By - Nishat Saif

Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic under the Fluoroquinolone group. It is bactericidal, which kills the bacteria and prevents the infection from spreading inside. For tooth infection, Ciprofloxacin has been used frequently for a long time.

Here I have rounded up nine essential facts about the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin for tooth infection.

Ciprofloxacin For Tooth Infection

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is frequently used for bacterial infections. It prevents various bacteria from affecting different parts of the body. It is also used to treat the following health conditions:

Mainly it stops the replication or growth of infective bacteria.

Related: 7 Easy Foods To Eat When You Have A Toothache

Why Is Ciprofloxacin Prescribed For Tooth Infection

Bacteria cause most tooth infections. We have more than 200 bacteria in the mouth, and some are responsible for tooth decay. Viridans group streptococci and the anginosus group streptococci mainly cause tooth infection.

Ciprofloxacin covers the decay involving these bacteria. It has 29.2% coverage for this infection. Though it’s not that much more effective for tooth infection than other antibiotics, complete dosage helps to reduce the bacterial infection.

This is why doctors prescribe ciprofloxacin for tooth infections.

Related: Can You Have Bactrim For Toothache?

How Does Ciprofloxacin Work

Ciprofloxacin is generally used for endodontic infections. It shows effective action against gram-positive aerobic organisms and oral anaerobes. It kills the incursive bacteria by blocking all the enzymes which the bacteria need to grow and spread.

The Dosage Of Ciprofloxacin

The dosage and timing of taking medicine will vary based on the bacterial infection. Doctors check the age, kidney condition, and other underlying diseases of the patient before prescribing ciprofloxacin for tooth infection.

If the transit infection is severe, the dosage will be long-term. Based on your medical condition or response to treatment, your doctor can increase or reduce the dose.

This medicine has three types of forms- 

Commonly adults are given the following dosage-

This dosage is usually given to adults for bacterial infections. But don’t medicate yourself this dose without consulting the doctor. Your infection can be different from normal tooth decay, which Cipro probably doesn’t even heal.

So consult with the doctor, and they will examine you to dispense the right medicine.

How This Medicine Should Be Used

The suspension and tablet are generally prescribed to use twice a day. You should take Extended-release tablets once a day. Note the time you have taken medicine the first day and try to take it simultaneously every day throughout the dosage.

Follow the directions carefully written on the prescription label.

Dairy products or calcium-fortified juices decrease the effectiveness of Ciprofloxacin. So don’t take the Cipro pills or suspension with dairy products.

Do not split, crush or chew the tablets; just swallow them whole with water. While taking the suspension, shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds before use. Sallow the correct dose every time. Don’t take more, nor less.

Related: Why People Say Doxycycline Ruined My Life?

Side Effects Of Ciprofloxacin

There are some common side effects patients feel after taking this medicine. Common side effects can be treated and cured easily. However, a few need immediate medical attention. The common side effects are:

Some severe side effects you can face for taking Ciprofloxacin are:

Though this medicine can cause serious side effects, not everyone using it will face the problems. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, epilepsy, diabetes, irregular heartbeats, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

He will check your problems and prescribe you the right amount of dose or change the medicine for you.

How Long Does Ciprofloxacin Take To Work

It may take one to one and a half hours to start the reaction after taking medicine orally. For infection, it will take a few days to go down. It depends on your response to the medicine. 

Around 40 to 50% of medicine is excreted unchanged with the urine.

Related: How Long Does Amoxicillin Take to Work For Tooth Infection?

Cautions With Other Medicines

Some medicines can affect the effectiveness of Ciprofloxacin, more likely to cause side effects if you take them while taking Ciprofloxacin.

What Should You Do If You Miss A Dose

If you miss a dose of tablets or suspension in less than 6 hours, take it immediately when you remember. Take the other doses to the scheduled time. If you miss the dose by more than 6 hours, skip the dose and take the next dose at the right time.

If you miss the dose of the Extended-release tablet, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to cover up for the missed one.

What To Do If You Overdose

If you feel dizziness, restlessness, vomiting, or pain/swollen tendons throughout the dose, you may have overdosed yourself.

If these symptoms are shown up unnecessarily, call the doctor or poison control helpline. If a victim collapses, starts having problems breathing, or has a seizure, contact emergency services.

Conclusion

Ciprofloxacin works better for gram-positive bacteria. But the infection in our mouth causes gram-negative bacteria, so Cipro is not a pretty good match for this type of tooth infection.

It is one of the best medicines for other bacterial infections. Sometimes doctors don’t prescribe other strong pills regarding patients’ conditions. In this case, doctors prescribe ciprofloxacin for tooth infection.

FAQ

How much Cipro should I take for tooth infection?

Adults may have to take 250 to 750 mg (milligrams) two times a day. After every 12 hours. For children, the dose and quantity must be prescribed by doctors. Doctors generally prescribe a dosage of 7 to 14 days according to the condition of the decay.

What should I avoid while taking Ciprofloxacin?

You can’t take Calcium-fortified foods like cereal, juice, dairy products such as milk, yogurt with Ciprofloxacin. This reduces the effectiveness of Cipro. Strong antibiotics also should not be taken while Cipro dosage is not completed.

Which is better, amoxicillin or ciprofloxacin?

Though two of these treat bacterial infections, Cipro is much better than amoxicillin. Cipro has the overall highest rating than amoxicillin from 755 reviewers. Many bacterial infections do not respond to amoxicillin, while Cipro can treat all.

Will a tooth abscess go away with antibiotics?

Sometimes oral bacterial infections cause tooth abscesses. But a course of antibiotics won’t treat tooth abscesses. Antibiotics can be used for toothache or tooth decay. For abscess, you need different treatment.

Does Cipro weaken the immunity system?

Cipro won’t weaken the immunity system. Even if it does, the case is very rare. If you’re a patient with kidney problems or epilepsy, it can cause some issues but weakening the immune system is not a side effect of Cipro.

Is it okay to take Ciprofloxacin on an empty stomach?

Yes. It’s best to take Ciprofloxacin on an empty stomach with a glass of water. But you can also take it with food unless it’s not dairy products.

Can I lay down after taking ciprofloxacin?

 You can not lie down immediately after taking medicine. Make sure the pill has gone to the stomach. If you’re taking the suspension, walk a bit after finishing it.