Guidelines for the Early Clinical and Public Health Management of ...

Guidelines for the Early Clinical and Public Health Management of Bacterial Meningitis (including Meningococcal Disease)
Example
Ciprofloxacin
PLEASE READ THIS LEAFLET BEFORE TAKING CIPROFLOXACIN
What is Ciprofloxacin
The antibiotic you have been advised to take is called Ciprofloxacin. It comes as a tablet. It is a well-known antibiotic
used to treat many different conditions.
Why have I been advised to take this antibiotic
You have been in close contact with a suspected case of Meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease may cause
meningitis or septicaemia (blood poisoning). The risk of catching the infection from a case is extremely low. The
Meningococcal germ can be carried in the nose and throat. This antibiotic will kill those germs.
Will this antibiotic eliminate the possibility of developing meningitis or septicaemia
Taking the antibiotic will reduce the possibility of developing meningitis or septicaemia. But it will not completely
eliminate this possibility; so do remain alert for the development of symptoms. Only one dose will be administered.
You might also be recommended vaccination if needed.
How should I take the antibiotic
• You will be given either one or two tablets to take as a one-off dose. It is important that you take the tablets
as directed.
• The tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. You should try to take plenty of liquids
after, provided you do not have a kidney or heart problem.
• Do not take alcohol with this medicine as it may make you drowsy affecting your ability to drive or operate
machinery.
• It should not be taken within 4 hours of taking antacid/indigestion medicines or medicines containing iron
or mineral supplements. These medications may prevent your body from absorbing the full dose.
Before starting the antibiotics, is there anything I should let the doctor know
Please remember to inform the public health doctor before taking this antibiotic:
If you are taking any other medication, particularly antacid/indigestion tablets, medicines containing iron or mineral
supplements, anticoagulant (blood thinning) tablets, diabetic medication, cyclosporine or long acting asthma drugs.
• If you have any drug allergies
• If you have any kidney or liver problems, or the hereditary condition G6PD deficiency
• If you are pregnant or breast feeding
• If you have any of the above tell the doctor as he/she may have to arrange for you to have a different
antibiotic
What side effects may I experience while taking the antibiotic
Most people who take Ciprofloxacin do not experience any difficulties with it. The possible side effects of
Ciprofloxacin include:
• Tummy ache, diarrhoea and nausea
• Pain and swelling around the tendons
• Tiredness, dizziness, rash, headache
• Facial swelling. This is not serious and will generally subside over a period of about half an hour. If you
experience this, please tell your doctor immediately.
• Rarely breathing difficulties are associated with the facial swelling. You should seek medical attention
urgently if this occurs.
Further information on the drug Ciprofloxacin is contained in the Product Information Leaflet.
What your GP needs to know
Your family doctor will be informed that you have been advised to take these antibiotics.
If you or any member of the family develop fever, headache, vomiting, neck pain, dislike of bright lights, a red
purple rash which does not fade on pressure, dizziness or any other symptoms mentioned in the enclosed leaflet on
meningococcal disease, contact your family doctor immediately and bring this letter with you.
If you have any queries, please contact one of the Public Health doctors at the number above.
Yours sincerely,
Senior Medical Officer
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