If you are interested in ciprofloxacin, you are going to want to research the pros and cons of ciprofloxacin, as well. There is no question that this antibiotic comes with a wide variety of compelling health benefits. However, the fact that it does should not compel you to ignore the side effects and potential downsides of taking ciprofloxacin. Both sides of the argument should be considered in equal measures. Taken as a whole, the pros and cons of ciprofloxacin makes for fascinating reading.
List of Pros of Ciprofloxacin
When doctors prescribe the use of ciprofloxacin, they are generally only doing so as a response to a particularly grave situation. Without a doubt, they are probably keeping the following pros of ciprofloxacin in mind:
1. Heals Difficult Infections.
It is a powerful agent against serious, difficult infections. Treating serious infections often means searching for the best solution amongst several. This means that a doctor will typically try treatment courses that are more commonly utilized, and come with a lower assortment of side effects and risks. However, when most other options have been exhausted, ciprofloxacin is capable of answering the call. It has proven to be extremely effective against a wide variety of extremely stubborn infections.
2. Works Well Against Anthrax.
It has proven to work extremely well against anthrax. There is no question that anthrax is an absolutely devastating component. Most of us know by now that virtually all types of exposure to this component are capable of causing a vast array of critical health problems. If a person has been exposed, treating the problem can prove to be highly difficult. This is where ciprofloxacin can be extremely useful. As has been the case with bad infections, ciprofloxacin has been proven to work very well against the consequences of being exposed to anthrax.
3. Fixes a Multitude of Other Conditions.
It can work well against a number of other conditions. Again, when other, less-powerful antibiotics have tried and failed to treat a particular condition, ciprofloxacin is called in. This antibiotic is considered to be one of the most powerful in the world, particularly against such problems as UTIs, lower-respiratory infections, skin infections, joint infections, and even bone infections. This gives ciprofloxacin a certain measure of versatility, in terms of what it is capable of treating. It has also proven to be highly effective against sinusitis.
These are some of the main benefits of ciprofloxacin. While these benefits are certainly substantial, they do not tell the entire story.
List of Cons of Ciprofloxacin
The pros of ciprofloxacin are impressive, but what about some of the side effects and other downsides:
1.Not Suitable for Children.
Ciprofloxacin should almost never be prescribed to children. Giving this particular antibiotic to children can cause a wide variety of developmental problems later on, including joint development and bone development. However, ciprofloxacin is prescribed to children in certain extreme scenarios, such as being exposed to anthrax, or in cases that involve deadly infections.
2. Can Cause Issues with Other Conditions.
It can wreck considerable havoc with those who have myasthenia gravis. Those who have this condition that impacts the nervous system should exercise extreme caution with ciprofloxacin usage. It can cause substantial muscle weakening, breathing problems, and even death.
3. Cause Ruptures and Tendinitis.
Ciprofloxacin is capable of causing tendon ruptures and tendinitis. This potential risk is possible with healthy individuals. This risk can be apparent during treatment, but it can also be a distinct possibility that occurs after treatment has concluded.
4. Issues with Elderly.
It can cause problems for certain individuals over the age of sixty. Certain individuals over the age of sixty should not take ciprofloxacin, if they have certain pre-existing conditions in place. These conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, kidney diseases, or if they have recently gone through an organ transplant.
5. Negative Interactions with Other Medications.
Both supplements and over-the-counter medications can have negative interactions with ciprofloxacin. If you are prescribed a treatment course that involves ciprofloxacin, your doctor may suggest adjusting or eliminating some of the supplements and/or medications you are currently taking. These supplements/medications can include ibuprofen, a multivitamin, calcium, zinc, or iron.
Ciprofloxacin can interact negatively with other things. Caffeine, anti-depressants, irregular heartbeat meds, antacid products, and diuretics are all capable of interacting negatively with ciprofloxacin.
6. Long List of Side Effects.
The potential side effects of ciprofloxacin makes for a long list. We’re talking about things like stomach pains, fevers, problems with breathing, swelling, bleeding, seizures, and even hallucinations.
About Ciprofloxacin
As mentioned before, ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic. It is most commonly used in the treatment of either a severe infection or anthrax. Although it has proven to be extremely effective against these things, there is simply no getting around the fact that there are some very real dangers associated with ciprofloxacin that demand to be taken seriously.
This is a treatment course that doctors generally only prescribe in certain extreme circumstances. There is a very good reason as to why this is the case. Even so, you also do not want to disregard the good things that ciprofloxacin brings to the table.