WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Disabling And Potentially Irreversible Serious Adverse
Reactions Including Tendinitis And Tendon Rupture, Peripheral Neuropathy, And Central
Nervous System Effects
Fluoroquinolones, including CIPRO XR, have been
associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse
reactions from different body systems that can occur together in the same
patient. Commonly seen adverse reactions include tendinitis, tendon rupture,
arthralgia, myalgia, peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system effects
(hallucinations, anxiety, depression, insomnia, severe headaches, and
confusion). These reactions can occur within hours to weeks after starting
CIPRO XR. Patients of any age or without pre-existing risk factors have
experienced these adverse reactions [see sections below].
Discontinue CIPRO XR immediately at the first signs or
symptoms of any serious adverse reaction. In addition, avoid the use of
fluoroquinolones, including CIPRO XR, in patients who have experienced any of
these serious adverse reactions associated with fluoroquinolones.
Tendinitis And Tendon Rupture
Fluoroquinolones, including CIPRO XR, have been
associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in all ages [see
section above and ADVERSE
REACTIONS]. This adverse reaction most frequently involves the Achilles
tendon, and also been reported in the rotator cuff (the shoulder), the hand,
the biceps, the thumb, and other tendons. Tendinitis and tendon rupture can
occur within hours or days of starting CIPRO XR, or as long as several months
after completion of fluoroquinolone therapy. Tendinitis and tendon rupture can
occur bilaterally.
The risk of developing fluoroquinolone-associated
tendinitis and tendon rupture is further increased in patients over 60 years of
age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney,
heart or lung transplants. Other factors that may independently increase the
risk of tendon rupture include strenuous physical activity, renal failure, and
previous tendon disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Tendinitis and tendon
rupture have also occurred in patients taking fluoroquinolones who do not have
the above risk factors.
Discontinue CIPRO XR immediately if the patient experiences
pain, swelling, inflammation or rupture of a tendon. Avoid fluoroquinolones,
including CIPRO XR, in patients who have a history of tendon disorders or have
experienced tendinitis or tendon rupture [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Peripheral Neuropathy
Fluoroquinolones, including CIPRO XR, have been
associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy. Cases of sensory or
sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy affecting small and/or large axons resulting
in paresthesias, hypoesthesias, dysesthesias and weakness have been reported in
patients receiving fluoroquinolones, including CIPRO XR. Symptoms may occur
soon after initiation of CIPRO XR and may be irreversible in some patients [see section above and ADVERSE
REACTIONS].
Discontinue CIPRO XR immediately if the patient
experiences symptoms of peripheral neuropathy including pain, burning,
tingling, numbness, and/or weakness, or other alterations in sensations
including light touch, pain, temperature, position sense and vibratory
sensation and/or motor strength in order to minimize the development of an
irreversible condition. Avoid fluoroquinolones, including CIPRO, in patients
who have previously experienced peripheral neuropathy [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]
Central Nervous System Effects
Fluoroquinolones, including CIPRO XR, have been
associated with an increased risk of central nervous system (CNS) effects,
including convulsions, increased intracranial pressure (including pseudotumor
cerebri), and toxic psychosis. CIPRO XR may also cause central nervous system
(CNS) events including: nervousness, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, nightmares,
paranoia, dizziness, confusion, tremors, hallucinations, depression, and
psychotic reactions that have progressed to suicidal ideations/thoughts and
self-injurious behavior such as attempted or completed suicide. These reactions
may occur following the first dose. Advise patients receiving ciprofloxacin to
inform their healthcare provider immediately if these reactions occur,
discontinue the drug, and institute appropriate care. CIPRO XR, like other
fluoroquinolones, is known to trigger seizures or lower the seizure threshold.
As with all fluoroquinolones, use CIPRO XR with caution in epileptic patients
and patients with known or suspected CNS disorders that may predispose to
seizures or lower the seizure threshold (for example, severe cerebral
arteriosclerosis, previous history of convulsion, reduced cerebral blood flow,
altered brain structure, or stroke), or in the presence of other risk factors
that may predispose to seizures or lower the seizure threshold (for example.,
certain drug therapy, renal dysfunction). Use CIPRO XR when the benefits of
treatment exceed the risks, since these patients are endangered because of
possible undesirable CNS side effects. Cases of status epilepticus have been
reported. If seizures occur, discontinue CIPRO XR [see ADVERSE REACTIONS
and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Exacerbation Of Myasthenia Gravis
Fluoroquinolones, including CIPRO XR, have neuromuscular
blocking activity and may exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with
myasthenia gravis. Postmarketing serious adverse reactions, including deaths
and requirement for ventilatory support, have been associated with
fluoroquinolone use in patients with myasthenia gravis. Avoid CIPRO XR in
patients with known history of myasthenia gravis [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and
PATIENT INFORMATION].
Other Serious And Sometimes Fatal Adverse Reactions
Other serious and sometimes fatal adverse reactions, some
due to hypersensitivity, and some due to uncertain etiology, have been reported
in patients receiving therapy with quinolones, including ciprofloxacin. These
events may be severe and generally occur following the administration of
multiple doses. Clinical manifestations may include one or more of the
following:
- Fever, rash, or severe dermatologic reactions (for
example, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome);
- Vasculitis; arthralgia; myalgia; serum sickness;
- Allergic pneumonitis;
- Interstitial nephritis; acute renal insufficiency or
failure;
- Hepatitis; jaundice; acute hepatic necrosis or failure;
- Anemia, including hemolytic and aplastic;
thrombocytopenia, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; leukopenia;
agranulocytosis; pancytopenia; and/or other hematologic abnormalities.
Discontinue CIPRO XR immediately at the first appearance
of a skin rash, jaundice, or any other sign of hypersensitivity and supportive
measures instituted [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity
(anaphylactic) reactions, some following the first dose, have been reported in
patients receiving quinolone therapy, including CIPRO XR. Some reactions were
accompanied by cardiovascular collapse, loss of consciousness, tingling,
pharyngeal or facial edema, dyspnea, urticaria, and itching. Only a few
patients had a history of hypersensitivity reactions. Serious anaphylactic
reactions require immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine and other
resuscitation measures, including oxygen, intravenous fluids, intravenous
antihistamines, corticosteroids, pressor amines, and airway management,
including intubation, as indicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, ADVERSE
REACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].
Hepatotoxicity
Cases of severe hepatotoxicity, including hepatic
necrosis, life-threatening hepatic failure, and fatal events, have been
reported with CIPRO XR. Acute liver injury is rapid in onset (range 1â⬓39 days),
and is often associated with hypersensitivity. The pattern of injury can be
hepatocellular, cholestatic or mixed. Most patients with fatal outcomes were
older than 55 years old. In the event of any signs and symptoms of hepatitis
(such as anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, pruritus, or tender abdomen),
discontinue treatment immediately.
There can be a temporary increase in transaminases,
alkaline phosphatase, or cholestatic jaundice, especially in patients with
previous liver damage, who are treated with CIPRO XR [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Serious Adverse Reactions With Concomitant Theophylline
Use
Serious and fatal reactions have been reported in
patients receiving concurrent administration of CIPRO XR and theophylline.
These reactions have included cardiac arrest, seizure, status epilepticus, and
respiratory failure. Instances of nausea, vomiting, tremor, irritability, or
palpitation have also occurred.
Although similar serious adverse reactions have been
reported in patients receiving theophylline alone, the possibility that these
reactions may be potentiated by CIPRO XR cannot be eliminated. If concomitant
use cannot be avoided, monitor serum levels of theophylline and adjust dosage
as appropriate [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Clostridium Difficile - Associated Diarrhea
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)-associated
diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents,
including CIPRO XR, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal
colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the
colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.
C. difficile produces toxins A and B which
contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing isolates of C.
difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can
be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be
considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial
use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur
over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial
use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued.
Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation,
antibacterial treatment of C. difficile, and institute surgical
evaluation as clinically indicated [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Prolongation Of The QT Interval
Some fluoroquinolones, including CIPRO XR have been
associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram and
cases of arrhythmia. Cases of torsade de pointes have been reported during
postmarketing surveillance in patients receiving fluoroquinolones, including
CIPRO XR.
Avoid CIPRO XR in patients with known prolongation of the
QT interval, risk factors for QT prolongation or torsade de pointes (for
example, congenital long QT syndrome, uncorrected electrolyte imbalance, such
as hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia and cardiac disease, such as heart failure,
myocardial infarction, or bradycardia), and patients receiving Class IA
antiarrhythmic agents (quinidine, procainamide), or Class III antiarrhythmic
agents (amiodarone, sotalol), tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, and
antipsychotics. Elderly patients may also be more susceptible to
drug-associated effects on the QT interval [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and Use
in Specific Populations].
Musculoskeletal Disorders In Pediatric Patients And Arthropathic
Effects in Animals
An increased incidence of adverse reactions compared to
controls, including reactions related to joints and/or surrounding tissues, has
been observed [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In pre-clinical studies, oral administration of CIPRO XR
caused lameness in immature dogs. Histopathological examination of the
weight-bearing joints of these dogs revealed permanent lesions of the
cartilage. Related quinolone-class drugs also produce erosions of cartilage of
weight-bearing joints and other signs of arthropathy in immature animals of
various species [see Use in Specific Populations and Nonclinical
Toxicology].
Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity
Moderate to severe photosensitivity/phototoxicity
reactions, the latter of which may manifest as exaggerated sunburn reactions
(for example, burning, erythema, exudation, vesicles, blistering, edema)
involving areas exposed to light (typically the face, “V” area of the neck,
extensor surfaces of the forearms, dorsa of the hands), can be associated with
the use of quinolones including CIPRO XR after sun or UV light exposure.
Therefore, avoid excessive exposure to these sources of light. Discontinue
CIPRO XR if phototoxicity occurs [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Development Of Drug Resistant Bacteria
Prescribing CIPRO XR Tablets in the absence of a proven
or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is
unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the
development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Potential Risks With Concomitant Use Of Drugs Metabolized
By Cytochrome P450 1A2 Enzymes
Ciprofloxacin is an inhibitor of the hepatic CYP1A2
enzyme pathway. Co-administration of ciprofloxacin and other drugs primarily
metabolized by CYP1A2 (for example, theophylline, methylxanthines, caffeine,
tizanidine, ropinirole, clozapine, olanzapine) results in increased plasma
concentrations of the co- administered drug and could lead to clinically
significant pharmacodynamic adverse reactions of the co-administered drug [see
DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Interference With Timely Diagnosis Of Syphilis
Ciprofloxacin has not been shown to be effective in the
treatment of syphilis. Antimicrobial agents used in high dose for short periods
of time to treat gonorrhea may mask or delay the symptoms of incubating
syphilis. Perform a serologic test for syphilis in all patients with gonorrhea
at the time of diagnosis. Perform follow-up serologic test for syphilis three
months after CIPRO XR treatment.
Crystalluria
Crystals of ciprofloxacin have been observed rarely in
the urine of human subjects but more frequently in the urine of laboratory animals,
which is usually alkaline [see Nonclinical Toxicology]. Crystalluria
related to ciprofloxacin has been reported only rarely in humans because human
urine is usually acidic. Avoid alkalinity of the urine in patients receiving
CIPRO XR. Hydrate patients well to prevent the formation of highly concentrated
urine [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the
FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Serious Adverse Reactions
Advise patients to stop taking
CIPRO XR if they experience an adverse reaction and to call their healthcare
provider for advice on completing the full course of treatment with another
antibacterial drug.
Inform patients of the
following serious adverse reactions that have been associated with CIPRO XR or
other fluoroquinolone use:
- Disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse
reactions that may occur together: Inform patients that disabling and
potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions, including tendinitis and
tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathies, and central nervous system effects,
have been associated with use of CIPRO XR and may occur together in the same
patient. Inform patients to stop taking CIPRO XR immediately if they experience
an adverse reaction and to call their healthcare provider.
- Tendinitis and Tendon Rupture: Instruct patients
to contact their healthcare provider if they experience pain, swelling, or
inflammation of a tendon, or weakness or inability to use one of their joints;
rest and refrain from exercise; and discontinue CIPRO XR treatment. Symptoms
may be irreversible. The risk of severe tendon disorder with fluoroquinolones
is higher in older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking
corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart or lung transplants.
- Peripheral Neuropathies: Inform patients that
peripheral neuropathies have been associated with ciprofloxacin use, symptoms
may occur soon after initiation of therapy and may be irreversible. If symptoms
of peripheral neuropathy including pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or
weakness develop, immediately discontinue CIPRO XR and tell them to contact
their physician.
- Central Nervous System Effects (for example,
convulsions, dizziness, lightheadedness, increased intracranial pressure): Inform
patients that convulsions have been reported in patients receiving
fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin. Instruct patients to notify their
physician before taking this drug if they have a history of convulsions. Inform
patients that they should know how they react to CIPRO XR before they operate an
automobile or machinery or engage in other activities requiring mental
alertness and coordination. Instruct patients to notify their physician if
persistent headache with or without blurred vision occurs.
- Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis: Instruct
patients to inform their physician of any history of myasthenia gravis.
Instruct patients to notify their physician if they experience any symptoms of
muscle weakness, including respiratory difficulties.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Inform patients that
ciprofloxacin can cause hypersensitivity reactions, even following a single
dose, and to discontinue the drug at the first sign of a skin rash, hives or
other skin reactions, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty in swallowing or breathing,
any swelling suggesting angioedema (for example, swelling of the lips, tongue,
face, tightness of the throat, hoarseness), or other symptoms of an allergic
reaction.
- Hepatotoxicity: Inform patients that severe hepatotoxicity
(including acute hepatitis and fatal events) has been reported in patients
taking CIPRO XR. Instruct patients to inform their physician if they experience
any signs or symptoms of liver injury including: loss of appetite, nausea,
vomiting, fever, weakness, tiredness, right upper quadrant tenderness, itching,
yellowing of the skin and eyes, light colored bowel movements or dark colored
urine.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common problem caused by
antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes
after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and
bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or
more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs,
instruct patients to contact their physician as soon as possible.
- Prolongation of the QT Interval: Instruct patients
to inform their physician of any personal or family history of QT prolongation
or proarrhythmic conditions such as hypokalemia, bradycardia, or recent
myocardial ischemia; if they are taking any Class IA (quinidine, procainamide),
or Class III (amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. Instruct patients to
notify their physician if they have any symptoms of prolongation of the QT
interval, including prolonged heart palpitations or a loss of consciousness.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders in Pediatric Patients: Instruct
parents to inform their childâ⬙s physician if the child has a history of
joint-related problems before taking this drug. Inform parents of pediatric
patients to notify their childâ⬙s physician of any joint-related problems that
occur during or following ciprofloxacin therapy [see
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
- Tizanidine: Instruct patients not to use
ciprofloxacin if they are already taking tizanidine. CIPRO XR increases the
effects of tizanidine (Zanaflex®).
- Theophylline: Inform patients that ciprofloxacin
CIPRO XR may increase the effects of theophylline. Life-threatening CNS effects
and arrhythmias can occur. Advise the patients to immediately seek medical help
if they experience seizures, palpitations, or difficulty breathing.
- Caffeine: Inform patients that CIPRO XR may
increase the effects of caffeine. There is a possibility of caffeine
accumulation when products containing caffeine are consumed while taking
quinolones.
- Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity: Inform patients
that photosensitivity/phototoxicity has been reported in patients receiving
fluoroquinolones. Inform patients to minimize or avoid exposure to natural or
artificial sunlight (tanning beds or UVA/B treatment) while taking quinolones.
If patients need to be outdoors while using quinolones, instruct them to wear
loose-fitting clothes that protect skin from sun exposure and discuss other sun
protection measures with their physician. If a sunburn-like reaction or skin
eruption occurs, instruct patients to contact their physician.
Antibacterial Resistance
Inform patients that antibacterial drugs including CIPRO
XR, CIPRO Tablets, and CIPRO Oral Suspension should only be used to treat
bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (for example, the
common cold). When CIPRO XR, CIPRO Tablets, and CIPRO Oral Suspension are
prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that
although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the
medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not
completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the
immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop
resistance and will not be treatable by CIPRO XR, CIPRO Tablets, and CIPRO Oral
Suspension or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Administration With Food, Fluids, And Concomitant
Medications
Inform patients that CIPRO XR may be taken with or
without food.
Inform patients to drink fluids liberally while taking
CIPRO XR to avoid formation of a highly concentrated urine and crystal
formation in the urine.
Inform patients that antacids containing magnesium, or
aluminum, as well as sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, and multivitamin
preparations with zinc or didanosine should be taken at least two hours before
or six hours after CIPRO XR administration. CIPRO XR should not be taken with
dairy products (like milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone since
absorption of ciprofloxacin may be significantly reduced; however, CIPRO XR may
be taken with a meal that contains these products
Drug Interactions Oral Antidiabetic Agents
Inform patients that hypoglycemia has been reported when
ciprofloxacin and oral antidiabetic agents were co-administered; if low blood
sugar occurs with CIPRO XR, instruct them to consult their physician and that
their antibacterial medicine may need to be changed.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis,
Impairment Of Fertility
Eight in vitro mutagenicity
tests have been conducted with ciprofloxacin, and the test results are listed
below:
- Salmonella/Microsome Test (Negative)
- E. coli DNA Repair Assay (Negative)
- Mouse Lymphoma Cell Forward Mutation Assay (Positive)
- Chinese Hamster V79 Cell HGPRT Test (Negative)
- Syrian Hamster Embryo Cell Transformation Assay
(Negative)
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae Point Mutation Assay
(Negative)
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mitotic Crossover and
Gene Conversion Assay (Negative)
- Rat Hepatocyte DNA Repair Assay (Positive)
Thus, 2 of the 8 tests were positive, but results of the
following 3 in vivo test systems gave negative results:
- Rat Hepatocyte DNA Repair Assay
- Micronucleus Test (Mice)
- Dominant Lethal Test (Mice)
Ciprofloxacin was not carcinogenic or tumorigenic in
2-year carcinogenicity studies with rats and mice at daily oral dose levels of
250 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg, respectively (approximately 2 and 3 -fold greater than
the 1000 mg daily human dose based upon body surface area).
Results from photo co-carcinogenicity testing indicate
that ciprofloxacin does not reduce the time to appearance of UV-induced skin
tumors as compared to vehicle control. Hairless (Skh-1) mice were exposed to
UVA light for 3.5 hours five times every two weeks for up to 78 weeks while
concurrently being administered ciprofloxacin. The time to development of the
first skin tumors was 50 weeks in mice treated concomitantly with UVA and
ciprofloxacin (mouse dose approximately equal to the maximum recommended daily
human dose of 1000 mg based upon body surface area), as opposed to 34 weeks
when animals were treated with both UVA and vehicle. The times to development
of skin tumors ranged from 16â⬓32 weeks in mice treated concomitantly with UVA
and other quinolones.
In this model, mice treated with ciprofloxacin alone did
not develop skin or systemic tumors. There are no data from similar models
using pigmented mice and/or fully haired mice. The clinical significance of
these findings to humans is unknown.
Fertility studies performed in rats at oral doses of
ciprofloxacin up to 100 mg/kg (1 times the highest recommended daily human dose
of 1000 mg based upon body surface area) revealed no evidence ofimpairment.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C
There are no adequate and
well-controlled studies in pregnant women. CIPRO XR should not be used during
pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to both
fetus and mother. An expert review of published data on experiences with
ciprofloxacin use during pregnancy by TERISâ⬓the Teratogen Information System
concluded that therapeutic doses during pregnancy are unlikely to pose a
substantial teratogenic risk (quantity and quality of data=fair), but the data
are insufficient to state that there is no risk.
A controlled prospective
observational study followed 200 women exposed to fluoroquinolones (52.5%
exposed to ciprofloxacin and 68% first trimester exposures) during gestation.
In utero exposure to fluoroquinolones during embryogenesis was not associated
with increased risk of major malformations. The reported rates of major
congenital malformations were 2.2% for the fluoroquinolone group and 2.6% for
the control group (background incidence of major malformations is 1â⬓5%). Rates
of spontaneous abortions, prematurity and low birth weight did not differ
between the groups and there were no clinically significant musculoskeletal
dysfunctions up to one year of age in the ciprofloxacin exposed children.
Another prospective follow-up
study reported on 549 pregnancies with fluoroquinolone exposure (93% first
trimester exposures). There were 70 ciprofloxacin exposures, all within the
first trimester. The malformation rates among live-born babies exposed to
ciprofloxacin and to fluoroquinolones overall were both within background
incidence ranges. No specific patterns of congenital abnormalities were found.
The study did not reveal any clear adverse reactions due to in utero exposure
to ciprofloxacin.
No differences in the rates of prematurity, spontaneous
abortions, or birth weight were seen in women exposed to ciprofloxacin during
pregnancy. However, these small postmarketing epidemiology studies, of which
most experience is from short term, first trimester exposure, are insufficient
to evaluate the risk for the less common defects or to permit reliable and
definitive conclusions regarding the safety of ciprofloxacin in pregnant women
and their developing fetuses.
Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and mice
using oral doses up to 100 mg/kg (0.6 and 0.3 times the maximum daily human
dose of 1000 mg based upon body surface area, respectively) and have revealed
no evidence of harm to the fetus due to ciprofloxacin. In rabbits, oral
ciprofloxacin dose levels of 30 and 100 mg/kg (approximately 0.4-and 1.3-times
the highest recommended therapeutic dose based upon body surface area) produced
gastrointestinal toxicity resulting in maternal weight loss and an increased
incidence of abortion, but no teratogenicity was observed at either dose level.
After intravenous administration of doses up to 20 mg/kg (approximately
0.3-times the highest recommended therapeutic dose based upon body surface
area), no maternal toxicity was produced in the rabbit, and no embryotoxicity
or teratogenicity was observed.
Nursing Mothers
Ciprofloxacin is excreted in human milk. The amount of
ciprofloxacin absorbed by the nursing infant is unknown. Because of the
potential risk of serious adverse reactions (including articular damage) in
infants nursing from mothers taking CIPRO XR, a decision should be made whether
to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the
importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of CIPRO XR in pediatric patients
and adolescents less than 18 years of age have not been established.
Ciprofloxacin causes arthropathy in juvenile animals [see Nonclinical
Toxicology]. CIPRO XR is not indicated for pediatric patients [see
INDICATIONS AND USAGE].
Geriatric Use
Geriatric patients are at increased risk for developing
severe tendon disorders including tendon rupture when being treated with a
fluoroquinolone such as CIPRO XR. This risk is further increased in patients
receiving concomitant corticosteroid therapy. Tendinitis or tendon rupture can
involve the Achilles, hand, shoulder, or other tendon sites and can occur
during or after completion of therapy; cases occurring up to several months
after fluoroquinolone treatment have been reported. Caution should be used when
prescribing CIPRO XR to elderly patients especially those on corticosteroids.
Patients should be informed of this potential side effect and advised to
discontinue CIPRO XR and contact their healthcare provider if any symptoms of
tendinitis or tendon rupture occur [see BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and ADVERSE
REACTIONS].
In a large, prospective, randomized CIPRO XR clinical
trial in cUTI, 49% (509/1035) of the patients were 65 and over, while 30%
(308/1035) were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness
were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported
clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the
elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals
on any drug therapy cannot be ruled out. Ciprofloxacin is known to be
substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions may be
greater in patients with impaired renal function. No alteration of dosage is
necessary for patients greater than 65 years of age with normal renal function.
However, since some older individuals experience reduced renal function by
virtue of their advanced age, care should be taken in dose selection for
elderly patients, and renal function monitoring may be useful in these patients
[see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
In general, elderly patients may be more susceptible to
drug-associated effects on the QT interval. Therefore, precaution should be
taken when using CIPRO XR with concomitant drugs that can result in
prolongation of the QT interval (for example, class IA or class III
antiarrhythmics) or in patients with risk factors for torsade de pointes (for
example, known QT prolongation, uncorrected hypokalemia) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Renal Impairment
Ciprofloxacin is eliminated primarily by renal excretion;
however, the drug is also metabolized and partially cleared through the biliary
system of the liver and through the intestine. These alternate pathways of drug
elimination appear to compensate for the reduced renal excretion in patients
with renal impairment. No dosage adjustment is required for patients with
uncomplicated UTIs receiving 500 mg CIPRO XR. Dosing in children (less than 18
years of age) with impaired renal function has not been studied [see
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Hepatic Impairment
In preliminary studies in patients with stable chronic
liver cirrhosis, no significant changes in ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics have
been observed. The pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in patients with acute
hepatic insufficiency, have not been studied.