Drug name: Cifran
Active Ingredients:
- Ciprofloxacin
Therapeutic action of Cifran: Cifran with Ciprofloxacin as its main ingredient is used for preventing various types of bacterial infections. Cifran is very effective against all types of gram negative bacteria which also includes Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This drug is equally potent against gram positive bacteria like streptococci and staphylococci. But experiments have shown that Cifran is less effective against anaerobic organism. Cifran is good enough to kill bacteria that is in its resting phase as well as in proliferation phase.
Indications: In adults, Cifran is used to treat the following conditions:
- Lower respiratory infection. Cifran is used to treat pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus, Branhamella, Haemophilus, Pseudomonas, E.coli, Proteus, Enterobacter,
- Klebsiella
- Kidney or urinary tract infections
- Reproductive tract infections such as Prostatitis, Gonorrhoea, Adnexitis
- Gastrointestinal tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Bone and joint infection
- Severe illness in which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by bacteria (Sepsis)
- Woolsorters' or Ragpickers' disease
In children, Cifran is used to treat pulmonary exacerbation of cystic fibrosis caused by P. aeruginosa bacteria which mainly affects children between the ages 5 to 17. Infectious diseases like respiratory anthrax can be effectively treated using this drug.
Precautions and Restrictions:
- Avoid using Cifran if you are highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin or other ingredients
- It is not advisable to use Cifran if a patient is pregnant or a nursing mother. Certain studies show that use of this drug may affect the articular cartilage of the fetus or the young infant
- While using this drug for the treatment of anthrax the patient must be fully briefed about the benefits and drawbacks of using Cifran or any other similar medicines
Side effects of Cifran: Mentioned below are some of the adverse reactions caused by Cifran:
- Distorted sense of taste
- Hives, maculopapular rash, anusitis
- Confusion, agitation, sleeplessness, drowsiness, cephalalgia
- Arthralgia or joint pain
- Allergic reactions on the location of injection
- Presence of excess bilirubin in the blood
- Flatulence, anorexia, elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, liver disorder, nausea, vomiting, indigestion
- Thrombophlebitis
- Loss or lack of bodily strength
- Yeast infection of the mouth and throat
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
Interactions: Some of the drugs or substances that may react with Cifran are:
- Cifran when taken along with antacids that has calcium, aluminum, or magnesium in them can reduce the absorption of Cifran. Hence doctors advise to use Cifran 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking antacids
- Use of dairy products that contain calcium along with Cifran can reduce the effectiveness of this drug. Cifran when taken with solid food that contain calcium has no effect on the drug
- Theophylline and Cifran when used together can increase the concentration of serum theophylline. This can also lead to mild to severe side effects. If use of theophylline and Cifran is unavoidable then consult a doctor to alter the dosage of both the medicines.
Additional Information: Drugs and medical equipments should not be used without prior approval of a trained physician and don't share these drugs with anybody else. Cifran is made for specific conditions and it's not advisable to use this drug for other purposes. Keep medicinal drugs out of the reach of children.
