Cipro

The FDA has put out a new warning about Cipro and other related drugs called quinolones.
These medicines are associated with tendon rupture. This is still a relatively infrequent occurrence. Cipro is still a very useful drug. It has anti-Lyme effects and works well against Bartonella, Chlamydia and Mycoplasma. My theory is that it is so effective in killing bacteria that the inflammation in the tendons of Lyme infected patients may contribute to weakening and rupture of tendons. Of course, this is pure conjecture. Cipro may also cause an exacerbation of joint pain and other symptoms. My approach with this drug is start low and gradually increase the dose. If patients develop and increased pain in tendons, ligaments or joints the drug is discontinued. Using this method none of my patients has ever had a tendon rupture. I have observed over time that Cipro may be particularly effective in fibromyalgia patients. This may be related to its effectiveness against germs associated with this condition, including Mycoplasma and Chlamydia species. Others have found that Cipro or its cousin Levaquin have been very useful in cases of presumptive Bartonella. There is confusion here. Studies have shown that serological cross-reactions can occur between Bartonella and Chlamydia. Another popular test from Frye labs, a blood smear for Bartonella, indicates that the bacteria seen could be Bartonella or Mycoplasma. The bottom line is that these drugs work. Please note that Cipro is much more effective against Lyme than Levaquin.