B-Ciprofloxacin

B-Ciprofloxacin is an antibacterial medicine from the fluoroquinolone class. Its active ingredient, Ciprofloxacin, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that covers both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, especially the gram-negative bacteria that cause most cystitis and urinary tract infections.

Ciprofloxacin is bactericidal (it kills bacteria directly) by blocking the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV, which bacteria need to copy their DNA. With these enzymes blocked, bacteria cannot replicate, repair their DNA or divide, and they die.

Under Thai FDA classification, B-Ciprofloxacin must be used only on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

B-Ciprofloxacin treats cystitis and bacterial infections in several body systems. It is approved for urinary tract infections, both uncomplicated (cystitis) and complicated (kidney infection/pyelonephritis); lower respiratory tract infections such as acute flare-ups of bronchitis; skin and soft tissue infections; bone and joint infections; gastrointestinal infections such as bacterial diarrhoea and typhoid; and prostatitis.

Ciprofloxacin cannot treat viral illnesses such as colds, flu or COVID-19.

Adults (18 years and over): Take twice daily, every 12 hours. The dose depends on the type and severity of the infection. It can be taken before or after food, but drink plenty of water to prevent drug crystals forming in the urinary tract. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew or crush it.

Treatment duration: Depends on the infection. Uncomplicated cystitis: 3 days. Complicated cystitis or kidney infection: 7–14 days. Bone infections may need 4–6 weeks. Complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better.

Under 18 years: Not recommended because of the risk to growing cartilage and joints, except when essential under a doctor's care.

Kidney disease: The dose must be reduced according to kidney function (creatinine clearance). Consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Missed dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take a double dose.

Common side effects:

• Nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain
• Headache, dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Mild skin rash

Serious side effects (stop the medicine and see a doctor at once):

• Tendon inflammation or rupture — especially the Achilles tendon. If a tendon becomes painful, swollen or inflamed, stop the medicine immediately and avoid exercise. Older adults and people taking steroids are at higher risk.
• Nervous system effects — seizures, confusion, hallucinations, severe dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
• Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) — avoid strong sunlight and use sunscreen
• Severe drug allergy (SJS/TEN) — difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue

The US FDA has issued a Boxed Warning (its highest-level warning) about the risk of tendon inflammation/rupture, nervous system effects and muscle damage. Ciprofloxacin should be used only when no more suitable alternative is available.

Do not use if:

• You are allergic to ciprofloxacin or any quinolone antibiotic
• You are taking tizanidine (a muscle relaxant) — serious interaction
• You are under 18 (except when essential under a doctor's care)
• You are pregnant — not recommended; risk to the baby's cartilage
• You are breastfeeding — the drug passes into breast milk

Use with caution:

• Epilepsy or a history of seizures — ciprofloxacin may lower the seizure threshold
• Kidney disease — the dose must be adjusted
• QT prolongation or a history of abnormal heart rhythm
• Older adults — higher risk of tendon rupture, especially with steroids
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine
• It may cause drowsiness or dizziness; do not drive or operate machinery if affected

B-Ciprofloxacin vs Cifloxin (Ciprofloxacin): Both contain the same active ingredient (Ciprofloxacin) and work equally well. They differ only in manufacturer and pack size: B-Ciprofloxacin is made by BLC, Cifloxin by another manufacturer. Either can be used on a pharmacist's advice.

B-Ciprofloxacin vs Augmentin (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid): Different antibiotic classes with different mechanisms. Augmentin is a penicillin combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor, suited to respiratory, skin and some urinary infections. B-Ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone) covers gram-negative bacteria better and suits complicated UTIs, kidney infection (pyelonephritis) and prostatitis, but carries more serious side effects (tendon rupture, nervous system effects).

B-Ciprofloxacin vs Nitrofurantoin / TMP-SMX: For uncomplicated cystitis in women, international guidelines (IDSA) recommend nitrofurantoin or TMP-SMX first, keeping fluoroquinolones as a back-up because of side effects and resistance. For kidney infection or complicated UTI, ciprofloxacin remains a main option.

Products that reduce ciprofloxacin absorption (do not take at the same time):

• Milk and dairy products — calcium binds ciprofloxacin and greatly reduces absorption
• Antacids containing aluminium, magnesium or calcium — take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after the antacid
• Iron, zinc and multivitamins with minerals — also reduce absorption

Medicines to use with caution:

• Tizanidine — must never be taken together
• Theophylline — ciprofloxacin raises theophylline blood levels and may cause toxicity
• Warfarin — may increase the blood-thinning effect; INR must be monitored
• NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) — may increase the risk of seizures
• Contraceptive pills — ciprofloxacin does not reduce their effectiveness, but if severe vomiting or diarrhoea occurs within 3–4 hours of taking a pill, count it as a missed pill

Ciprofloxacin is absorbed quickly, reaching peak blood levels about 1–2 hours after a dose. Its half-life is about 4–5 hours, longer than penicillin-class antibiotics. It is cleared mainly by the kidneys, so urine levels are many times higher than blood levels, which makes it very effective for cystitis.

Cystitis symptoms usually improve within 1–3 days of starting treatment (less burning and less frequent urination), but the full course must still be completed.

After the last dose, the body clears almost all ciprofloxacin within 24 hours.

B-Ciprofloxacin must be used on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. You can order it online at Intimo Life.

Can I buy B-Ciprofloxacin online?

Yes. Order B-Ciprofloxacin for cystitis through Intimo Life: choose the product → consult our pharmacist online about your symptoms → receive it at home.

Do I need to consult a pharmacist before ordering?

Yes. This medicine should be used under the guidance of a pharmacist or doctor. Read the label and get advice before use, especially if you have an existing condition, take other medicines, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. The Intimo Life team will ask about your symptoms, allergy history and current medicines before shipping. If symptoms do not improve or get worse, see a doctor.

How does Intimo Life ship?

Nationwide delivery in discreet packaging, with no product name on the outside.