Cobay-500

Cobay-500 is an oral antibiotic containing Ciprofloxacin 500 mg as its active ingredient. It belongs to the Fluoroquinolone drug class and is manufactured in Thailand as a generic product.

Ciprofloxacin works through Bactericidal action by inhibiting DNA Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV — enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication, repair, and transcription, ultimately killing the bacteria.

Cobay-500 contains the same active ingredient as Cifloxin, differing only in manufacturer and brand name. Equivalent efficacy.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): Including cystitis, pyelonephritis, and complicated UTIs.

Gastrointestinal Infections: Bacterial diarrhoea, typhoid fever.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Bacterial pneumonia, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Infected wounds, abscesses.

Bone and Joint Infections: Osteomyelitis, septic arthritis.

Not for: Viral infections (common cold, influenza) or minor infections where safer antibiotics are available.

Usual dosage: 250–750 mg twice daily every 12 hours for 3–14 days, depending on the type and severity of infection.

Dosage examples by indication:

• Uncomplicated UTI: 250 mg twice daily for 3 days
• Complicated UTI: 500 mg twice daily for 7–14 days
• Respiratory infections: 500–750 mg twice daily for 7–14 days
• GI infections: 500 mg twice daily for 5–7 days

How to take: Swallow with plenty of water. Take 2 hours before or after meals. Avoid dairy products and calcium/iron/zinc supplements within 2 hours of dosing.

Important: Complete the full prescribed course. Do not stop early when symptoms improve.

Common side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Headache, dizziness
• Abdominal pain

Serious side effects (⚠️ FDA Boxed Warning):

• Tendinitis and Tendon Rupture — especially the Achilles tendon; higher risk in elderly and corticosteroid users
• Peripheral Neuropathy — numbness, burning pain in hands or feet; may be irreversible
• CNS Effects — confusion, hallucinations, seizures, depression, insomnia
• Severe C. difficile-associated diarrhoea
• Severe allergic reactions (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)

⚠️ FDA Boxed Warning: Fluoroquinolones carry risks of tendinitis/rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects. Use only when no alternative treatment options exist for non-serious infections.

Do not use:

• Allergy to Ciprofloxacin or any other Fluoroquinolone
• Children under 18 years (except specific cases)
• Concurrent use of Tizanidine

Use with caution:

• Elderly — increased risk of tendon rupture
• Corticosteroid users — increased risk of tendon rupture
• History of seizures or CNS disorders
• Renal impairment — dose adjustment may be needed
• Avoid excessive sun exposure — Ciprofloxacin may cause photosensitivity
• Do not take with dairy, calcium, iron, zinc supplements, or aluminium/magnesium antacids

Cobay-500 vs. Cifloxin: Same active ingredient — Ciprofloxacin 500 mg. Both are Thai generics, differing only in manufacturer. Choose based on price and availability.

Cobay-500 vs. AMK (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate): AMK is a Penicillin-class antibiotic with a better safety profile — suitable for mild infections. Cobay-500 offers better Gram-negative coverage for UTIs and severe infections.

Cobay-500 vs. Azithromycin: Azithromycin is easier to take (once daily) with no FDA Boxed Warning. Cobay-500 provides better Gram-negative coverage — preferable for UTIs and GI infections.

Ciprofloxacin is rapidly absorbed, reaching peak blood levels within 1–2 hours of ingestion.

Results timeline:

• 1–2 hrs: Drug reaches peak blood levels; begins killing bacteria
• 24–48 hrs: Symptoms begin improving for most infections
• 3–5 days: Noticeable improvement for uncomplicated UTIs
• 7–14 days: Full course completion for complicated infections

Important: Even though symptoms may improve quickly, the full course must be completed to eradicate bacteria completely.

Cobay-500 is a pharmacist-dispensed medication. You can order online from Intimo Life.

Can I buy Cobay-500 online?

Yes. Order through Intimo Life — select the product, consult with a licensed pharmacist online, and receive your medication at home.

Do I need a prescription?

A doctor's prescription is not required, but the medication must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. At Intimo Life, our pharmacist will review your symptoms and health history to confirm suitability before shipping.

How does Intimo Life ship orders?

We deliver nationwide in Thailand with discreet packaging — no product names on the outside.