Cipro Attorney

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Ciproxin and Ciprobay) is a synthetic antibiotic in the broad-spectrum family of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. Made and sold by Bayer A.G., ciprofloxacin is available for oral, topical and parenteral (other than through the gastrointestinal tract) use.

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat a host of infections, including:

* E. coli
* Urinary tract infections
* Pneumonia
* Lower respiratory infections
* Several sexually transmitted diseases
* Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)
* Septicemia (blood poisoning)

Its perceived safety and efficacy against a wide range of bacteria made Cipro initially popular as go-to antibiotic when other antibiotics failed (for many reasons, narrower range antibiotics tend to be tried first). But not only has its use led to an increase in ciprofloxacin-resistant infections, other serious adverse effects have also become evident.

Although there is a myriad of ciprofloxacin side effects, most are mild or moderate. The most frequent include nausea, diarrhea, abnormal liver function test results, vomiting, and rash. But although not as frequent, some side effects are serious enough for the FDA to have changed the package insert for Cipro in 2005. The insert acknowledges the potential for tendon ruptures and the development of irreversible neurological conditions.

Symptoms of potential tendon rupture include sudden and severe pain, swelling and bruising, and difficulty moving a limb. Symptoms indicating potential neurological conditions include:

* Abnormal gait
* Anorexia
* Ataxia
* Convulsive seizures
* Depersonalization
* Depression
* Dizziness
* Drowsiness
* Grand Mal convulsions
* Hallucinations
* Insomnia
* Irritability
* Lethargy
* Lightheadedness
* Malaise Manic reaction
* Nightmares
* Paresthesia
* Phobia
* Restlessness
* Tremor
* Weakness