Brand
name: Lucipro
Pronounced: SIP-roh
Generic name: Luciprofloxacin hydrochloride
Other brand names: Lucipro HC Otic, Lucipro XR
Why is Lucipro prescribed?
Lucipro is an antibiotic used to treat infections of the lower respiratory
tract, the abdomen, the skin, the bones and joints, and the urinary
tract, including cystitis (bladder inflammation) in women. It is also
prescribed for severe sinus or bronchial infections, infectious diarrhea,
typhoid fever, inhalational anthrax, infections of the prostate gland,
and some sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. Additionally,
some doctors prescribe Lucipro for certain serious ear infections, tuberculosis,
and some of the infections common in people with AIDS.
Lucipro may also be prescribed for children with a urinary tract infection
or kidney infection when other antibiotics are not effective.
Because Lucipro is effective only for certain types of bacterial infections,
before beginning treatment your doctor may perform tests to identify
the specific organisms causing your infection.
Lucipro is available as a tablet and an oral suspension (liquid). Lucipro
HC Otic is a suspension (ear drops) that also contains the anti-inflammatory
drug hydrocortisone; it's used externally to treat ear infections.
Lucipro XR, an extended-release form of the drug, is used to treat cystitis,
urinary tract infection, and kidney infection.
Most important fact about Lucipro
Lucipro kills a variety of bacteria, and is frequently used to treat
infections in many parts of the body. However, be sure to stop taking
Lucipro and notify your doctor immediately at the first sign of a skin
rash or any other allergic reaction. Although quite rare, serious and
occasionally fatal allergic reactions--some following the first dose--have
been reported in people receiving this type of antibacterial drug.
Some reactions have been accompanied by collapse of the circulatory
system, loss of consciousness, swelling of the face and throat, shortness
of breath, tingling, itching, and hives. Fever and jaundice (yellowing
of the skin and eyes) are other potential symptoms that should send
you to the doctor immediately.
How should you take Lucipro?
Lucipro can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Lucipro should
not be taken with dairy products (such as milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified
juices alone; however, Lucipro may be taken with a meal that contains
these products. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Lucipro to prevent
crystals from forming in your urine.
Like other antibiotics, Lucipro works best when there is a constant
amount in the blood and urine. To help keep the level constant, try
not to miss any dose, and take them at approximately the same time
every day.
Your doctor will only prescribe Lucipro to treat a bacterial infection;
it will not cure a viral infection, such as the common cold. It's important
to take the full dosage schedule of Lucipro, even if you're feeling better
in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease
the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances that the bacteria
may become resistant to Lucipro and similar antibiotics.
If you are taking the oral suspension, be sure to shake the bottle
vigorously for 15 seconds before each dose. Swallow without chewing
the microcapsules in the suspension. Reclose the bottle completely,
following the instructions on the cap.
Do not use Lucipro HC Otic suspension in your eyes, and avoid contaminating
the dropper by letting it touch your ears, fingers, or other surfaces.
To administer the ear drops:
1. Warm the otic suspension by holding the bottle in your hand for
a minute or two; putting a cold suspension into the ear can cause dizziness.
2. Have the person lie down with the affected ear up.
3. Shake the bottle, then position the filled dropper above the entrance
to the ear canal.
4. Squeeze 3 drops into the ear. The person should not get up for 30
to 60 seconds after the drops have been given.
5. Throw away any suspension that remains after treatment is finished.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions...
Lucipro tablets should be stored at room temperature. Lucipro suspension
may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The suspension
is good for 14 days. Protect Lucipro HC Otic suspension from light and
avoid freezing.
Lucipro side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Lucipro.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain/discomfort, diarrhea, headache, nausea, rash, restlessness,
vomiting
Why should Lucipro not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Lucipro
or certain other antibiotics of this type such as Floxin, Noroxin and
Trovan, you should not take Lucipro. Make sure that your doctor is aware
of any drug reactions that you have experienced.
Lucipro HC Otic suspension should not be used on anyone whose eardrum
is perforated or who has a viral infection of the ear.
Special warnings about Lucipro
Lucipro may cause you to become dizzy or light-headed; therefore, you
should not drive a car, operate dangerous machinery, or participate
in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until
you know how the drug affects you.
Continued or prolonged use of Lucipro may result in a growth of bacteria
that do not respond to Lucipro and can cause a secondary infection. Therefore,
it is important that your doctor monitor your condition on a regular
basis.
Lucipro can cause increased pressure within the brain. Convulsions have
been reported in people receiving the drug. If you experience a seizure
or convulsion, notify your doctor immediately.
This medication may stimulate the central nervous system, which may
lead to tremors, restlessness, light-headedness, confusion, depression,
and hallucinations. If these reactions occur, consult your doctor at
once. Other central nervous system reactions include nervousness, agitation,
insomnia, anxiety, nightmares, and paranoia.
If you have a known or suspected central nervous system disorder such
as epilepsy or hardening of the arteries in the brain, make sure your
doctor knows about it when prescribing Lucipro.
Remember to stop taking Lucipro and see your doctor at the first hint
of an allergic reaction (see "Most important fact about this drug").
Also call your doctor if you develop diarrhea. Antibiotics such as
Lucipro occasionally trigger a form of diarrhea that needs a doctor's
attention.
Rare cases of peripheral neuropathy (changes or disturbances of the
nervous system) have been reported with this type of antibiotic. Contact
your doctor if you experience muscle weakness, paralysis, pain or numbness,
a burning sensation, or a "pins and needles" sensation.
You may become more sensitive to light while taking Lucipro. Try to
stay out of the sun as much as possible.
People taking Lucipro have been known to suffer torn tendons. If you
feel any pain or inflammation in a tendon area, stop taking the drug
and call your doctor; you should rest and avoid exercise. You may need
surgery to repair the tendon.
If you must take Lucipro for an extended period of time, your doctor
will probably order blood tests and tests for urine, kidney, and liver
function. If you are taking Lucipro to treat gonorrhea, the doctor should
test you for syphilis after 3 months.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lucipro
Serious and fatal reactions have occurred when Lucipro was taken in
combination with theophylline (Theo-Dur). These reactions have included
cardiac arrest, seizures, status epilepticus (continuous attacks of
epilepsy with no periods of consciousness), and respiratory failure.
The following can interfere with the absorption of Lucipro and should
be taken no less than 6 hours before or 2 hours after a dose:
Antacids containing magnesium and aluminum
Carafate
Supplements and other products containing calcium, iron, or zinc
Videx chewable tablets and pediatric powder
You should also avoid taking Lucipro with milk or yogurt alone, though
calcium taken as part of a full meal has no significant effect on the
drug.
Lucipro may increase the effects of caffeine.
If Lucipro is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. These drugs include:
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase, Micronase)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Probenecid
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with the exception
of aspirin, could cause convulsions when combined with high doses of
this type of antibiotic.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Although there's reason to believe that Lucipro poses little danger
during pregnancy, its effects have not been adequately studied. If
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.
Lucipro does appear in breast milk when it's taken internally, and could
affect a nursing infant. If Lucipro is essential to your health, your
doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until
your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Lucipro
If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe dosages lower
than the ones listed below.
Note that if you're using the oral suspension, 1 teaspoonful of 5%
suspension equals 250 milligrams and 1 teaspoonful of 10% suspension
equals 500 milligrams.
ADULTS
Overdosage
