Cipro XR

People with urinary tract infections, especially those involving the bladder or kidneys, may be prescribed Cipro XR. This antibiotic works by interfering with the process that bacteria need to multiply. It comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day. Most people tolerate it well, but side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What Is Cipro XR?

Cipro® XR (ciprofloxacin extended release) is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones, or "quinolones" for short. Like other quinolones, Cipro XR is an antibiotic. It is approved to treat urinary tract infections, including bladder and kidney infections.
 
(Click Cipro XR Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Cipro XR?

Cipro XR is made by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is distributed by Schering Corporation.
 

How Does It Work?

Cipro XR works to treat infections by killing the bacteria that cause them. Specifically, Cipro XR interferes with two bacterial enzymes: topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase. These enzymes are necessary for the bacteria to copy and repair DNA, which are critical steps needed for the bacteria to multiply.
 

Clinical Effects

In clinical studies, Cipro XR was shown to treat bladder infections (cystitis) and kidney infections (pyelonephritis) as well as short-acting Cipro® (ciprofloxacin). For example, in one study, 95 percent of people were successfully treated for cystitis after three days of receiving Cipro XR, compared to almost 92 percent of people given regular Cipro for three days.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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