prior to my GCA diagnosis, I used Cipro as my antibiotic of choice. I was just placed on Cipro to prepare for a root canal and started suffering excruciating ankle, knee and hip pain. Worst of all the pain in my temples made me fear a relapse. I immediately doubled my prednisone, applied warm compresses to my temples and contacted my doctor. I also recommend that you do not schedule major procedures for a weekend.
If you use Cipro please find another antibiotic before you need one. If you search the web, you will find the following article.
Cipro and prednisone Drug Interactions ..
A Major Drug Interaction exists between Cipro and prednisone. View detailed information regarding this drug interaction.
It is always wise to check any drug you have used before or any new ones prescribed, any OTC preparations and homeopathic remedies with a Pharmacist before you take or buy.
If you do use any drug and suffer a side effect, fill in the Yellow Card (obtainable at Chemists).
It isn't just cipro - it is any antibiotic belonging to the quinolone group. The most likely interaction between pred and quinolones is inflammation of the achilles tendon - and it is particularly bad with methyl prednisolone. It can also happen at a later point: i.e. you may stop taking the pred and be offered a quinolone antibiotic at a later date and have problems.
I flagged this up a couple of years ago when I had a problem - but you're right. It bears mentioning again. And whilst lodger is quite right about checking with the pharmacist both the pharmacist and the GP knew about it at the time but it didn't click. The GP said to me afterwards "I've never seen that before..." As I pointed out - she had now! I spent 9 months on crutches.
Thank you for your information. Too bad this had to happen to you. I have never been able to tolerate Cipro, only Amoxicillin for a needed antibiotic. I took it all right with my dental procedures I had to have. Hope, you feel better, soon.
Hi Eileen,
Many thanks for the info.I only seem to need antibiotics after dental treatment or problems.I'm prone to abcesses.
If the situation arises again I will need to make sure not to take the wrong type of antibiotic.I'm already allergic to penicillin.
Eileen, you really are a fount of useful information.
metroNIDAZOLE seems to work.
You can't make a blanket statement like that I'm afraid. It all depends on what the bacterium is that is causing the infection - metronidazole is used for anaerobic bacteria - ones that can survive without oxygen. It is not suitable for many types of infection and is mostly used for intestinal, bone and genitary tract infection so wouldn't be suitable for a chest infection for example. Some people must never take it - it affects the liver and interacts badly with alcohol amongst other things.
Any antibiotic should be chosen to be suitable for the type of infection and used properly - not half a course and then forgotten. That is how we are getting into such a mess with regard to antibiotics - too many bacteria are learning to live with abx because they get small amounts and some survive with enough resistance to live with them.
There is a program that is used to help prescribe antibiotics. You tell the person, I am allergic to antibiotics A, Z and on prednisone and it suggests other antibiotics that can be used.