Antibiotics are to be used cautiously with Ciprofloxacin side effects causing severe issues on metabolism, according to a study carried out at the University of Eastern Finland.
Antibiotics can rescue patients and save lives, especially when treating bacterial or fungal infections, however these pharmaceuticals unfortunately have a dark side. More specifically, Ciprofloxacin side effects have recently been investigated to greatly affect cellular function.
Undesired effects on the metabolism of the human body
Similar to the effects of most medical drugs, many antibiotics can have undesired effects on the metabolism of the human body, however a recent study carried out at the University of Eastern Finland and published in Nucleic Acids Research explored the effect of ciprofloxacin on mitochondria, which are the important cell organelles in the human body that produce energy for cellular function.
Fluoroquinolones are some of the most frequently used broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotics, which includes ciprofloxacin being its most active member, and usually prescribed for respiratory, urinary or ear infections. Although they are usually well tolerated, some patients receiving fluoroquinolones have come to develop severe health problems, mores specifically, Ciprofloxacin side effects include tendon rupture, permanent nerve damage or depression.
What are the causes for the Ciprofloxacin side effects?
Mitochondria possess their own small circular genome, and for its regular maintenance topoisomerase enzymes is required. Topoisomerases regulate the topology of DNA and untangle for instance knots and overwound stretches of a genome by cutting and reconnecting the DNA sequence. While fluoroquinolones are designed to inhibit the bacterial topoisomerase gyrase, which kills off the bacterium, they also inhibit the topoisomerase 2 of our own cells.
Steffi Goffart, academy research from the University of Eastern Finland says: “We noticed that topoisomerase 2 is especially important in the replication of the mitochondrial genome, as it regulates the winding of this small DNA molecule by removing positive twists”.
Ciprofloxacin stopped this normal maintenance and transcription of mitochondrial DNA by changing mtDNA topology, causing impaired mitochondrial energy production and blocking cellular growth and differentiation.
This dramatic impact on mitochondrial DNA is the likely cause for most negative Ciprofloxacin side effects experienced by patients, and also a reason to use the antibiotics with great caution.
The results conducted by the researchers from the University of East Finland essentially highlights, for the first time, the importance of topology for maintenance of mtDNA homeostasis and provide novel insight into the mitochondrial effects of fluoroquinolones.
I have been prescribed ciprofloxacin to eliminate a bacterial prostate infection. I was given a 14 day supply consisting of two 500mg tablets per day. This has been cured.
But the effects on mitochondrial DNA seem to be serious.
Can you tell me if these effects are permanent? Will the damage continue?
I feel I am suffering from depression, is this also permanent?
Thank you for any answer you are able to give me.
Hi Anthony – we only report on the topic and do not offer any medical advice. If you are looking for medical advice we recommend you seek the attention of a health professional.
Thank you for your comment.
Anthony, I was in a similar situation 7 years ago. Within an hour of taking the first Cipro dose, I experienced very loud tinnitus, which so far is permanent.
Health professionals do not agree that fluoroquinolones are dangerous . I haven’t found one anyway.
I was prescribed Cipro. This past year I have been in so much pain. Muscular and nerve. No one can tell me anything. I live in pain. I was always active. Now I live with so much pain. They run tests and tell me I’m fine. Nothing. I know what I feel like. I know that this is NOT NORMAL. I’ve alway been strong and active. Now doctors act as nothing because no temp. no abnormal lab work. Exhausted, painful muscles and joints. Headaches and terrible pain behind right ear. A horrible feeling of impending doom. I pray for my health back.
No one told me about these side affects. I trusted this was what I needed for a UTI. All the health professionals I’ve seen do not believe this is my problem. Yet I’m a mystery. They promise to help me. Then…they loose interest because lab test, blood work, temp. are inconclusive. They promise to get back with me after the results…yet No cares. I guess my next option is to get a nerve test. Numbness and weakness in my arms, right leg, terrible right shoulder pain and unbearable neck pain. If it weren’t for this TENS Unit I could not take it anymore. I’ve NEVER been a pill person. Now…I live on Jesus, Tylenol, and ibuprofen. I carry bottles on my person.
I took Cipro about a year ago and am now suffering from a torn Achilles’ tendon that happened while I was playing basketball. I believe the this to be related .
If in the USA: Research Dr Mark Ghalili in California. There are other physicians using stem cell regenerative medicine. Dr Kevin Barrett at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, FL. Also, a doctor in Michigan (or Minnesota) at a clinic there.
Mitochondria repair is important. Search for a list of medicines that use fluoride in their composition and avoid at all costs.