Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride, are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon
rupture in all ages. This risk is further increased in older patients usually
over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients
with kidney, heart or lung transplants (see WARNINGS).Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, may
exacerbate muscle weakness in persons with myasthenia gravis. Avoid
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride in patients with known history of myasthenia gravis
(see WARNINGS).
Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride, are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon
rupture in all ages. This risk is further increased in older patients usually
over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients
with kidney, heart or lung transplants (see WARNINGS).
Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, may
exacerbate muscle weakness in persons with myasthenia gravis. Avoid
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride in patients with known history of myasthenia gravis
(see WARNINGS).
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain
the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets and other antibacterial
drugs, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets should be used only to treat or
prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by
bacteria.
Description
Ciprofloxacin tablets, USP is a synthetic broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for
oral administration. Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, USP, a fluoroquinolone, is the
monohydrochloride monohydrate salt of 1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,
4-dihydro-4-oxo-7-(1-piperazinyl)-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid. It is a faintly
yellowish to light yellow crystalline substance with a molecular weight of
385.8. Its empirical formula is C17H18FN3O3•HCl•H2O and its chemical structure is
as follows:
Ciprofloxacin is
1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-7-(1-piperazinyl)-3-quinolinecarboxylic
acid. Its empirical formula is C17H18FN3O3 and its
molecular weight is 331.4. It is a faintly yellowish to light yellow crystalline
substance and its chemical structure is as follows:
Ciprofloxacin film-coated tablets are available in 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg and
750 mg (ciprofloxacin equivalent) strengths. Ciprofloxacin tablets are white to
off-white. The inactive ingredients are cornstarch, microcrystalline cellulose,
silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol,
talc, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol and purified water.
Clinical Pharmacology
Absorption: Ciprofloxacin given as an oral tablet is rapidly and well
absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. The absolute
bioavailability is approximately 70% with no substantial loss by first pass
metabolism. Ciprofloxacin maximum serum concentrations and area under the curve
are shown in the chart for the 250 mg to 1000 mg dose range.
Dose(mg)
MaximumSerum Concentration(ÎĽg/mL)
AreaUnder Curve (AUC)(μg•hr/mL)
 250
1.2
 4.8
 500
2.4
11.6
 750
4.3
20.2
1000
5.4
30.8
Maximum serum concentrations are attained 1 to 2 hours after oral dosing.
Mean concentrations 12 hours after dosing with 250, 500, or 750 mg are 0.1, 0.2,
and 0.4 ÎĽg/mL, respectively. The serum elimination half-life in subjects with
normal renal function is approximately 4 hours. Serum concentrations increase
proportionately with doses up to 1000 mg.
A 500 mg oral dose given every 12 hours has been shown to produce an area
under the serum concentration time curve (AUC) equivalent to that produced by an
intravenous infusion of 400 mg ciprofloxacin given over 60 minutes every 12
hours. A 750 mg oral dose given every 12 hours has been shown to produce an AUC
at steady-state equivalent to that produced by an intravenous infusion of 400 mg
given over 60 minutes every 8 hours. A 750 mg oral dose results in a Cmax similar to that observed with a 400 mg I.V. dose. A 250 mg
oral dose given every 12 hours produces an AUC equivalent to that produced by an
infusion of 200 mg ciprofloxacin given every 12 hours.
Steady-state Pharmacokinetic Parameters Following Multiple Oral and
I.V. Doses
Parameters
500 mg
400 mg
750 mg
400 mg
AUC (μg•hr/mL)
q12h, P.O.13.7a
q12h, I.V.12.7a
q12h, P.O.31.6b
q8h, I.V.32.9c
Cmax (ÎĽg/mL)
2.97
4.56
3.59
4.07
a AUC 0-12hb AUC 24h=AUC0-12h x 2
c AUC 24h=AUC0-8h x 3
Distribution: The binding of ciprofloxacin to serum proteins is 20 to 40% which
is not likely to be high enough to cause significant protein binding
interactions with other drugs.
After oral administration, ciprofloxacin is widely distributed throughout the
body. Tissue concentrations often exceed serum concentrations in both men and
women, particularly in genital tissue including the prostate. Ciprofloxacin is
present in active form in the saliva, nasal and bronchial secretions, mucosa of
the sinuses, sputum, skin buler fluid, lymph, peritoneal fluid, bile, and
prostatic secretions. Ciprofloxacin has also been detected in lung, skin, fat,
muscle, cartilage, and bone. The drug diffuses into the cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF); however, CSF concentrations are generally less than 10% of peak serum
concentrations. Low levels of the drug have been detected in the aqueous and
vitreous humors of the eye. Metabolism: Four metabolites have been identified in human urine which
together account for approximately 15% of an oral dose. The metabolites have
antimicrobial activity, but are less active than unchanged ciprofloxacin.
Ciprofloxacin is an inhibitor of human cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) mediated
metabolism. Coadministration of ciprofloxacin with other drugs primarily
metabolized by CYP1A2 results in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs
and could lead to clinically significant adverse events of the coadministered
drug (see CONTRAINDICATIONS; WARNINGS; PRECAUTIONS: Drug
Interactions). Excretion: The serum elimination half-life in subjects with normal renal
function is approximately 4 hours. Approximately 40 to 50% of an orally
administered dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged drug. After a 250 mg
oral dose, urine concentrations of ciprofloxacin usually exceed 200 ÎĽg/mL during
the first two hours and are approximately 30 ÎĽg/mL at 8 to 12 hours after
dosing. The urinary excretion of ciprofloxacin is virtually complete within 24
hours after dosing. The renal clearance of ciprofloxacin, which is approximately
300 mL/minute, exceeds the normal glomerular filtration rate of 120 mL/minute.
Thus, active tubular secretion would seem to play a significant role in its
elimination. Co-administration of probenecid with ciprofloxacin results in about
a 50% reduction in the ciprofloxacin renal clearance and a 50% increase in its
concentration in the systemic circulation. Although bile concentrations of
ciprofloxacin are several fold higher than serum concentrations after oral
dosing, only a small amount of the dose administered is recovered from the bile
as unchanged drug. An additional 1 to 2% of the dose is recovered from the bile
in the form of metabolites. Approximately 20 to 35% of an oral dose is recovered
from the feces within 5 days after dosing. This may arise from either biliary
clearance or transintestinal elimination.
Drug-drug Interactions:
When ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets are given concomitantly
with food, there is a delay in the absorption of the drug, resulting in peak
concentrations that occur closer to 2 hours after dosing rather than 1 hour. The
overall absorption of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, however, is not
substantially affected. Concurrent administration of antacids containing
magnesium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide may reduce the bioavailability of
ciprofloxacin by as much as 90%. (See PRECAUTIONS.)
The serum concentrations of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole were not altered
when these two drugs were given concomitantly.
Concomitant administration with tizanidine is contraindicated (See CONTRAINDICATIONS.)
Concomitant administration of ciprofloxacin with theophylline decreases the
clearance of theophylline resulting in elevated serum theophylline levels and
increased risk of a patient developing CNS or other adverse reactions.
Ciprofloxacin also decreases caffeine clearance and inhibits the formation of
paraxanthine after caffeine administration. (See WARNINGS:PRECAUTIONS.)
Special Populations:
Pharmacokinetic studies of the oral (single dose)Â form of
ciprofloxacin indicate that plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin are higher in
elderly subjects (> 65 years) as compared to young adults. Although the
Cmax is increased 16-40%, the increase in mean AUC is
approximately 30%, and can be at least partially attributed to decreased renal
clearance in the elderly. Elimination half-life is only slightly (~20%)
prolonged in the elderly. These differences are not considered clinically
significant. (See PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric
Use.)
In patients with reduced renal function, the half-life of ciprofloxacin is
slightly prolonged. Dosage adjustments may be required. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)
In preliminary studies in patients with stable chronic liver cirrhosis, no
significant changes in ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics have been observed. The
kinetics of ciprofloxacin in patients with acute hepatic insufficiency, however,
have not been fully elucidated.
Following a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg ciprofloxacin suspension to 16
children ranging in age from 4 months to 7 years, the mean Cmax was 2.4 μg/mL (range: 1.5 – 3.4 μg/mL) and the mean AUC was
9.2 μg*h/mL (range: 5.8 – 14.9 μg*h/mL). There was no apparent age-dependence,
and no notable increase in Cmax or AUC upon multiple
dosing (10 mg/kg TID). In children with severe sepsis who were given intravenous
ciprofloxacin (10 mg/kg as a 1-hour infusion), the mean Cmax was 6.1 μg/mL (range: 4.6 – 8.3 μg/mL) in 10 children less
than 1 year of age; and 7.2 μg/mL (range: 4.7 – 11.8 μg/mL) in 10 children
between 1 and 5 years of age. The AUC values were 17.4 μg*h/mL (range: 11.8 –
32.0 μg*h/mL) and 16.5 μg*h/mL (range: 11.0 – 23.8 μg*h/mL) in the respective
age groups. These values are within the range reported for adults at therapeutic
doses. Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis of pediatric patients with
various infections, the predicted mean half-life in children is approximately 4
- 5 hours, and the bioavailability of the oral suspension is approximately 60%.
Microbiology
Ciprofloxacin has in vitro activity
against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms. The
bactericidal action of ciprofloxacin results from inhibition of the enzymes
topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV, which are required for
bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. The
mechanism of action of fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, is different
from that of penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, macrolides, and
tetracyclines; therefore, microorganisms resistant to these classes of drugs may
be susceptible to ciprofloxacin and other quinolones. There is no known
cross-resistance between ciprofloxacin and other classes of antimicrobials.
In vitro resistance to ciprofloxacin develops slowly
by multiple step mutations.
Ciprofloxacin is slightly less active when tested at acidic pH. The inoculum
size has little effect when tested in vitro. The
minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) generally does not exceed the minimal
inhibitory concentration (MIC) by more than a factor of 2.
Ciprofloxacin has been shown to be active against most strains of the
following microorganisms, both in vitro and in
clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGEsection of the package insert for
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets.
   Aerobic gram-positive
microorganisms
   Enterococcus faecalis
(Many strains are only moderately susceptible.)
   Staphylococcus aureus
(methicillin-susceptible strains only)
   Staphylococcus
epidermidis (methicillin-susceptible strains only)
   Staphylococcus
saprophyticus
   Streptococcus
pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only)
The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown.
Ciprofloxacin exhibits in vitro minimum inhibitory
concentrations (MICs) of 1 μg/mL or less against most (≥ 90%) strains of the
following microorganisms; however, the safety and effectiveness of ciprofloxacin
in treating clinical infections due to these microorganisms have not been
established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.
   Aerobic gram-positive
microorganisms
   Staphylococcus
haemolyticus
   Staphylococcus
hominis
   Streptococcus pneumoniae
(penicillin-resistant strains only)
   Aerobic gram-negative
microorganisms
   Acinetobacter
Iwoffi
   Pasteurella
multocida
   Aeromonas
hydrophila
   Salmonella
enteritidis
   Edwardsiella
tarda
   Vibrio
cholerae
   Enterobacter
aerogenes
   Vibrio
parahaemolyticus
   Klebsiella oxytoca
   Vibrio
vulnificus
   Legionella
pneumophila
   Yersinia
enterocolitica
Most strains of Burkholderia cepacia and some
strains of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia are resistant
to ciprofloxacin as are most anaerobic bacteria, including Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium
difficile.
Susceptibility TestsDilution Techniques: Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial minimum
inhibitory concentrations (MICs). These MICs provide estimates of the
susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be
determined using a standardized procedure. Standardized procedures are based on
a dilution method1 (broth or agar) or equivalent with
standardized inoculum concentrations and standardized concentrations of
ciprofloxacin powder. The MIC values should be interpreted according to the
following criteria:
For testing Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus
faecalis, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus species, penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus
pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
a:
MIC (ÎĽg/mL)
Interpretation
≤1
Susceptible   (S)
2
Intermediate (I)
≥4
Resistant     (R)
aÂ
These interpretive standards are applicable only to broth microdilution
susceptibility tests with streptococci using cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton
broth with 2-5% lysed horse blood.
For testing Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus
parainfluenzae
b:
MIC (ÎĽg/mL)
Interpretation
≤1
Susceptible  (S)
bÂ
This interpretive standard is applicable only to broth microdilution
susceptibility tests with Haemophilus influenzae and
Haemophilus parainfluenzae using Haemophilus Test Medium1.
The current absence of data on resistant strains precludes defining any
results other than “Susceptible”. Strains yielding MIC results suggestive of a
“nonsusceptible” category should be submitted to a reference laboratory for
further testing.
For testing Neisseria gonorrhoeae
c:
MIC (ÎĽg/mL)
Interpretation
≤ 0.06
Susceptible   (S)
0.12 – 0.5
Intermediate (I)
≥1
Resistant     (R)
c This
interpretive standard is applicable only to agar dilution test with GC agar base
and 1% defined growth supplement.
A report of “Susceptible” indicates that the pathogen is likely to be
inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations
usually achievable. A report of “Intermediate” indicates that the result should
be considered equivocal, and, if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to
alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This
category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is
physiologically concentrated or in situations where high dosage of drug can be
used. This category also provides a buffer zone, which prevents small
uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in
interpretation. A report of “Resistant” indicates that the pathogen is not
likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the
concentrations usually achievable; other therapy should be selected.
Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory
control microorganisms to control the technical aspects of the laboratory
procedures. Standard ciprofloxacin powder should provide the following MIC
values:
*Â This
quality control range is applicable to only H.
influenzae ATCC 49247 tested by a broth microdilution procedure using
Haemophilus Test Medium (HTM)1.
† C.
jejuni ATCC 33560 tested by broth microdilution procedure using cation adjusted
Mueller Hinton broth with 2.5-5% lysed horse blood in a microaerophilic
environment at 36-37°C for 48 hours and for 42°C at 24 hours2, respectively.
‡ N.
gonorrhoea ATCC 49226 tested by agar dilution procedure using GC agar and 1%
defined growth supplement in a 5% CO2 environment at 35-37°C for 20-24
hours3.
Diffusion Techniques: Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters
also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to
antimicrobial compounds. One such standardized procedure3
requires the use of standardized inoculum concentrations. This procedure uses
paper disks impregnated with 5-ÎĽg ciprofloxacin to test the susceptibility of
microorganisms to ciprofloxacin.
Reports from the laboratory providing results of the standard single-disk
susceptibility test with a 5-ÎĽg ciprofloxacin disk should be interpreted
according to the following criteria:
For testing Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus
faecalis, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus species, penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus
pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
a :
Zone Diameter (mm)
Interpretation
≥ 21
Susceptible  (S)
16 - 20
Intermediate (I)
≤ 15
Resistant    (R)
aÂ
These zone diameter standards are applicable only to tests performed for
streptococci using Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 5% sheep blood
incubated in 5% CO2.
For testing Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus parainfluenzae
b:
Zone Diameter (mm)
Interpretation
≥ 21
Susceptible  (S)
The current absence of data on resistant strains precludes defining any
results other than “Susceptible”. Strains yielding zone diameter results
suggestive of a “nonsusceptible” category should be submitted to a reference
laboratory for further testing.
For testing Neisseria gonorrhoeae
c:
Zone Diameter (mm)
Interpretation
≥ 41
Susceptible  (S)
28 – 40
Intermediate (I)
≤ 27
Resistant    (R)
cÂ
This zone diameter standard is applicable only to disk diffusion tests with GC
agar base and 1% defined growth supplement.
Interpretation should be as stated above for results using dilution
techniques. Interpretation involves correlation of the diameter obtained in the
disk test with the MIC for ciprofloxacin.
As with standardized dilution techniques, diffusion methods require the use
of laboratory control microorganisms that are used to control the technical
aspects of the laboratory procedures. For the diffusion technique, the 5-ÎĽg
ciprofloxacin disk should provide the following zone diameters in these
laboratory test quality control strains:
Organism
Zone Diameter (mm)
E. coli
ATCC 25922
30 - 40
H. influenzaea
ATCC 49247
34 - 42
N. gonorrhoeae b
ATCC 49226
48 - 58
P. aeruginosa
ATCC 27853
25 - 33
S. aureus
ATCC 25923
22 - 30
a These
quality control limits are applicable to only H.
influenzae ATCC 49247 testing using Haemophilus Test Medium (HTM)3.
b These
quality control limits are applicable only to tests conducted with N. gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226 performed by disk diffusion using
GC agar base and 1% defined growth supplement.
Indications And Usage
Ciprofloxacin tablets, USP are indicated for the treatment of
infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the
conditions and patient populations uled below. Please see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATIONfor specific
recommendations. Adult Patients: Urinary Tract Infections caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae,
Serratia marcescens, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia rettgeri, Morganella
morganii, Citrobacter diversus, Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus
epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, or Enterococcus faecalis.
Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis in females caused by
Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis caused by Escherichia coli or Proteus
mirabilis.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae,
Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus
parainfluenzae, or penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also, Moraxella catarrhalis for the treatment of acute
exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
NOTE: Although effective in clinical trials, ciprofloxacin is not a drug of
first choice in the treatment of presumed or confirmed pneumonia secondary to
Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Acute Sinusitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae, penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Moraxella
catarrhalis.
Bone and Joint Infections caused by Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections (used in
combination with metronidazole) caused by Escherichia coli,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or
Bacteroides fragilis.
Infectious Diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (enterotoxigenic strains), Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella boydii
†,Shigella
dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri or Shigella
sonnei
†when antibacterial therapy is
indicated.
Typhoid Fever (Enteric Fever) caused by Salmonella typhi.
NOTE: The efficacy of ciprofloxacin in the eradication of the chronic typhoid
carrier state has not been demonstrated.
Uncomplicated cervical and urethral gonorrhea due to
Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Pediatric patients (1 to 17 years of age): Complicated Urinary Tract Infections and
Pyelonephritis due to Escherichia coli.
NOTE: Although effective in clinical trials, ciprofloxacin is not a drug of
first choice in the pediatric population due to an increased incidence of
adverse events compared to controls, including events related to joints and/or
surrounding tissues. (See WARNINGS,PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use,ADVERSE
REACTIONS and CLINICAL
STUDIES.) Ciprofloxacin, like other fluoroquinolones, is associated
with arthropathy and histopathological changes in weight-bearing joints of
juvenile animals. (See ANIMAL
PHARMACOLOGY.) Adult and Pediatric Patients: Inhalational anthrax (post-exposure): To
reduce the incidence or progression of disease following exposure to aerosolized
Bacillus anthracis.
Ciprofloxacin serum concentrations achieved in humans served as a surrogate
endpoint reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit and provided the initial
basis for approval of this indication.5 Supportive
clinical information for ciprofloxacin for anthrax post-exposure prophylaxis was
obtained during the anthrax bioterror attacks of October 2001. (See also, INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX – ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION)).
†Although treatment of infections due to this organism
in this organ system demonstrated a clinically significant outcome, efficacy was
studied in fewer than 10 patients.
If anaerobic organisms are suspected of contributing to the infection,
appropriate therapy should be administered. Appropriate culture and
susceptibility tests should be performed before treatment in order to isolate
and identify organisms causing infection and to determine their susceptibility
to ciprofloxacin. Therapy with ciprofloxacin tablets, USP may be initiated
before results of these tests are known; once results become available
appropriate therapy should be continued. As with other drugs, some strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa may develop resistance fairly
rapidly during treatment with ciprofloxacin. Culture and susceptibility testing
performed periodically during therapy will provide information not only on the
therapeutic effect of the antimicrobial agent but also on the possible emergence
of bacterial resistance.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the
effectiveness of ciprofloxacin tablets, USP and other antibacterial drugs,
ciprofloxacin tablets, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections
that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When
culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered
in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data,
local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric
selection of therapy.
Contraindications
Ciprofloxacin is contraindicated in persons with a history of
hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin, any member of the quinolone class of
antimicrobial agents, or any of the product components.
Tendinopathy and Tendon Rupture Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, are
associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in all ages.
This adverse reaction most frequently involves the Achilles tendon, and rupture
of the Achilles tendon may require surgical repair. Tendinitis and tendon
rupture in the rotator cuff (the shoulder), the hand, the biceps, the thumb, and
other tendon sites have also been reported. The risk of developing
fluoroquinolone-associated tendinitis and tendon rupture is further increased in
older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid
drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart or lung transplants. Factors, in
addition to age and corticosteroid use, that may independently increase the risk
of tendon rupture include strenuous physical activity, renal failure, and
previous tendon disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Tendinitis and tendon
rupture have also occurred in patients taking fluoroquinolones who do not have
the above risk factors. Tendon rupture can occur during or after completion of
therapy; cases occurring up to several months after completion of therapy have
been reported. Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride should be discontinued if the patient
experiences pain, swelling, inflammation or rupture of a tendon. Patients should
be advised to rest at the first sign of tendinitis or tendon rupture, and to
contact their healthcare provider regarding changing to a non-quinolone
antimicrobial drug. Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis: Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, have
neuromuscular blocking activity and may exacerbate muscle weakness in persons
with myasthenia gravis. Postmarketing serious adverse events, including deaths
and requirement for ventilatory support, have been associated with
fluoroquinolone use in persons with myasthenia gravis. Avoid ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride in patients with known history of myasthenia gravis. (See PRECAUTIONS: Information for
Patients and ADVERSE REACTIONS: Post-Marketing Adverse Event
Reports.) Pregnant Women: THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CIPROFLOXACIN IN
PREGNANT AND LACTATING WOMEN HAVE NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED. (See PRECAUTIONS: Pregnancy, and Nursing Mothers subsections.) Pediatrics: Ciprofloxacin should be used in pediatric patients (less than 18
years of age) only for infections uled in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section. An increased incidence of
adverse events compared to controls, including events related to joints and/or
surrounding tissues, has been observed. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS.)
In pre-clinical studies, oral administration of ciprofloxacin caused lameness
in immature dogs. Histopathological examination of the weight-bearing joints of
these dogs revealed permanent lesions of the cartilage. Related quinolone-class
drugs also produce erosions of cartilage of weight-bearing joints and other
signs of arthropathy in immature animals of various species. (See ANIMAL PHARMACOLOGY.) Cytochrome P450 (CYP450): Ciprofloxacin is an inhibitor of the hepatic CYP1A2 enzyme
pathway. Coadministration of ciprofloxacin and other drugs primarily metabolized
by CYP1A2 (e.g. theophylline, methylxanthines, tizanidine) results in increased
plasma concentrations of the coadministered drug and could lead to clinically
significant pharmacodynamic side effects of the coadministered drug. Central Nervous System Disorders: Convulsions, increased intracranial pressure, and toxic psychosis
have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including ciprofloxacin.
Ciprofloxacin may also cause central nervous system (CNS) events including:
dizziness, confusion, tremors, hallucinations, depression, and, rarely, suicidal
thoughts or acts. These reactions may occur following the first dose. If these
reactions occur in patients receiving ciprofloxacin, the drug should be
discontinued and appropriate measures instituted. As with all quinolones,
ciprofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with known or suspected
CNS disorders that may predispose to seizures or lower the seizure threshold
(e.g., severe cerebral arteriosclerosis, epilepsy), or in the presence of other
risk factors that may predispose to seizures or lower the seizure threshold
(e.g., certain drug therapy, renal dysfunction). (See PRECAUTIONS: General, Information for
Patients, Drug Interactions and ADVERSE REACTIONS.) Theophylline: SERIOUS AND FATAL REACTIONS HAVE BEEN REPORTED
IN PATIENTS RECEIVING CONCURRENT ADMINISTRATION OF CIPROFLOXACIN AND
THEOPHYLLINE. These reactions have included cardiac arrest, seizure,
status epilepticus, and respiratory failure. Although similar serious adverse
effects have been reported in patients receiving theophylline alone, the
possibility that these reactions may be potentiated by ciprofloxacin cannot be
eliminated. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, serum levels of theophylline
should be monitored and dosage adjustments made as appropriate. Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic)
reactions, some following the first dose, have been reported in patients
receiving quinolone therapy. Some reactions were accompanied by cardiovascular
collapse, loss of consciousness, tingling, pharyngeal or facial edema, dyspnea,
urticaria, and itching. Only a few patients had a history of hypersensitivity
reactions. Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment
with epinephrine. Oxygen, intravenous steroids, and airway management, including
intubation, should be administered as indicated.
Other serious and sometimes fatal events, some due to hypersensitivity, and
some due to uncertain etiology, have been reported rarely in patients receiving
therapy with quinolones, including ciprofloxacin. These events may be severe and
generally occur following the administration of multiple doses. Clinical
manifestations may include one or more of the following:
fever, rash, or severe dermatologic reactions (e.g., toxic epidermal
necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome);
vasculitis; arthralgia; myalgia; serum sickness;
allergic pneumonitis;
interstitial nephritis; acute renal insufficiency or failure;
hepatitis; jaundice; acute hepatic necrosis or failure;
anemia, including hemolytic and aplastic; thrombocytopenia, including
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; leukopenia; agranulocytosis; pancytopenia;
and/or other hematologic abnormalities.
The drug should be discontinued immediately at the first appearance of a skin
rash, jaundice, or any other sign of hypersensitivity and supportive measures
instituted (see PRECAUTIONS: Information for
Patients and ADVERSE
REACTIONS). Pseudomembranous Colitis: Clostridium difficile associated
diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents,
including ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, and may range in severity from mild
diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal
flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C.
difficile.
C. difficile produces toxins A and B which
contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as
these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require
colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea
following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has
been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial
agents.
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed
against C. difficile may need to be discontinued.
Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation,
antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical
evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated. Peripheral neuropathy: Rare cases of sensory or sensorimotor
axonal polyneuropathy affecting small and/or large axons resulting in
paresthesias, hypoesthesias, dysesthesias and weakness have been reported in
patients receiving quinolones, including ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin should be
discontinued if the patient experiences symptoms of neuropathy including pain,
burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness, or is found to have deficits in
light touch, pain, temperature, position sense, vibratory sensation, and/or
motor strength in order to prevent the development of an irreversible
condition. Syphilis: Ciprofloxacin has not been shown to be effective in the treatment
of syphilis. Antimicrobial agents used in high dose for short periods of time to
treat gonorrhea may mask or delay the symptoms of incubating syphilis. All
patients with gonorrhea should have a serologic test for syphilis at the time of
diagnosis. Patients treated with ciprofloxacin should have a follow-up serologic
test for syphilis after three months.
Precautions
General: Crystals of ciprofloxacin have been observed rarely in the urine
of human subjects but more frequently in the urine of laboratory animals, which
is usually alkaline. (See ANIMAL
PHARMACOLOGY.) Crystalluria related to ciprofloxacin has been
reported only rarely in humans because human urine is usually acidic. Alkalinity
of the urine should be avoided in patients receiving ciprofloxacin. Patients
should be well hydrated to prevent the formation of highly concentrated
urine. Central Nervous System: Quinolones, including ciprofloxacin, may also cause central
nervous system (CNS) events, including: nervousness, agitation, insomnia,
anxiety, nightmares or paranoia. (See WARNINGS, Information for Patients,
and Drug Interactions.) Renal Impairment: Alteration of the dosage regimen is necessary for patients with
impairment of renal function. (See DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION.) Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity: Moderate to severe photosensitivity/phototoxicity reactions, the
latter of which may manifest as exaggerated sunburn reactions (e.g., burning,
erythema, exudation, vesicles, bulering, edema) involving areas exposed to
light (typically the face, “V” area of the neck, extensor surfaces of the
forearms, dorsa of the hands), can be associated with the use of quinolones
after sun or UV light exposure. Therefore, excessive exposure to these sources
of light should be avoided. Drug therapy should be discontinued if phototoxicity
occurs (See ADVERSE REACTIONS/Post-Marketing Adverse
Events).Â
As with any potent drug, periodic assessment of organ system functions,
including renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic function, is advisable during
prolonged therapy. Â
Prescribing ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets in the absence of a proven or
strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely
to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of
drug-resistant bacteria. Information for Patients: Patients should be advised:
to contact their healthcare provider if they experience pain, swelling, or
inflammation of a tendon, or weakness or inability to use one of their joints;
rest and refrain from exercise; and discontinue ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
treatment. The risk of severe tendon disorder with fluoroquinolones is higher in
older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid
drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart or lung transplants.
that fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin hydrochloride may cause worsening
of myasthenia gravis symptoms, including muscle weakness and breathing problems.
Patients should call their healthcare provider right away if they have any
worsening muscle weakness or breathing problems.
that antibacterial drugs including ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets
should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral
infections (e.g., the common cold). When ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets are
prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although
it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication
should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full
course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment
and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will
not be treatable by ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets or other antibacterial
drugs in the future.
that ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without meals and to drink fluids
liberally. As with other quinolones, concurrent administration of ciprofloxacin
with magnesium/aluminum antacids, or sucralfate, Videx®
(didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder, other highly
buffered drugs, or with other products containing calcium, iron or zinc should
be avoided. Ciprofloxacin may be taken two hours before or six hours after
taking these products. Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with dairy products
(like milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone since absorption of
ciprofloxacin may be significantly reduced; however, ciprofloxacin may be taken
with a meal that contains these products.
that ciprofloxacin may be associated with hypersensitivity reactions, even
following a single dose, and to discontinue the drug at the first sign of a skin
rash or other allergic reaction.
that photosensitivity/phototoxicity has been reported in patients receiving
quinolones. Patients should minimize or avoid exposure to natural or artificial
sunlight (tanning beds or UVA/B treatment) while taking quinolones. If patients
need to be outdoors while using quinolones, they should wear loose-fitting
clothes that protect skin from sun exposure and discuss other sun protection
measures with their physician. If a sunburn-like reaction or skin eruption
occurs, patients should contact their physician.
that peripheral neuropathies have been associated with ciprofloxacin use. If
symptoms of peripheral neuropathy including pain, burning, tingling, numbness
and/or weakness develop, they should discontinue treatment and contact their
physicians.
that ciprofloxacin may cause dizziness and lightheadedness; therefore,
patients should know how they react to this drug before they operate an
automobile or machinery or engage in activities requiring mental alertness or
coordination.
that ciprofloxacin increases the effects of tizanidine (Zanaflex®). Patients should not use ciprofloxacin if they are already
taking tizanidine.
that ciprofloxacin may increase the effects of theophylline and caffeine.
There is a possibility of caffeine accumulation when products containing
caffeine are consumed while taking quinolones.
that convulsions have been reported in patients receiving quinolones,
including ciprofloxacin, and to notify their physician before taking this drug
if there is a history of this condition.
that ciprofloxacin has been associated with an increased rate of adverse
events involving joints and surrounding tissue structures (like tendons) in
pediatric patients (less than 18 years of age). Parents should inform their
child's physician if the child has a history of joint-related problems before
taking this drug. Parents of pediatric patients should also notify their child's
physician of any joint-related problems that occur during or following
ciprofloxacin therapy. (See WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use and ADVERSE REACTIONS.)
that diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends
when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with
antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without
stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken
the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their
physician as soon as possible.
Drug Interactions:
In a pharmacokinetic study, systemic exposure of tizanidine (4 mg
single dose) was significantly increased (Cmax 7-fold, AUC 10-fold) when the
drug was given concomitantly with ciprofloxacin (500 mg bid for 3 days). The
hypotensive and sedative effects of tizanidine were also potentiated.
Concomitant administration of tizanidine and ciprofloxacin is
contraindicated.
As with some other quinolones, concurrent administration of ciprofloxacin
with theophylline may lead to elevated serum concentrations of theophylline and
prolongation of its elimination half-life. This may result in increased risk of
theophylline-related adverse reactions. (See WARNINGS.) If concomitant use cannot be avoided, serum
levels of theophylline should be monitored and dosage adjustments made as
appropriate.
Some quinolones, including ciprofloxacin, have also been shown to interfere
with the metabolism of caffeine. This may lead to reduced clearance of caffeine
and a prolongation of its serum half-life.
Concurrent administration of a quinolone, including ciprofloxacin, with
multivalent cation-containing products such as magnesium/aluminum antacids,
sucralfate, Videx® (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets
or pediatric powder, other highly buffered drugs, or products containing
calcium, iron, or zinc may substantially decrease its absorption, resulting in
serum and urine levels considerably lower than desired. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for concurrent administration
of these agents with ciprofloxacin.)
Histamine H2-receptor antagonists appear to have no
significant effect on the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin.
Altered serum levels of phenytoin (increased and decreased) have been
reported in patients receiving concomitant ciprofloxacin.
The concomitant administration of ciprofloxacin with the sulfonylurea
glyburide has, on rare occasions, resulted in severe hypoglycemia.
Some quinolones, including ciprofloxacin, have been associated with transient
elevations in serum creatinine in patients receiving cyclosporine
concomitantly.
Quinolones, including ciprofloxacin, have been reported to enhance the
effects of the oral anticoagulant warfarin or its derivatives. When these
products are administered concomitantly, prothrombin time or other suitable
coagulation tests should be closely monitored.
Probenecid interferes with renal tubular secretion of ciprofloxacin and
produces an increase in the level of ciprofloxacin in the serum. This should be
considered if patients are receiving both drugs concomitantly.
Renal tubular transport of methotrexate may be inhibited by concomitant
administration of ciprofloxacin potentially leading to increased plasma levels
of methotrexate. This might increase the risk of methotrexate associated toxic
reactions. Therefore, patients under methotrexate therapy should be carefully
monitored when concomitant ciprofloxacin therapy is indicated.
Metoclopramide significantly accelerates the absorption of oral ciprofloxacin
resulting in shorter time to reach maximum plasma concentrations. No significant
effect was observed on the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (but not acetyl salicylic acid) in
combination of very high doses of quinolones have been shown to provoke
convulsions in pre-clinical studies.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility:
Eight in vitro mutagenicity tests have
been conducted with ciprofloxacin, and the test results are uled below: Â Salmonella/Microsome Test (Negative)Â E. coli DNA Repair Assay (Negative)Â Mouse Lymphoma Cell Forward Mutation Assay (Positive)Â Chinese Hamster V79 Cell HGPRT Test (Negative)Â Syrian Hamster Embryo Cell Transformation Assay (Negative)Â Saccharomyces cerevisiae Point Mutation Assay
(Negative)Â Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mitotic Crossover and
Gene Conversion Assay (Negative) Rat Hepatocyte DNA Repair Assay (Positive) Thus, 2 of the 8 tests were positive, but results of the following 3 in vivo test systems gave negative results:  Rat Hepatocyte DNA Repair Assay Micronucleus Test (Mice) Dominant Lethal Test (Mice) Long-term carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice resulted in no
carcinogenic or tumorigenic effects due to ciprofloxacin at daily oral dose
levels up to 250 and 750 mg/kg to rats and mice, respectively (approximately
1.7- and 2.5- times the highest recommended therapeutic dose based upon
mg/m2).
Results from photo co-carcinogenicity testing indicate that ciprofloxacin
does not reduce the time to appearance of UV-induced skin tumors as compared to
vehicle control. Hairless (Skh-1) mice were exposed to UVA light for 3.5 hours
five times every two weeks for up to 78 weeks while concurrently being
administered ciprofloxacin. The time to development of the first skin tumors was
50 weeks in mice treated concomitantly with UVA and ciprofloxacin (mouse dose
approximately equal to maximum recommended human dose based upon mg/m2), as opposed to 34 weeks when animals were treated with both
UVA and vehicle. The times to development of skin tumors ranged from 16-32 weeks
in mice treated concomitantly with UVA and other quinolones.4
In this model, mice treated with ciprofloxacin alone did not develop skin or
systemic tumors. There are no data from similar models using pigmented mice
and/or fully haired mice. The clinical significance of these findings to humans
is unknown.
Fertility studies performed in rats at oral doses of ciprofloxacin up to 100
mg/kg (approximately 0.7-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose based
upon mg/m2) revealed no evidence of impairment.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant
women. An expert review of published data on experiences with ciprofloxacin use
during pregnancy by TERIS – the Teratogen Information System – concluded that
therapeutic doses during pregnancy are unlikely to pose a substantial
teratogenic risk (quantity and quality of data=fair), but the data are
insufficient to state that there is no risk.8
A controlled prospective observational study followed 200 women exposed to
fluoroquinolones (52.5% exposed to ciprofloxacin and 68% first trimester
exposures) during gestation.9 In utero exposure to
fluoroquinolones during embryogenesis was not associated with increased risk of
major malformations. The reported rates of major congenital malformations were
2.2% for the fluoroquinolone group and 2.6% for the control group (background
incidence of major malformations is 1-5%). Rates of spontaneous abortions,
prematurity and low birth weight did not differ between the groups and there
were no clinically significant musculoskeletal dysfunctions up to one year of
age in the ciprofloxacin exposed children.
Another prospective follow-up study reported on 549 pregnancies with
fluoroquinolone exposure (93% first trimester exposures).10 There were 70 ciprofloxacin exposures, all within the first
trimester. The malformation rates among live-born babies exposed to
ciprofloxacin and to fluoroquinolones overall were both within background
incidence ranges. No specific patterns of congenital abnormalities were found.
The study did not reveal any clear adverse reactions due to in utero exposure to
ciprofloxacin.
No differences in the rates of prematurity, spontaneous abortions, or birth
weight were seen in women exposed to ciprofloxacin during pregnancy.8,9 However, these small post-marketing epidemiology studies,
of which most experience is from short term, first trimester exposure, are
insufficient to evaluate the risk for less common defects or to permit reliable
and definitive conclusions regarding the safety of ciprofloxacin in pregnant
women and their developing fetuses. Ciprofloxacin should not be used during
pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to both
fetus and mother (see WARNINGS).
Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and mice using oral doses up
to 100 mg/kg (0.6 and 0.3 times the maximum daily human dose based upon body
surface area, respectively) and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus
due to ciprofloxacin. In rabbits, oral ciprofloxacin dose levels of 30 and 100
mg/kg (approximately 0.4- and 1.3-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose
based upon mg/m2) produced gastrointestinal toxicity
resulting in maternal weight loss and an increased incidence of abortion, but no
teratogenicity was observed at either dose level. After intravenous
administration of doses up to 20 mg/kg (approximately 0.3-times the highest
recommended therapeutic dose based upon mg/m2) no
maternal toxicity was produced and no embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was
observed. (See WARNINGS.)
Nursing Mothers:
Ciprofloxacin is excreted in human milk. The amount of ciprofloxacin absorbed by
the nursing infant is unknown. Because of the potential for serious adverse
reactions in infants nursing from mothers taking ciprofloxacin, a decision
should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking
into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use:
Ciprofloxacin, like other quinolones, causes arthropathy and
histological changes in weight-bearing joints of juvenile animals resulting in
lameness. (See ANIMAL
PHARMACOLOGY.)
Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure)
Ciprofloxacin is indicated in pediatric patients for inhalational anthrax
(post-exposure). The risk-benefit assessment indicates that administration of
ciprofloxacin to pediatric patients is appropriate. For information regarding
pediatric dosing in inhalational anthrax (post-exposure), see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX – ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION).
Complicated Urinary Tract Infection and
Pyelonephritis
Ciprofloxacin is indicated for the treatment of complicated urinary tract
infections and pyelonephritis due to Escherichia
coli. Although effective in clinical trials, ciprofloxacin is not a drug
of first choice in the pediatric population due to an increased incidence of
adverse events compared to the controls, including events related to joints
and/or surrounding tissues. The rates of these events in pediatric patients with
complicated urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis within six weeks of
follow-up were 9.3% (31/335) versus 6% (21/349) for control agents. The rates of
these events occurring at any time up to the one year follow-up were 13.7%
(46/335) and 9.5% (33/349), respectively. The rate of all adverse events
regardless of drug relationship at six weeks was 41% (138/335) in the
ciprofloxacin arm compared to 31% (109/349) in the control arm. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS and CLINICAL STUDIES.)
Cystic Fibrosis
Short-term safety data from a single trial in pediatric cystic fibrosis
patients are available. In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial for the
treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis patients (ages
5-17 years), 67 patients received ciprofloxacin I.V. 10 mg/kg/dose q8h for one
week followed by ciprofloxacin tablets 20 mg/kg/dose q12h to complete 10-21 days
treatment and 62 patients received the combination of ceftazidime I.V. 50
mg/kg/dose q8h and tobramycin I.V. 3 mg/kg/dose q8h for a total of 10-21 days.
Patients less than 5 years of age were not studied. Safety monitoring in the
study included periodic range of motion examinations and gait assessments by
treatment-blinded examiners. Patients were followed for an average of 23 days
after completing treatment (range 0-93 days). This study was not designed to
determine long term effects and the safety of repeated exposure to
ciprofloxacin.
Musculoskeletal adverse events in patients with cystic fibrosis were reported
in 22% of the patients in the ciprofloxacin group and 21% in the comparison
group. Decreased range of motion was reported in 12% of the subjects in the
ciprofloxacin group and 16% in the comparison group. Arthralgia was reported in
10% of the patients in the ciprofloxacin group and 11% in the comparison group.
Other adverse events were similar in nature and frequency between treatment
arms. One of sixty-seven patients developed arthritis of the knee nine days
after a ten day course of treatment with ciprofloxacin. Clinical symptoms
resolved, but an MRI showed knee effusion without other abnormalities eight
months after treatment. However, the relationship of this event to the patient's
course of ciprofloxacin can not be definitively determined, particularly since
patients with cystic fibrosis may develop arthralgias/arthritis as part of their
underlying disease process.
Geriatric Use:
Geriatric patients are at increased risk for developing severe
tendon disorders including tendon rupture when being treated with a
fluoroquinolone such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. This risk is further
increased in patients receiving concomitant corticosteroid therapy. Tendinitis
or tendon rupture can involve the Achilles, hand, shoulder, or other tendon
sites and can occur during or after completion of therapy; cases occurring up to
several months after fluoroquinolone treatment have been reported. Caution
should be used when prescribing ciprofloxacin hydrochloride to elderly patients
especially those on corticosteroids. Patients should be informed of this
potential side effect and advised to discontinue ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and
contact their healthcare provider if any symptoms of tendinitis or tendon
rupture occur (See Boxed Warning, WARNINGS, and ADVERSE
REACTIONS/Post-Marketing Adverse Event Reports).
In a retrospective analysis of 23 multiple-dose controlled clinical trials of
ciprofloxacin encompassing over 3500 ciprofloxacin treated patients, 25% of
patients were greater than or equal to 65 years of age and 10% were greater than
or equal to 75 years of age. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness
were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported
clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the
elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals
on any drug therapy cannot be ruled out. Ciprofloxacin is known to be
substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions may be
greater in patients with impaired renal function. No alteration of dosage is
necessary for patients greater than 65 years of age with normal renal function.
However, since some older individuals experience reduced renal function by
virtue of their advanced age, care should be taken in dose selection for elderly
patients, and renal function monitoring may be useful in these patients. (See
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)
In general, elderly patients may be more susceptible to drug-associated
effects on the QT interval. Therefore, precaution should be taken when using
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride with concomitant drugs that can result in
prolongation of the QT interval (e.g., class IA or class III antiarrhythmics) or
in patients with risk factors for torsade de pointes (e.g., known QT
prolongation, uncorrected hypokalemia).
Adverse Reactions
Findings Involving Joint or Peri-articular Tissues as Assessed by the
IPSC
Ciprofloxacin
Comparator
AllPatients (within 6 weeks)
31/335 (9.3%)
21/349 (6.0%)
95% Confidence Interval*
(-0.8%, +7.2%)
Age Group
greater than or equal to 12 months less than 24 months
1/36 (2.8%)
0/41
greater than or equal to 2 years less than 6 years
5/124 (4%)
3/118 (2.5%)
greater than or equal to 6 years less than 12 years
18/143 (12.6%)
12/153 (7.85)
greater than or equal to 12 years to 17 years
7/32 (21.9%)
6/37 (16.2%)
All Patients (within 1 year)
46/335 (13.7%)
33/349 (9.5%)
95% Confidence Interval*
(-0.6%, +9.1%)
*Â The study was designed to
demonstrate that the arthropathy rate for the ciprofloxacin group did not exceed
that of the control group by more than + 6%. At both the 6 week and 1 year
evaluations, the 95% confidence interval indicated that it could not be
concluded that ciprofloxacin group had findings comparable to the control
group.
Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients: During clinical investigations with oral and parenteral
ciprofloxacin, 49,038 patients received courses of the drug. Most of the adverse
events reported were described as only mild or moderate in severity, abated soon
after the drug was discontinued, and required no treatment. Ciprofloxacin was
discontinued because of an adverse event in 1% of orally treated patients.
The most frequently reported drug related events, from clinical trials of all
formulations, all dosages, all drug-therapy durations, and for all indications
of ciprofloxacin therapy were nausea (2.5%), diarrhea (1.6%), liver function
tests abnormal (1.3%), vomiting (1%), and rash (1%).
Additional medically important events that occurred in less than 1% of
ciprofloxacin patients are uled below. Â BODY AS A WHOLE: headache, abdominal pain/discomfort, foot pain, pain, pain
in extremities, injection site reaction (ciprofloxacin intravenous)Â CARDIOVASCULAR: palpitation, atrial flutter, ventricular ectopy, syncope,
hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cardiopulmonary arrest,
cerebral thrombosis, phlebitis, tachycardia, migraine, hypotension CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: restlessness, dizziness, lightheadedness, insomnia,
nightmares, hallucinations, manic reaction, irritability, tremor, ataxia,
convulsive seizures, lethargy, drowsiness, weakness, malaise, anorexia, phobia,
depersonalization, depression, paresthesia, abnormal gait, grand mal
convulsion GASTROINTESTINAL: painful oral mucosa, oral candidiasis, dysphagia,
intestinal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, cholestatic jaundice,
hepatitis HEMIC/LYMPHATIC: lymphadenopathy, petechia METABOLIC/NUTRITIONAL: amylase increase, lipase increase MUSCULOSKELETAL: arthralgia or back pain, joint stiffness, achiness, neck or
chest pain, flare up of gout RENAL/UROGENITAL: interstitial nephritis, nephritis, renal failure,
polyuria, urinary retention, urethral bleeding, vaginitis, acidosis, breast
pain RESPIRATORY: dyspnea, epistaxis, laryngeal or pulmonary edema, hiccough,
hemoptysis, bronchospasm, pulmonary embolism SKIN/HYPERSENSITIVITY: allergic reaction, pruritus, urticaria,
photosensitivity/phototoxicity reaction, flushing, fever, chills, angioedema,
edema of the face, neck, lips, conjunctivae or hands, cutaneous candidiasis,
hyperpigmentation, erythema nodosum, sweating SPECIAL SENSES: blurred vision, disturbed vision (change in color
perception, overbrightness of lights), decreased visual acuity, diplopia, eye
pain, tinnitus, hearing loss, bad taste, chromatopsia In several instances nausea, vomiting, tremor, irritability, or palpitation
were judged by investigators to be related to elevated serum levels of
theophylline possibly as a result of drug interaction with ciprofloxacin.
In randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trials comparing
ciprofloxacin tablets (500 mg BID) to cefuroxime axetil (250 mg - 500 mg BID)
and to clarithromycin (500 mg BID) in patients with respiratory tract
infections, ciprofloxacin demonstrated a CNS adverse event profile comparable to
the control drugs. Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients: Ciprofloxacin, administered I.V. and /or orally, was compared to
a cephalosporin for treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) or
pyelonephritis in pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age (mean age of 6 ± 4
years). The trial was conducted in the US, Canada, Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica,
Mexico, South Africa, and Germany. The duration of therapy was 10 to 21 days
(mean duration of treatment was 11 days with a range of 1 to 88 days). The
primary objective of the study was to assess musculoskeletal and neurological
safety within 6 weeks of therapy and through one year of follow-up in the 335
ciprofloxacin- and 349 comparator-treated patients enrolled.
An Independent Pediatric Safety Committee (IPSC) reviewed all cases of
musculoskeletal adverse events as well as all patients with an abnormal gait or
abnormal joint exam (baseline or treatment-emergent). These events were
evaluated in a comprehensive fashion and included such conditions as arthralgia,
abnormal gait, abnormal joint exam, joint sprains, leg pain, back pain,
arthrosis, bone pain, pain, myalgia, arm pain, and decreased range of motion in
a joint. The affected joints included: knee, elbow, ankle, hip, wrist, and
shoulder. Within 6 weeks of treatment initiation, the rates of these events were
9.3% (31/335) in the ciprofloxacin-treated group versus 6% (21/349) in
comparator-treated patients. The majority of these events were mild or moderate
in intensity. All musculoskeletal events occurring by 6 weeks resolved (clinical
resolution of signs and symptoms), usually within 30 days of end of treatment.
Radiological evaluations were not routinely used to confirm resolution of the
events. The events occurred more frequently in ciprofloxacin-treated patients
than control patients, regardless of whether they received I.V. or oral therapy.
Ciprofloxacin-treated patients were more likely to report more than one event
and on more than one occasion compared to control patients. These events
occurred in all age groups and the rates were consistently higher in the
ciprofloxacin group compared to the control group. At the end of 1 year, the
rate of these events reported at any time during that period was 13.7% (46/335)
in the ciprofloxacin-treated group versus 9.5% (33/349) comparator-treated
patients.
An adolescent female discontinued ciprofloxacin for wrist pain that developed
during treatment. An MRI performed 4 weeks later showed a tear in the right
ulnar fibrocartilage. A diagnosis of overuse syndrome secondary to sports
activity was made, but a contribution from ciprofloxacin cannot be excluded. The
patient recovered by 4 months without surgical intervention. The incidence rates of neurological events within 6 weeks of treatment
initiation were 3% (9/335) in the ciprofloxacin group versus 2% (7/349) in the
comparator group and included dizziness, nervousness, insomnia, and
somnolence.
In this trial, the overall incidence rates of adverse events regardless of
relationship to study drug and within 6 weeks of treatment initiation were 41%
(138/335) in the ciprofloxacin group versus 31% (109/349) in the comparator
group. The most frequent events were gastrointestinal: 15% (50/335) of
ciprofloxacin patients compared to 9% (31/349) of comparator patients. Serious
adverse events were seen in 7.5% (25/335) of ciprofloxacin-treated patients
compared to 5.7% (20/349) of control patients. Discontinuation of drug due to an
adverse event was observed in 3% (10/335) of ciprofloxacin-treated patients
versus 1.4% (5/349) of comparator patients. Other adverse events that occurred
in at least 1% of ciprofloxacin patients were diarrhea 4.8%, vomiting 4.8%,
abdominal pain 3.3%, accidental injury 3%, rhinitis 3%, dyspepsia 2.7%, nausea
2.7%, fever 2.1%, asthma 1.8% and rash 1.8%.
In addition to the events reported in pediatric patients in clinical trials,
it should be expected that events reported in adults during clinical trials or
post-marketing experience may also occur in pediatric patients. Post-Marketing Adverse Event Reports: The following adverse events have been reported from worldwide
marketing experience with fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin. Because
these events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is
not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal
relationship to drug exposure. Decisions to include these events in labeling are
typically based on one or more of the following factors: (1) seriousness of the
event, (2) frequency of the reporting, or (3) strength of causal connection to
the drug.
Agitation, agranulocytosis, albuminuria, anaphylactic reactions (including
life-threatening anaphylactic shock), anosmia, candiduria, cholesterol elevation
(serum), confusion, constipation, delirium, dyspepsia, dysphagia, erythema
multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, fixed eruption, flatulence, glucose
elevation (blood), hemolytic anemia, hepatic failure (including fatal cases),
hepatic necrosis, hyperesthesia, hypertonia, hypesthesia, hypotension
(postural), jaundice, marrow depression (life threatening), methemoglobinemia,
moniliasis (oral, gastrointestinal, vaginal), myalgia, myasthenia, exacerbation
of myasthenia gravis, myoclonus, nystagmus, pancreatitis, pancytopenia (life
threatening or fatal outcome), peripheral neuropathy, phenytoin alteration
(serum), photosensitivity/phototoxicity reaction, potassium elevation (serum),
prothrombin time prolongation or decrease, pseudomembranous colitis (The onset
of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antimicrobial
treatment.), psychosis (toxic), renal calculi, serum sickness like reaction,
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, taste loss, tendinitis, tendon rupture, torsade de
pointes, toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's Syndrome), triglyceride elevation
(serum), twitching, vaginal candidiasis, and vasculitis. (See PRECAUTIONS.)
Adverse events were also reported by persons who received ciprofloxacin for
anthrax post-exposure prophylaxis following the anthrax bioterror attacks of
October 2001. (See also INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX -
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.)
Adverse Laboratory Changes: Changes in laboratory
parameters uled as adverse events without regard to drug relationship are
uled below:
Hepatic
–
Elevations of ALT (SGPT) (1.9%), AST (SGOT) (1.7%),
alkaline phosphatase (0.8%), LDH (0.4%), serum bilirubin (0.3%).
Elevations of serum creatinine (1.1%), BUN (0.9%),
CRYSTALLURIA, CYLINDRURIA, AND HEMATURIA HAVE BEEN
REPORTED.
Other changes occurring in less than 0.1% of courses were: elevation of serum
gammaglutamyl transferase, elevation of serum amylase, reduction in blood
glucose, elevated uric acid, decrease in hemoglobin, anemia, bleeding diathesis,
increase in blood monocytes, leukocytosis.
Overdosage
In the event of acute overdosage, reversible renal toxicity has
been reported in some cases. The stomach should be emptied by inducing vomiting
or by gastric lavage. The patient should be carefully observed and given
supportive treatment, including monitoring of renal function and administration
of magnesium, aluminum, or calcium containing antacids which can reduce the
absorption of ciprofloxacin. Adequate hydration must be maintained. Only a small
amount of ciprofloxacin (less than 10%) is removed from the body after hemodialysis
or peritoneal dialysis.
Single doses of ciprofloxacin were relatively non-toxic via the oral route of
administration in mice, rats, and dogs. No deaths occurred within a 14-day post
treatment observation period at the highest oral doses tested; up to 5000 mg/kg
in either rodent species, or up to 2500 mg/kg in the dog. Clinical signs
observed included hypoactivity and cyanosis in both rodent species and severe
vomiting in dogs. In rabbits, significant mortality was seen at doses of
ciprofloxacin less than 2500 mg/kg. Mortality was delayed in these animals, occurring
10-14 days after dosing.
In mice, rats, rabbits and dogs, significant toxicity including tonic/clonic
convulsions was observed at intravenous doses of ciprofloxacin between 125 and
300 mg/kg.
*Â used in conjunction with
metronidazole
† Generally ciprofloxacin should be
continued for at least 2 days after the signs and symptoms of infection have
disappeared, except for inhalational anthrax (post-exposure).**Â Drug
administration should begin as soon as possible after suspected or confirmed
exposure.
Ciprofloxacin tablets should be administered orally to adults as
described in the Dosage Guidelines table.
The determination of dosage for any particular patient must take into
consideration the severity and nature of the infection, the susceptibility of
the causative organism, the integrity of the patient's host-defense mechanisms,
and the status of renal function and hepatic function.
The duration of treatment depends upon the severity of infection. The usual
duration is 7 to 14 days; however, for severe and complicated infections more
prolonged therapy may be required. Ciprofloxacin should be administered at least
2 hours before or 6 hours after magnesium/aluminum antacids, or sucralfate,
Videx® (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or
pediatric powder for oral solution, other highly buffered drugs, or other
products containing calcium, iron or zinc. Conversion of I.V. to Oral Dosing in Adults: Patients whose therapy is started with ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride I.V. may be switched to ciprofloxacin tablets when clinically
indicated at the discretion of the physician (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
and table below for the equivalent
dosing regimens). Adults with Impaired Renal Function:
Equivalent AUC Dosing Regimens
Ciprofloxacin Oral Dosage
Equivalent Ciprofloxacin I.V. Dosage
250 mg Tablet q 12 h
  200 mg I.V. q 12 h
500 mg Tablet q 12 h
  400 mg I.V. q 12 h
750 mg Tablet q 12 h
400 mg I.V. q 8 h
Ciprofloxacin is eliminated primarily by renal excretion;
however, the drug is also metabolized and partially cleared through the biliary
system of the liver and through the intestine. These alternative pathways of
drug elimination appear to compensate for the reduced renal excretion in
patients with renal impairment. Nonetheless, some modification of dosage is
recommended, particularly for patients with severe renal dysfunction. The
following table provides dosage guidelines for use in patients with renal
impairment:
RECOMMENDED STARTING AND MAINTENANCE DOSES FOR PATIENTS WITH IMPAIRED
RENAL FUNCTION
Creatinine Clearance
(mL/min)
      Dose
> 50
See Usual Dosage.
30 – 50
250 – 500 mg q 12 h
5 – 29
250 – 500 mg q 18 h
Patients on hemodialysisor Peritoneal
dialysis
250 – 500 mg q 24 h (after
dialysis)
When only the serum creatinine concentration is known, the following formula
may be used to estimate creatinine clearance.
   Men: Creatinine clearance (mL/min) =
   Weight (kg) x (140 - age) 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL)
   Women: 0.85 x the value calculated for men.
Â
The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function.
In patients with severe infections and severe renal impairment, a unit dose
of 750 mg may be administered at the intervals noted above. Patients should be
carefully monitored.
Dosage And Administration - Pediatrics
Ciprofloxacin tablets should be administered orally as described
in the Dosage Guidelines table. An increased incidence of
adverse events compared to controls, including events related to joints and/or
surrounding tissues, has been observed. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS and CLINICAL STUDIES.)
Dosing and initial route of therapy (i.e., I.V. or oral) for complicated
urinary tract infection or pyelonephritis should be determined by the severity
of the infection. In the clinical trial, pediatric patients with moderate to
severe infection were initiated on 6 to 10 mg/kg I.V. every 8 hours and allowed
to switch to oral therapy (10 to 20 mg/kg every 12 hours), at the discretion of
the physician.
PEDIATRIC DOSAGE GUIDELINES
Infection
Route of Administration
Dose(mg/kg)
Frequency
Total Duration
Complicated Urinary Tractor Pyelonephritis
(patients from 1 to 17
yearsof age)
Oral
10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg(maximum 750 mg per dose; not to be exceeded
even in patients weighing > 51 kg)
Every 12 hours
10-21 days*
Inhalational Anthrax(Post-Exposure)**
Oral
15 mg/kg(maximum 500 mg per dose)
Every 12 hours
60 days
*Â The total duration of
therapy for complicated urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis in the
clinical trial was determined by the physician. The mean duration of treatment
was 11 days (range 10 to 21 days).**Â Drug administration should begin as
soon as possible after suspected or confirmed exposure to Bacillus anthracis spores. This indication is based on a
surrogate endpoint, ciprofloxacin serum concentrations achieved in humans,
reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit.5 For a
discussion of ciprofloxacin serum concentrations in various human populations,
see INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX – ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION). Pediatric patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency were excluded
from the clinical trial of complicated urinary tract infection and
pyelonephritis. No information is available on dosing adjustments necessary for
pediatric patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency (i.e., creatinine
clearance of less than 50 mL/min/1.73m2).
How Supplied
Ciprofloxacin tablets, USP are available as round, white to
off-white film-coated tablets containing 250 mg ciprofloxacin. The 250 mg tablet
is coded with “CR" over "250” on one side and “>” on the other side.
Ciprofloxacin tablets, USP are also available as capsule shaped, white to
off-white film-coated tablets containing 500 mg or 750 mg ciprofloxacin. The 500
mg tablet is coded with “CR500” on one side and “>” on the reverse side. The
750 mg tablet is coded with “CR750” on one side and “>” on the reverse side.
Ciprofloxacin tablets, USPÂ 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg are available in the
following pack types.
500 mg
Bottles of 06: NDC 67296-0580-4
Bottles of 10: NDC 67296-0580-2
Bottles of 14: NDC 67296-0580-3
Bottles of 20: NDC 67296-0580-5
Store at 20°- 25°C (68°- 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-
30°C (59°- 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].               Â
Animal Pharmacology
Ciprofloxacin and other quinolones have been shown to cause
arthropathy in immature animals of most species tested. (See WARNINGS.) Damage of weight bearing joints was observed
in juvenile dogs and rats. In young beagles, 100 mg/kg ciprofloxacin, given
daily for 4 weeks, caused degenerative articular changes of the knee joint. At
30 mg/kg, the effect on the joint was minimal. In a subsequent study in young
beagle dogs, oral ciprofloxacin doses of 30 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg ciprofloxacin
(approximately 1.3- and 3.5-times the pediatric dose based upon comparative
plasma AUCs) given daily for 2 weeks caused articular changes which were still
observed by histopathology after a treatment-free period of 5 months. At 10
mg/kg (approximately 0.6-times the pediatric dose based upon comparative plasma
AUCs), no effects on joints were observed. This dose was also not associated
with arthrotoxicity after an additional treatment-free period of 5 months. In
another study, removal of weight bearing from the joint reduced the lesions but
did not totally prevent them.
Crystalluria, sometimes associated with secondary nephropathy, occurs in
laboratory animals dosed with ciprofloxacin. This is primarily related to the
reduced solubility of ciprofloxacin under alkaline conditions, which predominate
in the urine of test animals; in man, crystalluria is rare since human urine is
typically acidic. In rhesus monkeys, crystalluria without nephropathy was noted
after single oral doses as low as 5 mg/kg. (approximately 0.07-times the highest
recommended therapeutic dose based upon mg/m2). After 6
months of intravenous dosing at 10 mg/kg/day, no nephropathological changes were
noted; however, nephropathy was observed after dosing at 20 mg/kg/day for the
same duration (approximately 0.2-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose
based upon mg/m2).
In dogs, ciprofloxacin at 3 and 10 mg/kg by rapid I.V. injection (15 sec.)
produces pronounced hypotensive effects. These effects are considered to be
related to histamine release, since they are partially antagonized by
pyrilamine, an antihistamine. In rhesus monkeys, rapid I.V. injection also
produces hypotension but the effect in this species is inconsistent and less
pronounced.
In mice, concomitant administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
such as phenylbutazone and indomethacin with quinolones has been reported to
enhance the CNS stimulatory effect of quinolones.
Ocular toxicity seen with some related drugs has not been observed in
ciprofloxacin-treated animals.
Clinical Studies
CLINICAL STUDIESComplicated Urinary Tract Infection and
Pyelonephritis – Efficacy in Pediatric Patients: NOTE: Although effective in clinical trials, ciprofloxacin is not
a drug of first choice in the pediatric population due to an increased incidence
of adverse events compared to controls, including events related to joints
and/or surrounding tissues.
Ciprofloxacin, administered I.V. and/or orally, was compared to a
cephalosporin for treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) and
pyelonephritis in pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age (mean age of 6 ± 4
years). The trial was conducted in the US, Canada, Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica,
Mexico, South Africa, and Germany. The duration of therapy was 10 to 21 days
(mean duration of treatment was 11 days with a range of 1 to 88 days). The
primary objective of the study was to assess musculoskeletal and neurological
safety.
Patients were evaluated for clinical success and bacteriological eradication
of the baseline organism(s) with no new infection or superinfection at 5 to 9
days post-therapy (Test of Cure or TOC). The Per Protocol population had a
causative organism(s) with protocol specified colony count(s) at baseline, no
protocol violation, and no premature discontinuation or loss to follow-up (among
other criteria).
The clinical success and bacteriologic eradication rates in the Per Protocol
population were similar between ciprofloxacin and the comparator group as shown
below.
Clinical Success and Bacteriologic Eradication at Test of Cure (5 to 9
Days Post-Therapy)
Ciprofloxacin
Comparator
Randomized Patients
337
352
Per Protocol Patients
211
231
Clinical Response at 5 to 9 Days Post-Treatment
95.7% (202/211)
92.6% (214/231)
95% CI [-1.3%, 7.3%]Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Bacteriologic Eradication by Patient at 5 to 9 Days Post-Treatment*
84.4% (178/211)
78.3% (181/231)
95% CI [-1.3%, 13.1%]
Bacteriologic Eradication of the Baseline Pathogen at 5 to 9 Days
Post-Treatment
Escherichia coli
156/178 (88%)
161/179 (90%)
*Â Patients with baseline
pathogen(s) eradicated and no new infections or superinfections/total number of
patients. There were 5.5% (6/211) ciprofloxacin and 9.5% (22/231) comparator
patients with superinfections or new infections.
Inhalational Anthrax In Adults And Pediatrics Additional Information
The mean serum concentrations of ciprofloxacin associated with a
statistically significant improvement in survival in the rhesus monkey model of
inhalational anthrax are reached or exceeded in adult and pediatric patients
receiving oral regimens. (See DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION.) Ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics have been evaluated
in various human populations. The mean peak serum concentration achieved at
steady-state in human adults receiving 500 mg orally every 12 hours is 2.97
ÎĽg/mL, and 4.56 ÎĽg/mL following 400 mg intravenously every 12 hours. The mean
trough serum concentration at steady-state for both of these regimens is 0.2
ÎĽg/mL. In a study of 10 pediatric patients between 6 and 16 years of age, the
mean peak plasma concentration achieved is 8.3 ÎĽg/mL and trough concentrations
range from 0.09 to 0.26 ÎĽg/mL, following two 30-minute intravenous infusions of
10 mg/kg administered 12 hours apart. After the second intravenous infusion
patients switched to 15 mg/kg orally every 12 hours achieve a mean peak
concentration of 3.6 ÎĽg/mL after the initial oral dose. Long-term safety data,
including effects on cartilage, following the administration of ciprofloxacin to
pediatric patients are limited. (For additional information, see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use.) Ciprofloxacin
serum concentrations achieved in humans serve as a surrogate endpoint reasonably
likely to predict clinical benefit and provide the basis for this
indication.5
A placebo-controlled animal study in rhesus monkeys exposed to an inhaled
mean dose of 11 LD50 (~5.5 x 105
spores (range 5-30 LD50) of B.
anthracis was conducted. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of
ciprofloxacin for the anthrax strain used in this study was 0.08 ÎĽg/mL. In the
animals studied, mean serum concentrations of ciprofloxacin achieved at expected
Tmax (1 hour post-dose) following oral dosing to
steady-state ranged from 0.98 to 1.69 ÎĽg/mL. Mean steady-state trough
concentrations at 12 hours post-dose ranged from 0.12 to 0.19 ÎĽg/mL.6 Mortality due to anthrax for animals that received a 30-day
regimen of oral ciprofloxacin beginning 24 hours post-exposure was significantly
lower (1/9), compared to the placebo group (9/10) [p= 0.001]. The one
ciprofloxacin-treated animal that died of anthrax did so following the 30-day
drug administration period.7
More than 9300 persons were recommended to complete a minimum of 60 days of
antibiotic prophylaxis against possible inhalational exposure to B. anthracis during 2001. Ciprofloxacin was recommended to
most of those individuals for all or part of the prophylaxis regimen. Some
persons were also given anthrax vaccine or were switched to alternative
antibiotics. No one who received ciprofloxacin or other therapies as
prophylactic treatment subsequently developed inhalational anthrax. The number
of persons who received ciprofloxacin as all or part of their post-exposure
prophylaxis regimen is unknown.
Among the persons surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
over 1000 reported receiving ciprofloxacin as sole post-exposure prophylaxis for
inhalational anthrax. Gastrointestinal adverse events (nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, or stomach pain), neurological adverse events (problems sleeping,
nightmares, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness) and musculoskeletal adverse
events (muscle or tendon pain and joint swelling or pain) were more frequent
than had been previously reported in controlled clinical trials. This higher
incidence, in the absence of a control group, could be explained by a reporting
bias, concurrent medical conditions, other concomitant medications, emotional
stress or other confounding factors, and/or a longer treatment period with
ciprofloxacin. Because of these factors and limitations in the data collection,
it is difficult to evaluate whether the reported symptoms were drug-related.
References:
National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for
Bacteria That Grow Aerobically-Fifth Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS
Document M7-A5, Vol. 20, No. 2, NCCLS, Wayne, PA, January, 2000.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, Methods
for Antimicrobial Dilution and Disk Susceptibility Testing of Infrequently
Isolated or Fastidious Bacteria; Approved Guideline., CLSI Document
M45-A, Vol. 26, No. 19, CLSI, Wayne, PA, 2006.
National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Susceptibility
Tests-Seventh Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS Document M2-A7, Vol. 20,
No. 1, NCCLS, Wayne, PA, January, 2000.
Report presented at the FDA's Anti-Infective Drug and Dermatological Drug
Product's Advisory Committee meeting, March 31, 1993, Silver Spring, MD. Report
available from FDA, CDER, Advisors and Consultants Staff, HFD-21, 1901 Chapman
Avenue, Room 200, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
21 CFR 314.510 (Subpart H – Accelerated Approval of New Drugs for
Life-Threatening Illnesses).
Kelly DJ, et al. Serum concentrations of penicillin, doxycycline, and
ciprofloxacin during prolonged therapy in rhesus monkeys. J Infect Dis 1992;
166:1184-7.
Friedlander AM, et al. Postexposure prophylaxis against experimental
inhalational anthrax. J Infect Dis 1993; 167:1239-42.
Friedman J, Polifka J. Teratogenic effects of drugs: a resource for
clinicians (TERIS). Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press,
2000:149-195.
Loebstein R, Addis A, Ho E, et al. Pregnancy outcome following gestational
exposure to fluoroquinolones: a multicenter prospective controlled study.
Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1998;42(6):1336-1339.
Schaefer C, Amoura-Elefant E, Vial T, et al. Pregnancy outcome after
prenatal quinolone exposure. Evaluation of a case registry of the European
network of teratology information services (ENTIS). Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod
Biol. 1996;69:83-89.
Distributed by:
Watson Pharma, Inc.
Corona, CA 92880 USAÂ
Item Number: 194741-1
Revised: March 2011
Medication Guide: Ciprofloxacin Tablets, Usp
Read the Medication Guide that comes with ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets before you start taking it and each time you get a refill.
There may be new information. This Medication Guide does not take the place of
talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your
treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets? Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets
belong to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets can cause side effects that may be serious or even cause
death. If you get any of the following serious side effects, get medical help
right away. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should continue
to take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets.
Tendon rupture or swelling of the tendon (tendinitis)
Tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones.
Pain, swelling, tears and inflammation of tendons including the back of the
ankle (Achilles), shoulder, hand, or other tendon sites can happen in people of
all ages who take fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets. The risk of getting tendon problems is higher if you:
are over 60 years of age
are taking steroids (corticosteroids)
have had a kidney, heart or lung transplant.
Swelling of the tendon (tendinitis) and tendon rupture (breakage) have also
happened in patients who take fluoroquinolones who do not have the above risk
factors.
Other reasons for tendon ruptures can include:
physical activity or exercise
kidney failure
tendon problems in the past, such as in people with rheumatoid arthritis
(RA)
Call your healthcare provider right away at the first sign of tendon pain,
swelling or inflammation. Stop taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets until
tendinitis or tendon rupture has been ruled out by your healthcare provider.
Avoid exercise and using the affected area. 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. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk of tendon
rupture with continued use of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets. You may need
a different antibiotic that is not a fluoroquinolone to treat your infection.
Tendon rupture can happen while you are taking or after you have finished
taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets. Tendon ruptures have happened up to
several months after patients have finished taking their fluoroquinolone.
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 weight
Worsening of myasthenia gravis (a disease which causes
muscle weakness). Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin hydrochloride may
cause worsening of myasthenia gravis symptoms, including muscle weakness and
breathing problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any
worsening muscle weakness or breathing problems.
See the section “What are the possible side effects of
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets?” for more
information about side effects. Â Â Â Â
What are ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets?
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
tablets are fluoroquinolone antibiotic medicine used to treat certain infections
caused by certain germs called bacteria.
Children less than 18 years of age have a higher chance of getting bone,
joint, or tendon (musculoskeletal) problems such as pain or swelling while
taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets. Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets
should not be used as the first choice of antibiotic medicine in children under
18 years of age. Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets should not be used in
children under 18 years old, except to treat specific serious infections, such
as complicated urinary tract infections and to prevent anthrax disease after
breathing the anthrax bacteria germ (inhalational exposure).
Sometimes infections are caused by viruses rather than by bacteria. Examples
include viral infections in the sinuses and lungs, such as the common cold or
flu. Antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, do not kill
viruses.
Call your healthcare provider if you think your condition is not getting
better while you are taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets.
Who should not take ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets?
Do not take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets if
you:
have ever had a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic known as a
fluoroquinolone, or are allergic to any of the ingredients in ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure. See the
ul of ingredients in ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets at the end of this
Medication Guide.
also take a medicine called tizanidine (Zanaflex®). Serious side effects
from tizanidine are likely to happen.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets?
See “What is the most important
information I should know about ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets?”
Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical
conditions, including if you:
have tendon problems
have a disease that causes muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)
have central nervous system problems (such as epilepsy)
have nerve problems
have or anyone in your family has an irregular heartbeat, especially a
condition called “QT prolongation”
have a history of seizures
have kidney problems. You may need a lower dose of ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets if your kidneys do not work well.
have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or other history of joint problems
have trouble swallowing pills
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets will harm your unborn child.
are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed. Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
tablets passes into breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide
whether you will take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets or breast-feed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you
take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and
herbal and dietary supplements. Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets and other
medicines can affect each other causing side effects. Especially tell your
healthcare provider if you take:
an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). Many common medicines for
pain relief are NSAIDs. Taking an NSAID while you take ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets or other fluoroquinolones may increase your risk of
central nervous system effects and seizures. See “What are the
possible side effects of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
tablets?”.
a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin®, Jantoven®)
tizanidine (Zanaflex®). You should not take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
tablets if you are already taking tizanidine. See “Who should
not take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets?”
a medicine to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmics) See “What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets?”
an anti-psychotic medicine
a tricyclic antidepressant
a water pill (diuretic)
a steroid medicine. Corticosteroids taken by mouth or by injection may
increase the chance of tendon injury. See “What is the most
important information I should know about ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets?”
methotrexate (Trexall®)
Probenecid (Probalan®, Col-probenecid®)
Metoclopromide (Reglan®, Reglan ODT®)
Certain medicines may keep ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets from working
correctly. Take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets either 2 hours before or 6
hours after taking these products:
an antacid, multivitamin, or other product that has magnesium, calcium,
aluminum, iron, or zinc
sucralfate (Carafate®)
didanosine (Videx®, Videx EC®).
Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if any of your medicines are
uled above.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a ul of your medicines and show it to
your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets?
Take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets exactly as prescribed by your
healthcare provider.
Take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets in the morning and evening at about
the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush or chew
the tablet. Tell your healthcare provider if you can not swallow the tablet
whole.
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets can be taken with or without food.
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets should not be taken with dairy products
(like milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone, but may be taken with a
meal that contains these products.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets.
Do not skip any doses, or stop taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets
even if you begin to feel better, until you finish your prescribed treatment,
unless:
you have tendon effects (see “What is the most important
information I should know about ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets?”),
you have a serious allergic reaction (see “What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets?”), or your healthcare provider tells you to stop.
This will help make sure that all of the bacteria are killed and lower the
chance that the bacteria will become resistant to ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
tablets. If this happens, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets and other
antibiotic medicines may not work in the future.
If you miss a dose of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, take it as soon
as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time, and do not take more
than two doses in one day.
If you take too much, call your healthcare provider or get medical help
immediately.
If you have been prescribed ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets after being exposed to anthrax:
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets have been approved to lessen the chance
of getting anthrax disease or worsening of the disease after you are exposed to
the anthrax bacteria germ.
Take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets exactly as prescribed by your
healthcare provider. Do not stop taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets
without talking with your healthcare provider. If you stop taking ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets too soon, it may not keep you from getting the anthrax
disease.
Side effects may happen while you are taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
tablets. When taking your ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets to prevent anthrax
infection, you and your healthcare provider should talk about whether the risks
of stopping ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets too soon are more important than
the risks of side effects with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets.
If you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant while taking ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets, you and your healthcare provider should decide whether
the benefits of taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets for anthrax are more
important than the risks.
What should I avoid while taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets?
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets can make you feel dizzy and lightheaded.
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other activities that require mental
alertness or coordination until you know how ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets
affect you.
Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and try to limit your time in the sun.
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets can make your skin sensitive to the sun
(photosensitivity) and the light from sunlamps and tanning beds. You could get
severe sunburn, bulers or swelling of your skin. If you get any of these
symptoms while taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, call your healthcare
provider right away. You should use a sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that
cover your skin if you have to be in sunlight.
What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets?
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets can cause side
effects that may be serious or even cause death. See “What is
the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
tablets?” Other serious side effects of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
tablets include:
Central Nervous System effects
Seizures have been reported in people who take fluoroquinolone antibiotics
including ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets. Tell your healthcare provider if
you have a history of seizures. Ask your healthcare provider whether taking
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets will change your risk of having a seizure.
Central Nervous System (CNS) side effects may happen as soon as after taking the
first dose of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets. Talk to your healthcare
provider right away if you get any of these side effects, or other changes in
mood or behavior:
feel dizzy
seizures
hear voices, see things, or sense things that are not there
(hallucinations)
feel restless
tremors
feel anxious or nervous
confusion
depression
trouble sleeping
nightmares
feel more suspicious (paranoia)
suicidal thoughts or acts
Serious allergic reactions
Allergic reactions can happen in people taking
fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, even after only
one dose. Stop taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets and get emergency
medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms of a severe
allergic reaction:
hives
trouble breathing or swallowing
swelling of the lips, tongue, face
throat tightness, hoarseness
rapid heartbeat
faint
yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Stop taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets and tell your healthcare
provider right away if you get yellowing of your skin or white part of your
eyes, or if you have dark urine. These can be signs of a serious reaction to
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets (a liver problem).
Skin rash
Skin rash may happen in people taking ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets, even after only one dose. Stop taking ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets at the first sign of a skin rash and call your healthcare
provider. Skin rash may be a sign of a more serious reaction to ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets.
Serious heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation and
torsade de pointes)
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a change in your heart
beat (a fast or irregular heartbeat), or if you faint. Ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets may cause a rare heart problem known as prolongation of
the QT interval. This condition can cause an abnormal heartbeat and can be very
dangerous. The chances of this event are higher in people:
who are elderly
with a family history of prolonged QT interval
with low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
who take certain medicines to control heart rhythm
(antiarrhythmics)
Intestine infection (Pseudomembranous colitis)
Pseudomembranous colitis can happen with most antibiotics, including
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets. Call your healthcare provider right away if
you get watery diarrhea, diarrhea that does not go away, or bloody stools. You
may have stomach cramps and a fever. Pseudomembranous colitis can happen 2 or
more months after you have finished your antibiotic.
Changes in sensation and possible nerve
damage (Peripheral Neuropathy)
Damage to the nerves in arms, hands, legs, or feet
can happen in people who take fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets. Talk with your healthcare provider right away if you get
any of the following symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your arms, hands,
legs, or feet:
pain
burning
tingling
numbness
weakness
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets may need to be stopped
to prevent permanent nerve damage.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
People who take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets
and other fluoroquinolone medicines with the oral anti-diabetes medicine
glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta, Glucovance) can get low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia) which can sometimes be severe. Tell your healthcare provider if
you get low blood sugar with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets. Your
antibiotic medicine may need to be changed.
Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
See “What should I avoid while taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets?”
Joint problems
Increased chance of problems with joints and tissues
around joints in children under 18 years old. Tell your child’s healthcare
provider if your child has any joint problems during or after treatment with
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets.
The most common side effects of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets include:
Â
nausea
headache
diarrhea
vomiting
vaginal yeast infection
changes in liver function tests pain or discomfort in the abdomen
These are not all the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
tablets. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you,
or that does not go away.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets?
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets
Store ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F);excursions
permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).
Keep ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other
than those uled in a Medication Guide. Do not use ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
tablets for a condition for which it is not prescribed. Do not give
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets to other people, even if they have the same
symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets. If you would like more information about
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, talk with your healthcare provider. You can
ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about ciprofloxacin
hydrochloride tablets that is written for healthcare professionals. For more
information call 1-800-272-5525.
What are the ingredients in ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets?
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets:
Active ingredient: ciprofloxacin
Inactive ingredients: cornstarch, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon
dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium
dioxide, polyethylene glycol and purified water
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration.
Distributed by:
Watson Pharma, Inc.
Corona, CA 92880 USAÂ
Item Number: 194742-1
Revised: March 2011
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DISCLAIMER:
"This tool does not provide medical advice, and is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Call your doctor to receive medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please dial 911."
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"This product uses publicly available data from the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services; NLM is not responsible for the product and does not endorse or recommend this or any other product."
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