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I took two 500mg Ciprofloxacin at the same time by mistake, what could happen to me?
Ciprofloxacin 500mg is a medication used for treating bacterial infections. The bacterial infections that this drug can treat include throat, urinary tract, skin, lungs, and soft tissues. Based on the severity of the bacterial infection, your doctor will suggest the right dosage of this medication. Also, several other factors are considered when this drug is prescribed to a person. So, it is very important to make sure that you follow the right dosage.
This drug may be asked to take twice or thrice a day and not exceeding 1000 mg per day. If you are taking more than that dosage, it can cause severe side effects. But can the maximum dosage be taken in a single go? Can you take two 500 mg pills of Ciprofloxacin at the same time? What will happen to you? Continue reading if you wish to get some more information on an overdose of Ciprofloxacin.
What is bacterial infection?
Bacteria are single cell but it is very complex. Bacteria can be found inside your body and also outside your surroundings. It can easily survive in any location. Not all the bacteria inside and around you are harmful. Usually, there are a lot of good bacteria in the human gut. That is very helpful in the proper digestion of the food we eat. Some people with digestion issues eat yogurt. But some bacteria are bad and harmful. They will cause bacterial infections. Some of these infections are very mild and do not cause too much trouble. While some of them are severe and can be problematic.
What does Ciprofloxacin 500mg do to your body?
Whenever your body is infected with some harmful bacteria, it starts to multiply. It is very easy for the bacteria to multiply and spread. During this process of multiplication, if it starts growing in the wrong place or multiplies in an undesired manner, it can cause an infection. When you take this drug, the multiplication of the bacteria is restricted and stopped completely. The conditions required for the bacteria are inhibited and hence it gets killed.
What does a bacterial infection look like?
Depending on what kind of bacterial infection you have, the symptoms vary. Also, the location will decide the symptoms. But there are a few common symptoms like:
- Fever
- Swelling of lymph nodes near armpits, neck, or even groin
- Headache
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Vomiting or nausea
When to seek help from a healthcare expert?
The following are the symptoms that you should watch out for and seek a doctor’s help:
- Severe persistent cough
- Difficulty in breathing
- Persistent fever
- Swelling in the skin
- Sudden redness of the skin
- A cut that has pus
- Blood in vomit, poo, or urine
- Severe stomach pain
- Severe headache
These are some of the symptoms that need immediate doctor help. But every individual may have other symptoms as well. So, you need to be very careful and observe any abnormal symptoms and reach your doctor for help.
Are there major complications of bacterial infections?
Whenever you observe any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is important for you to contact your healthcare professional. Your doctor will suggest medicines like Ciprofloxacin 500mg or other bacterial infection drugs. When the infection is treated on time, there will not be any major complications. But if you neglect the condition, the infection can get worse.
When the bacterial infection is left untreated for a very long period, there can be major issues. It can lead to Sepsis or Cellulitis. Sepsis is a very serious condition. This is a kind of blood poisoning. Once the infection reaches this stage, it can result in shock. Sometimes it can even lead to organ failure. Organ failure means there are chances of death. You will have to get the treatment started immediately when you are diagnosed with Sepsis. Above all, it is important to start your treatment for the bacterial infection itself.
Be very careful:
One important that you need to remember about bacterial infections is you need to be very careful. When there is an infection in the family, you should stay away from the infected person. You should never use any personal items of the infected person. That includes the linens as well. Nothing should be shared between each other.
Also, it is important to prevent bacterial infection well in advance. If you are infected, do not forget to cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing.
Usage of the drug:
Another important piece of information that can help you is the right usage. So, here is how to useCiprofloxacin 500mg :
- Adults will have to take two pills of 500 mg per day. You will have to take each pill with a gap of 12 hours in between. The medicine has to be continued for at least 21 days. Sometimes longer than 21 days if your doctor suggests continuing.
- When it comes to kids, the medicine dosage will be based on the weight of the kid. They are also usually given a gap of 12 hours and twice a day.
You need to take the medicine only with water. Use the exact dosage to avoid breaking the medicine. Chewing or crushing the tablets should also be avoided. That will give the right results.
Can I take 1000 mg in one go?
It is safe to take 1000 mg per day but not in one go. The doctor suggests the usage of two 500 mg pills and there is a reason for it. You should always use the medicine only as per the suggestions of the doctor. When you use a lower dose than required, you may not see the desired results. If you are taking a higher dosage, you will have an overdose problem. It can show a lot of side effects. The side effects can be very severe and cause death as well. A slight overdose like two Ciprofloxacin 500mg pills may not cause life-threatening side effects.
Always follow the dose given to you. In case you take any higher dose than required, you will have to skip the next dose. You should never take any more pills for another 12 hours. Watch out for any abnormal symptoms that you are facing after taking the overdose. If possible, inform the same to your healthcare doctor immediately. If not possible, reach your doctor the next day in the morning.
This drug may not give any major side effects with overdose. But you might experience nausea, vomiting, and loose motion. That can be treated by your doctor. So, always pay attention to the dose that is suggested to you. Taking a higher dose will not give you any instant results or does not work faster. So, always stay alert.
Ciprofloxacin 500 mg is a safe drug for bacterial infections when used as per the prescription of a doctor. The infection will start disappearing in just a few days and you can see full results after one month.