Bellcip-500: A Brand of Ciprofloxacin 500 mg Tablet

What it is

Bellcip-500 is a brand of ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is available as 500 mg tablets and registered under NAFDAC number C4-0971.

What it's used for

Based on available clinical information, ciprofloxacin (the active ingredient in Bellcip-500) is indicated for the treatment of corneal ulcers and conjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.

How it's taken

The typical dosage for ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution (the form for which clinical data is available) is: for corneal ulcers, two drops into the affected eye every 15 minutes for the first six hours, then two drops every 30 minutes for the remainder of the first day. On the second day, instill two drops hourly. From the third through the fourteenth day, two drops every four hours. Treatment may continue if corneal healing has not occurred.

Common side effects

The most frequently reported side effect is local burning or discomfort. Other side effects occurring in less than 10% of patients include lid margin crusting, crystals or scales, foreign body sensation, itching, redness of the eye (conjunctival hyperemia), and a bad taste after instillation. Less common effects (less than 1%) include corneal staining, keratopathy, and allergic reactions.

Important cautions

Do not use Bellcip-500 if you have a history of hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or any other quinolone antibiotic. Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution is not for injection into the eye. Systemic quinolone therapy has been associated with serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which require immediate emergency treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.

Frequently asked questions