Q&A on weighing the risks of Cipro.

Byline: Patricia Anstett

Cipro. Not since Viagra has one medicine caused such a ruckus.

But many consumers stockpiling the drug apparently are unaware that most Americans don't need to take Cipro or any other antibiotic to prevent anthrax infections because their risk of getting one is tiny.

They also may not know that other, less expensive antibiotics often work just as well in treating the most common skin form of anthrax infection. And anyone who takes an antibiotic may be reducing future chances of warding off anthrax or other infections.

Cipro also can cause serious side effects, even seizures, particularly when taken with certain other drugs, even aspirin or beverages containing caffeine, doctors warn. Though largely safe, concern mounts as Americans clamor for the drug.

Here is a primer:

WHAT IS CIPRO?

Cipro, or ciprofloxacin, its generic name, is an antibiotic commonly used to treat urinary …