(ciprofloxacin injection)

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What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin?

What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibacterial medicine, can cause serious side effects. Some of these serious side effects can happen at the same time and could result in death.1. Tendon rupture or swelling of the tendon (tendinitis).
  • Tendon problems can happen in people of all ages who take ciprofloxacin.Tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Symptoms of tendon problems may include:
    • pain
    • swelling
    • tears and swelling of the tendons including the back of the ankle (Achilles), shoulder, hand, thumb, or other tendon sites.
  • The risk of getting tendon problems while you take ciprofloxacin is higher if you:
    • are over 60 years of age
    • are taking steroids (corticosteroids)
    • have had a kidney, heart or lung transplant.
  • Tendon problems can happen in people who do not have the above risk factors when they take ciprofloxacin.
  • Other reasons that can increase your risk of tendon problems can include:
    • physical activity or exercise
    • kidney failure
    • tendon problems in the past, such as in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • Stop taking ciprofloxacin immediately and get medical help right away at the first sign of tendon pain, swelling or inflammation. The most common area of pain and swelling is the Achilles tendon at the back of your ankle. This can also happen with other tendons.
  • Tendon rupture can happen while you are taking or after you have finished taking ciprofloxacin. Tendon ruptures can happen within hours or days of taking ciprofloxacin and have happened up to several months after people have finished taking their fluoroquinolone.
  • Stop taking ciprofloxacin immediately and get medical help right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms of a tendon rupture:
    • hear or feel a snap or pop in a tendon area
    • bruising right after an injury in a tendon area
    • unable to move the affected area or bear weightThe tendon problems may be permanent.
2. Changes in sensation and possible nerve damage (Peripheral Neuropathy).
  • pain
  • burning
  • tingling
  • numbness
  • weaknessCiprofloxacin may need to be stopped to prevent permanent nerve damage.
3. Central Nervous System (CNS) effects.
  • seizures
  • hear voices, see things, or sense things that are not there (hallucinations)
  • feel restless or agitated
  • tremors
  • feel anxious or nervous
  • confusion
  • depression
  • reduced awareness of surroundings
  • trouble sleeping
  • nightmares
  • feel lightheaded or dizzy
  • feel more suspicious (paranoia)
  • suicidal thoughts or acts
  • headaches that will not go away, with or without blurred vision
  • memory problems
  • false or strange thoughts or beliefs (delusions)The CNS changes may be permanent.
4. Worsening of myasthenia gravis (a problem that causes muscle weakness).

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