What it means
A broad-spectrum antibiotic that stops bacteria from copying their DNA. Its boxed warning covers tendon inflammation and rupture (more likely over age 60, with corticosteroids or after a transplant), nerve damage, mental and nervous system effects, and worsening of myasthenia gravis. It can also lengthen the QT interval, change blood sugar and make the skin sun-sensitive.
For the nurse
Teach the client to stop the drug and call the provider for tendon pain or swelling (often the back of the heel), numbness or tingling. Take it apart from antacids, iron, calcium, zinc and dairy-only drinks, as directed, and drink plenty of fluids.
At a glance
| Drug class | fluoroquinolone antibiotic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Cipro |
| Spanish | ciprofloxacino |
| Also written | Cipro |
Related terms
urinary tract infection
An infection anywhere in the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
tendon
A tough cord of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.
Achilles tendon
The thick tendon at the back of the ankle that joins the calf muscles to the heel bone.