Description:

Fluxacin capsules is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic containing ciprofloxacin. It is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in adults, including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia), skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, gastrointestinal infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing bacterial DNA replication and leading to cell death. It is reserved for infections where other antibiotics may be ineffective or contraindicated.

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx). Requires a doctor’s prescription due to risks of tendon damage, nerve issues, and antibiotic resistance. In Ghana, it is regulated and available through pharmacies.

Therapeutic Category:

Antibacterial / Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (broad-spectrum for systemic bacterial infections).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Each capsule contains: Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride equivalent to ciprofloxacin 500 mg (standard strength for Fluxacin capsules). Excipients: Standard capsule fillers (e.g., starch, cellulose, magnesium stearate, and capsule shell components; refer to label for full list).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: 500 mg strength hard gelatin capsules (common adult dose; often in blister packs of 10 capsules).

Consume Type:

Oral (capsule; swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food, but avoid dairy products or antacids close to the dose as they reduce absorption).

Directions/Usage: Adults: Dosage varies by infection type and severity (follow doctor’s exact prescription):

• Most infections (e.g., urinary tract, skin, respiratory): 500 mg every 12 hours for 3–14 days.
• Uncomplicated cystitis: 250–500 mg every 12 hours for 3 days.
• Gonorrhoea: 500 mg single dose. Take at regular intervals; complete the full course even if symptoms improve to prevent resistance. Do not crush or chew. Adjust in renal impairment (reduce dose if CrCl <30 mL/min). Not for children unless specialist-directed.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
• Headache, dizziness
• Rash or itching
• Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight) Serious rare: Tendonitis or tendon rupture (especially Achilles), peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), QT prolongation/arrhythmias, severe allergic reactions, C. difficile diarrhoea, low blood sugar.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 capsules per strip; boxes of 10 or 20 capsules).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C), in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• High risk of serious side effects (FDA black box warnings): tendon rupture (higher in elderly, with corticosteroids), peripheral neuropathy (may be permanent), CNS effects (seizures, mood changes), hypoglycaemia.
• Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones, myasthenia gravis (exacerbation risk), or with tizanidine.
• Caution in elderly, renal impairment, history of seizures, QT prolongation, or low potassium/magnesium.
• Avoid in pregnancy/breastfeeding unless essential (arthropathy risk in fetus).
• Avoid excessive sun exposure (photosensitivity).
• Interactions: Antacids/dairy/iron reduce absorption (space 2 hours); warfarin (increased bleeding); NSAIDs (increased CNS effects).
• Stop immediately if tendon pain, nerve symptoms, severe rash, or mental changes occur.
• Complete course to prevent resistance; report persistent/worsening symptoms.

Product Substitutes: Other ciprofloxacin 500mg capsules/tablets in Ghana: Ciprotab, generic ciprofloxacin (various importers), or brands like Ciproxin (Bayer, if available). Alternatives: Levofloxacin, ofloxacin, or non-fluoroquinolones (e.g., cefixime, amoxicillin-clavulanate) per infection/sensitivity — consult doctor/pharmacist (reserve fluoroquinolones for resistant cases per guidelines).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Ernest Chemist Limited

Country of Origin:

Ghana