and alternatives will ensure that you are using the right antibiotic for the job.