Common
uses
This medicine is a
fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
Tablets
Chemical Name: CIPROFLOXACIN (sip-roe-FLOX-a-sin)
Before
using
Some medicines or medical
conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of
all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL
MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking other
antibiotics, sucralfate, theophylline products, warfarin, cyclosporine,
glyburide, phenytoin, clozapine, live vaccines, probenecid, ropinirole, or
quinapril. Also, report the use of medicines, which might increase the risk of
seizures when combined with ciprofloxacin such as phenothiazines including
thioridazine, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, isoniazid (INH),
and theophylline, among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including seizures, brain or
nervous system disorders, kidney disease, tendon problems, liver disease, blood
vessel problems, allergies (especially drug allergies), pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or
concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for
using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient
information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist
any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken
on an empty stomach or with food. DRINK A FULL GLASS OF WATER with each dose.
Drink several additional glasses of water daily, unless otherwise directed by
your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking any
products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include
quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Dairy products (e.g.,
milk, yogurt), calcium-enriched juice, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron,
and zinc are also included. These products bind with ciprofloxacin preventing
its full absorption. Note: This medicine may be taken with a glass of milk or
calcium-enriched juice along with a meal; taking it with only a glass of milk
or calcium-enriched juice (separate from a meal) will prevent the medicine from
being fully absorbed. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 86 degrees
F (30 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and
light. Do not store in the bathroom. Antibiotics work best when the amount of
medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this
medicine at the same time each day. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY,
continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you
begin to feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE
OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do
not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF
YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or another
fluoroquinolone antibiotic (such as levofloxacin, ofloxacin). A severe reaction
includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you
have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain
medicine is a fluoroquinolone, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF THIS
MEDICINE CAUSES A SKIN RASH, HIVES, OR DIFFICULTY BREATHING, check with your
doctor before taking additional doses. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY
APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE
DIZZINESS. Taking this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol
may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous
tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure
to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this
medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a
prolonged period. AVOID LARGE AMOUNTS OF CAFFEINE-CONTAINING foods and
beverages, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, cola drinks, and chocolate, while taking
this medicine as the effects of the caffeine may be increased. BEFORE YOU BEGIN
TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with
your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in
children. Contact your doctor for more information. Caution is advised when
using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the
side effects of the medicine (e.g., tendon problems, especially if they are
also taking corticosteroid medicines such as prednisone). IF YOU PLAN ON
BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using
this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO
NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine
may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your
doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Possible
side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur
while taking this medicine include stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea,
nausea, headache, vision changes or dizziness during the first few days as your
body adjusts to this medicine. If they continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience
tendon pain, joint pain or swelling, sunburn-like skin reaction (sun
sensitivity), or severe or continuing diarrhea. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY
if you experience seizures, mental or mood changes, easy bruising or bleeding,
swelling of throat or tongue, persistent sore throat or fever, irregular
heartbeat, chest pain, stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine,
unusual change in the amount of urine, or unusual fatigue. This medicine may
rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a
resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped.
Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medicines if you have the
following symptoms because these products may make them worse. CONTACT YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach
pain or cramping, or blood or mucus in your stool. USE OF THIS MEDICINE FOR
PROLONGED OR REPEATED PERIODS may result in oral thrush or a vaginal yeast
infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a
change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can result
in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.
If
you take too much
If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Additional
information
If your symptoms do not
improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO
NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE
THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions, or later for other infections. A
different medicine may be needed in those cases. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children and pets.
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