Cipro Drug Interactions

When Cipro is used in conjunction with certain other drugs and medicines, certain interactions may occur.

Drug interactions can range from merely annoying to life threatening. It is very important that patients know of the possible drug interactions for any medication they are taking. Medications that are known to cause some kind of interaction include:

• Advair
• Asprin
• Cymbalta
• Synthroid
• Zanaflex
• Lasix
• Nexium
• Lyrica

Combining Cipro with medications such as isoniazid, phenothiazines or tricyclic antidepressants may increase the risk for seizure. Before taking Cipro, patients should therefore inform their doctor if they’re currently using any of these medications. Patients should also tell their doctor if they’re using other types of medication such as live bacterial vaccines, blood thinners, corticosteroids, drugs for diabetes and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Cipro users should avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages, eating large amounts of chocolate or taking over-the-counter medicines that contain caffeine. This is because ciprofloxacin may increase or prolong the effects of caffeine, due to it reducing the body’s ability to remove caffeine. Patients should also avoid taking vitamins with aluminium, magnesium, zinc, calcium or iron immediately before or after a Cipro dose. Such minerals can bind to ciprofloxacin in the digestive tract, preventing the drug from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Drug Interactions that Cause Heart Problems

The Advair diskus is commonly used to help control asthma. Both Advair and cipro can affect the heart’s rhythm. Taking both Cipro and Advair at the same time can cause severe heart arrhythmia. An irregular heartbeat can cause death in some cases.

Zanaflex is a commonly used muscle relaxant that can interact with Cipro. If Canaflex and Cipro are taken at the same time, the concentration of plasma can increase dramatically. This can cause changes in blood pressure, heart rate and drowsiness.

Problems within the Plasma

Cymbalta, a common antidepressant, can have a very negative interaction with Cipro. When taken together, Cipro and Cymbalta can increase the concentrations of the medication duloxetine in the plasma. A high concentration can cause very serious problems. Some of these problems include hypertension, serotonin syndrome, coma, tremors and vomiting.

Lasix is a diuretic that is used to treat hypertension and edema. Along with Cipro, Lasix can also cause an increase in the concentration of plasma. This can be a very serious problem for those with heart problems.

Seizures Caused by Drug Interactions

Aspirin is typically used to treat pain but can also cause Cipro drug interactions. The interaction between aspirin and Cipro is not completely understood but there have been cases of seizures caused by the combination of these medications. Patients with impaired kidney function should especially be cautious of these two medications in a combination.

Visicol is typically used for constipation or clearing the bowel before surgery. Combined with Cipro, it can cause seizures in patients. The rehydration and restoration of electrolytes can help keep this interaction from occurring.

Weakening the Effectiveness of Other Drugs

Synthroid treats hypothyroidism and can interact negatively with Cipro. The Cipro may cause the Synthroid to be less effective. In most cases, the only way for the Synthroid be absorbed again was to stop the administration of Cipro.

Haldol is a tranquilizer used to treat psychotic disorders and Tourette’s syndrome. Haldol and Cipro can cause dose-related prolongation. This increases the risk of heart arrhythmias. Patients who have underlying conditions, such as cardiac disease or electrolyte disturbances, should be extremely wary of taking Haldol and Cipro together.

Cipro is a medication that can be used to treat infections and can be very beneficial. Unfortunately, some medications have some very serious Cipro drug interactions. Patients should always consult with their doctor before taking a new medication.