Antibiotics - Ciprofloxin (Brand name: cipro)

Ciprofloxacin tablet

What is this medicine?

CIPROFLOXACIN is a quinolone antibiotic. It can kill bacteria or stop their growth. It is used to treat many kinds of infections, like urinary, respiratory, skin, gastrointestinal, and bone infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
child with joint problems
heart condition
kidney disease
liver disease
seizures disorder
an unusual or allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin, other antibiotics or medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

You can take this medicine with food or on an empty stomach. It can be taken with a meal that contains dairy or calcium, but do not take it alone with a dairy product, like milk or yogurt or calcium-fortified juice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
cisapride
droperidol
terfenadine
tizanidine

This medicine may also interact with the following:
antacids
caffeine
cyclosporin
didanosine (ddI) buffered tablets or powder
medicines for diabetes
medicines for inflammation like ibuprofen, naproxen
methotrexate
multivitamins
omeprazole
phenytoin
probenecid
sucralfate
theophylline
warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Avoid antacids, aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc products for 6 hours before and 2 hours after taking a dose of this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
confusion, nightmares or hallucinations
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
irregular heartbeat
joint, muscle or tendon pain or swelling
pain or trouble passing urine
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
seizure
unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
nausea or stomach upset
white patches or sores in the mouth

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.