Ciprofloxacin - Traveller's Diarrhoea Treatment

Ciprofloxacin is a synthetic broadspectrum antibiotic that belongs to a group of medicines called fluoroquinolones. The medicine is a prescription only remedy and can be bought generically or under various brand names such as Baycip, Ciproxin, Proquin or Ciloxan. Its antibacterial action treats common infections such as

Traveller’s Diarrhoea
Typhoid Fever
Pneumonia
Bronchitis
Bacterial eye infections
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Infections of the urinary tract

Ciprofloxacin

How does Ciprofloxacin work?

Ciprofloxacin destroys bacteria by inhibiting the action of certain chemicals, so called enzymes. These substances play a key element in the reproduction of the pathogen’s DNA and therefore, the antibiotic action stops the bacteria from multiplying and infection more and more cells. Ciprofloxacin enters the bacterial cell which ultimately kills the pathogen thus containing the spread of infection, which also allows the body’s own immune system to step in and destroy any remaining bacteria. Ciprofloxacin has shown to be effective against a number of bacterial strains which have already developped resistance against other antibiotics, such as for example shigella, neisseria, campylobacter or salmonella.

Is Ciprofloxacin effective?

Ciprofloxacin has been available since the early 1980s and has a well-established safety and efficacy profile. One of the main concerns with regards to antibiotic use is the risk of resistance. If a strain of bacteria is repeatedly exposed to the same substance which is harmful to them, they will eventually mutate and adapt so they can survive despite antibiotic treatment, which makes the medicine ineffective. Given the short lifespan of most bacteria, resistance can sometimes occur quite quickly. If you have been treated with Ciprofloxacin before, you should let your doctor know before seeking a new prescription. Also inform your prescriber if you knowingly are resistant to any other antibiotics or if you find that your condition does not improve after a few days of taking Ciprofloxacin, as this could indicate antibiotic resistance.

How should I take Ciprofloxacin?

To treat an episode of traveller’s diarrhoea, take 500mg of Ciprofloxain twice a day over a period of three days. Swallow the tablets as whole, preferrably with a small glass of water. Do not chew the pills. As antibiotics can sometimes cause tummy upset, it is recommended that you do not take them on an empty stomach. If your symptoms remain unchanged or get worse after three days, please seek further medical advice and treatment. Some medicines and foods can affect the absorption of Ciprofloxacin from the gut, so you should not take the medication together with or immediately after consuming dairy products or medications containing the minerals zinc, iron, calcium or magnesium, which are often found in remedies alleviating heartburn or indigestion.

What are the side effects of Ciprofloxacin?

All medicines can cause potential side effects, however the affect people individually and in different ways. Most patients respond very well to Ciprofloxacin and do not experience any discomfort during treatment. The full list of side effects reported to this date can be found in the patient leaflet enclosed in every box of Ciprofloxacin. If you are concerned about any side effect you might experience or would like further medical advice, please consult your prescribing healthcare practitioner.

The most commonly reported side effects of Ciprofloxacin are:

Nausea
Upset stomach
Diarrhoea
Skin rash
Headache
Indigestion and other digestive problems
Loss of appetite

Ciprofloxacin