Alcipro 500 Tablet

Alcipro 500 mg tablet is an antibiotic used to treat various types of bacterial infections such as pneumonia, sinusitis and other infections of the skin, ear, nose, stomach, urinary tract. It contains ciprofloxacin as its main component. It should be taken as directed by the doctor and in doses and duration as prescribed.

It is not to be discontinued abruptly without informing your doctor. The common side effects of the Alcipro 500 mg tablets are nausea, diarrhoea, headache and stomach pain. Most of which are temporary, however, if you feel the side effects persist or your condition worsens, contact your doctor immediately.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding and about all the medicines and supplements you take and all the conditions or diseases you suffer from before starting this medicine.

Dosage

Overdose

• If you take more medicine than that prescribed, Alcipro 500 mg tablet may cause confusion, tremors, headache, tiredness, dizziness, hallucinations, fits, liver or kidney impairment, blood in the urine, difficulty in urination.
• Contact your doctor immediately in case of an overdose or rush to the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

For optimum effect, doses of antibiotics should not be missed. If you have missed taking any dose of Alcipro 500 mg tablet, then take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Alcipro 500 mg tablet prevents bacterial growth and kills the bacteria.

Directions for Use

Swallow Alcipro 500 mg tablet with a glass of water. Take it as per the directions given by the doctor. Do not cut, break or chew the tablet.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Alcipro 500 mg tablet during pregnancy?

• It is preferred to avoid the use of the Alcipro 500 mg tablet during pregnancy.
• If you conceive while taking this medicine, immediately inform your doctor.
• If you are pregnant or think you may be or are planning for a baby, you should consult your doctor before starting this medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Alcipro 500 mg tablet while breastfeeding?

Alcipro 500 mg tablet can pass into the breastmilk and may potentially cause harmful effects in the breastfed baby. Hence, breastfeeding should be discontinued while you are taking this medicine.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Alcipro 500 mg tablet?

Alcipro 500 mg tablet may affect the reaction time, which is crucial for driving. Hence, it is advised not to use this medicine while driving or operating machines.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Alcipro 500 mg tablet?

You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Alcipro 500 mg tablet, as alcohol may worsen the side effects like dizziness.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have kidney diseases, as Alcipro 500 mg tablet will then require dose adjustment.
• You have a history of fits.
• You have diabetes as your blood glucose can drop when you are on this medicine.
• You have myasthenia gravis. This medicine can worsen it.
• You have a history of tendon problems.
• You have heart diseases, very slow heart rhythm, heart failure.
• You have liver diseases.
• You have any psychiatric illness.
• If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (an inherited disorder that affects red blood cells).
• You experience any sudden severe allergic reaction, pain or swelling in joints and tendinitis, stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to Ciprofloxacin or any other ingredients of Alcipro 500 mg tablet.
• If you are taking other quinolone medicines like moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin or nalidixic acid.
• If you are taking tizanidine (a medicine used to treat muscle spasm).

Side effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Joint pain

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Sometimes Alcipro 500 mg tablet may affect the way other medicines work or vice versa if taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interactions.
• Especially, if you are on certain medications like antigout medicines such as probenecid, antacids like cimetidine, anti-emetic like metoclopramide, medicines for breathing-related disorders, anticoagulants like warfarin, medicines used to treat brain-related disorder like clozapine, medicines for erectile dysfunction, etc.
• Other medicines that should be used with caution are medicines for sleeping disorders like zolpidem, immunosuppressants like ciclosporin, anaesthesia like lidocaine, etc.
• Concomitant use of Alcipro 500 mg tablet and medicines used for heart disorders, psychotic disorders and certain antibiotics should be used cautiously as it can lead to undesirable effects.
• Medicines or certain supplements containing iron, calcium, etc. antacids or sucralfate should not be taken within two hours of taking this medicine as they reduce the effect of this medicine.

Interactions with food items

Dietary supplements or mineral-fortified drinks like milk, yoghurt, calcium-fortified orange juice should not be taken with Alcipro 500 mg tablet as they reduce the absorption of this medicine.

Storage and disposal

• Store the Alcipro 500 mg tablets in a clean and dry place.
• Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I be careful about while taking Alcipro 500 mg tablet?

• If you notice tightness in the chest, difficulty in breathing or fainting episode, immediately seek medical help.
• If you notice pain, swelling in any joint, immediately stop taking this medicine, take rest, avoid exercise and report to your doctor.
• If you are suffering from depression, it can worsen.
• If you have diabetes, this medicine can cause a drop in your blood sugars, which can be dangerous.
• If you experience sweating, hunger pangs, a headache, tremors, immediately have a juice/sugar. Inform your doctor about this episode.

What should I avoid while taking the ciprofloxacin?

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Wear a protective covering or use sunscreen (SPF 30 or 40) to prevent sunburn.

Is Alcipro 500 mg tablet an antibiotic?

Yes, Alcipro 500 mg tablet is an antibiotic.

Can you take Alcipro 500 mg tablet if you have a fever?

No, you cannot take Alcipro 500 mg tablet if you have a fever as it is used to treat severe bacterial infections and not viral infections like a fever. Also, avoid self-medicating and should take any medicines only after consulting the doctor.

What is the use of Alcipro 500 mg tablet?

Alcipro 500 mg tablet is used to treat various types of bacterial infections like skin, ear, stomach, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, etc.

What is the minimum daily dose for Alcipro 500 mg tablet?

You should take this medicine in doses and duration as prescribed by your doctor. You should not consume it more than prescribed by your doctor.

Can Alcipro 500 mg tablet be taken if I am breastfeeding?

Alcipro 500 mg tablet passes into the breastmilk and it could potentially harm the breastfed baby. Therefore, it should not be used during breastfeeding. You should consult your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Alcipro 500 mg tablet?

• Inform the doctor about your detailed medical & surgical history.
• Inform your doctor if you have a liver or kidney disease.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or are planning to have a baby.

Is Alcipro 500 mg tablet habit-forming?

No, Alcipro 500 mg tablet is not habit-forming.

Can I stop taking Alcipro 500 mg tablet before the prescribed duration?

No, finish the full course of the treatment, even if you feel better. If you start feeling better, there are still infection-causing bacteria present in the body, which can make the infection return in a few days. Also, when one does not complete the course, these few bacteria later becomes resistant to these antibiotics and cause severe infections that are difficult to treat. Hence, always finish the course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.