Ciprofloxacin (By Mouth)

Ciprofloxacin (sip-roe-FLOX-a-sin)

Treats infections that are caused by bacteria. This medicine is a fluoroquinolone (floor-oh-KWIN-oh-lone) antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Cipro, Ciprofloxacin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin or to similar quinolone antibiotics such as gemifloxacin (Factive®), gatifloxacin (Tequin™), levofloxacin (Levaquin®), moxifloxacin (Avelox®), norfloxacin (Noroxin®), or ofloxacin (Floxin®). This medicine is usually not given to children, except to treat anthrax.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food. However, do not take this medicine with milk, yogurt, or other dairy products. Do not drink calcium-fortified juice when you take this medicine. It is okay to have dairy products or juice as part of a larger meal and then take this medicine with that meal.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Shake the oral liquid for at least 15 seconds just before each use. The oral liquid has small microcapsules floating in it. These microcapsules may look like bubbles or small beads. Do not chew the microcapsules when you drink the oral liquid.Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.
• The extended-release tablet (Cipro® XR) is NOT the same as the regular-release tablet or liquid (Cipro®). Use the exact medicine that your doctor prescribed. Do not use a different medicine, even if the names look alike.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may store the oral liquid at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not keep the oral liquid for more than 14 days.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using theophylline (Slo-Bid®, Theo-Dur®), cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), probenecid (Benemid®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or diabetes medicine (such as glyburide, Diabeta®, Glynase®, Glucovance®). Tell your doctor if you are using any other medicines that could cause seizures or problems with your nervous system.
• Some medicines and supplements will interfere with the way ciprofloxacin works in your body. These include antacids such as Maalox® or Mylanta®, multivitamins (with calcium, iron, or zinc), sucralfate (Carafate®), or didanosine (Videx®) powder or chewable/buffered tablets. Take these medicines at least 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take ciprofloxacin.
• Avoid caffeine (coffee, soda, chocolate) while you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause caffeine to stay in your body longer than usual.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, problems with your nervous system, a seizure disorder (such as epilepsy), or if you are on dialysis.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Call your doctor if you have pain, swelling, or tearing of a tendon. You may need to stop taking the medicine. Tendons are attached to your muscles and are located in the back of your knees, ankles, shoulders, and elbows, and in you hands and wrists.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Call your doctor if you become very sensitive to light.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Diarrhea
• Seizures, severe headache
• Severe dizziness, nervousness, anxiety, confusion, or agitation
• Skin or eyes turn yellow
• Skin rash, redness, blistering, or peeling
• Unusual thoughts, feelings, or dreams

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation
• Vaginal itching or discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.