Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Ciprofloxacin as follows:
- Report any muscle weakness and joint pains, as Ciprofloxacin carries significant risk for tendinitis.
- Observe compliance with any regular lab work ordered. As Ciprofloxacin carries the risk for damage to the liver and is eliminated by the kidneys, hepatic and renal function could be periodically monitored, to prevent any risk for toxicity. Watch closely to report any symptoms of itching, jaundice with yellowing of skin and sclera, dark urine, altered metabolism with nausea and vomiting, pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant, and fatigue suggesting damage to the liver. Any symptoms of renal injury and altered kidney function, such as, altered levels of consciousness and reduced urine formation, should be closely watched for and reported to the physician.
- Close watch for signs and symptoms of arrhythmias must be maintained in individuals with history of cardiac arrhythmias, as Ciprofloxacin has the potential to exacerbate any underlying arrhythmias. Compliance with blood work ordered to monitor serum potassium and magnesium ions is mandatory.
- Evenly space out the doses of the antibiotic and take the dose at the scheduled time every day. Keeping to the schedule helps with maintaining a constant level of the antibiotic in the body, which is needed for infection control. Also, this helps to avoid forgetting the medication.
