Ciprofloxacin a Second Generation Antibiotic drug

CIPROFLOXACIN is a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug with potent activity against broad spectrum of gram~positlve&gram-negative bacteria including Ps. acruginosa, Enterobcteriaceae and Staph aurous. Ciprofloxacin does no disturb normal anaerobic intestinal flora and, has significant post-antibiotic effect & thus prevent~ regrowth of bacteria. Its antibacterial spectrum is wider than that of amino glycosides, third generation cephalosporins and other fluoroquinolones.

Indications of Ciprofloxacin: Respiratory tract infection, Urinary tract E.N T., skin infection, Gastrointestinal tract infection, abdominal Gynaecological. Bone, joint and severe systemic infections, Gonorrhea.


Ciprofloxacin 40ft mg/200 ml IV infusion 12 hourly is indicated for systemic infection, lower respiratory tract infections; skin and skin structure infections typhoid [ever. 8evere/complicated urinary tract infections. 8urgical procedure.

Ciprofloxacin Dosage: The dosage of Ciprofloxacin is deter mined on the basis of severity infection, type of infecting organism and age, weight and renal function of the patient. The recommended dosage schedule of oral ciprofloxacin is as follows:

i)Uncomplicated UTI: 250 m9 every 12 hourly

ii) Prostatitis and complicated UTI in patient with severe underlying structural abnormalities 500 mg every 12 hours.

iii) Lower respiratory tract infections: mild-25~ mg; moderate to severer- 500 mg; all every 1: hours. Dosage ot 750 mg every 12 hours should preferably be used in cases of infection wltl resistant gram-positive bacteria.

iv) ENT infections: 500 to 750 mg every 1: hours.

v) Bone and joint Infections: 500 to 750 mg every 12 hours.

vi) Gastroenteritis: 250mg every 12 hot4rs.

vii) ENT Infection: 500mg every 12 hours.

viii) Gynecological infections: 500 mg every 12 hours.

ix) Gonorrhea: 250 mg single dose.

x) Septicemia, bacteremia and intra-abdominal infections Initial IV ciprofloxacin therapy may be followed by oral 500 to 750 mg every 12 hours

Ciprofloxacin Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or any other quinolone derivative. Not recommended for use in children adolescents.

Ciprofloxacin Special Precautions: Use with caution in patients of renal impairement, cerebal arteriosclerosis or epilepsy. Keep patient well hydrated to prevent crystalluria.
Pediatrics: Safety not established.

Pregnancy: Contraindicated.

Lactation: Drug passes in to breast milk may affect the infant adversely.

Elderly: No special problem.

Ciprofloxacin Side effect: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, restlessness and arthralgia.
Drug Interaction: Magnesium, aluminum calcium, iron and zinc antacids decrease ciprofloxacin absorption. Potentiates oral anticoagulants. Rifampicin reduces serum concentration of ciprofloxacin. CNS excitation occur with concurrent administration of quinolones and NSAIDs.

Supplements That are Good for Heart

Antioxidants
When the cholesterol in the plaque in our arteries becomes oxidised, it can rupture and cause a heart attack. Antioxidants such as vitamins E, C and A selenium and coenzyme Q10 can help prevent this.

Homocysteine-reducing Vitamins
High levels of homocysteine in the blood contribute to the narrowing of arteries. Recent studies have shown that vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid can control this.

Niacin (Nicotinic acid; a B complex vitamin)
Niacin lowers levels of bad cholesterol and raises that of the good. It is also one of the few drugs that can lower the bad Lp(a) cholesterol. Unfortunately it can cause quite unpleasant flushing, although new "no flush" preparations are now available and niacin may soon become a front-line cholesterol-lowering drug.

Selenium
Selenium works together with vitamin E as an antioxidant.

Coenzyme Q10 (Also known as ubiquinone)
An essential nutrient in every cell of our body, coenzyme Q10 is required to produce energy. Although its use is not supported by the conventional medical community there are a number of studies showing it may have benefits for heart failure and heart rhythm disorders. In conjunction with vitamin E it is a powerful antioxidants.

Fish Oil
People in communities which have a high level of fish in their diet tend to have a low incidence of heart disease. The omega-3 in fish - also found in flax seed oil - have beneficial effects on blood clotting, stabilizing artery walls and heart rhythms.

Magnesium
Magnesium is needed by many of our cells, including those in our heart. People given intravenous magnesium after a heart attack recovers better and has fewer complications, suggesting that it may be lacking in our cells. It is thought that it may also stabilize some heart rhythm disorders. It also helps relax our muscles, thus helping us get a good night's sleep.

Garlic
Garlic has long been as being good for the health and people living in countries in which garlic is widely eaten lower rates of heart disease - but whether it's the garlic or other factors still remains to be proven.