Cipro for Bronchitis: Considerations and Guidelines
Bronchitis is a disease which results in the inflammation of the bronchi. The bronchi are found in the respiratory tract. When you are diagnosed with this condition, antibiotics are not usually prescribed for the initial treatment but it is an option. One of the antibiotics used is Cipro which was initially used for urinary tract infections but it can also be used for bronchitis. Before the antibiotic can be prescribed, your doctor has to determine whether your condition is caused by a virus or bacteria.
Cipro for bronchitis is a type of antibiotic which has been developed as a treatment for infections caused by gram negative bacteria. Most bronchitis cases are caused by viruses and this is why antibiotics are not used when you are first diagnosed. Antibiotics are recommended if your symptoms do not improve after initial treatment. If you still have fever and a lingering cough, Cipro can be used. This decision is usually determined by your medical history. The doctor will carry out a detailed medical exam before prescribing this antibiotic.
The antibiotic is usually taken orally and it works by interfering with the growth of bacteria. It is only effective on bacteria therefore Cipro for bronchitis will not work if your condition is caused by a viral infection in the respiratory tract. If you overuse this antibiotic, it will not be effective in the treatment of the condition. Before you start using the antibiotic, you need to consult a pharmacist or doctor.
You can choose to take this antibiotic before or after taking meals. For the antibiotic to work effectively, you need to take it at least two times each day. It is advisable to take this antibiotic in the morning and evening if you are suffering from bronchitis. The dosage of Cipro for bronchitis that you take will depend on your condition and how you are responding to the treatment. It is important to increase your fluid intake when you are using this antibiotic.
There are certain substances that can bind themselves on the medication and this can make it less effective therefore it is important to know what to avoid when you are taking it. Some of the substances that can bind themselves on this antibiotic include zinc and iron supplements and any product that has calcium, magnesium and aluminum. It is advisable to take the antibiotic at least two or six hours after taking these substances.
Cipro for bronchitis can also be less effective if you take foods which are rich in calcium. Avoid taking foods rich in this mineral about two or six hours before taking the antibiotic. If the calcium is part of a larger meal, its binding effect is reduced. If you are taking calcium supplements, you can ask your doctor to recommend some natural options.
When your doctor prescribes Cipro for bronchitis, you need to understand that the medication works better if you take all the doses are recommended. Avoid missing your dose. You should also take it at the same time each day if you want it to work more effectively. It is also advisable to continue taking the antibiotic even when you realize that you are feeling better. If you fail to complete the medication, the bacteria can grow again in your body and the infection in your bronchia can return. If the infection returns, it will be more difficult to fight it because it can become resistant to the antibiotic. When you realize that the Cipro for bronchitis is not working as it should and the symptoms seem to be getting worse, you should consult your doctor.