Ciprofloxacin (By mouth)
sip-roe-FLOX-a-sin
Treats infections. This medicine is a quinolone antibiotic.
Drug classes
Antibiotic, Antitubercular (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Ciprofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. Ciprofloxacin oral liquid and tablets are also used to treat anthrax infection after inhalational exposure. Ciprofloxacin may mask or delay the symptoms of syphilis. It is not effective against syphilis infections.
Ciprofloxacin extended-release tablets are only used to treat urinary tract infections, including acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis.
Proquin® XR tablets are only used to treat uncomplicated or simple urinary tract infections (acute cystitis).
Ciprofloxacin belongs to the class of drugs known as quinolone antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
Take this medicine as directed, and take it at the same time each day.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Do not take this medicine with only a source of calcium, such as milk, yogurt, or juice that contains added calcium. You may have foods or drinks that contain calcium as part of a larger meal.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
Oral liquid: Shake for at least 15 seconds just before each use. The liquid has small beads floating in it. Do not chew the beads when you drink the liquid. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose:Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any leftover liquid medicine after 14 days.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with tizanidine.
Some medicines and foods can affect how ciprofloxacin works. Tell your doctor if you are using theophylline or a steroid medicine (such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone).
Tell your doctor if you are using clozapine, cyclosporine, duloxetine, lidocaine, methotrexate, olanzapine, pentoxifylline, phenytoin, probenecid, ropinirole, sildenafil, a blood thinner (such as warfarin), a diabetes medicine (such as glyburide), medicine for depression, medicine for mental illness, other medicine to treat an infection, NSAID pain medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib), or medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol).
Some minerals and medicines can keep your body from absorbing this medicine. You may need to take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines. These include magnesium, aluminum, calcium, zinc, iron, lanthanum, sevelamer, sucralfate, and didanosine. Ask your pharmacist for more information.
This medicine slows the digestion of caffeine, so it might affect you for longer than normal.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin or similar medicines.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, myasthenia gravis, or a history of heart rhythm problems (such as prolonged QT interval), seizures, or stroke. Tell your doctor if you have ever had tendon or joint problems, including rheumatoid arthritis, or if you have received a transplant.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Tendinitis and tendon rupture (may happen after treatment ends) Liver damage Nerve damage in the arms or legs Severe diarrhea Heart rhythm changesThis medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
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
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Diarrhea that may contain blood
Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Pain, stiffness, swelling, or bruises around your ankle, leg, shoulder, or other joint
Seizures, severe headache, unusual thoughts or behaviors, trouble sleeping, confusion
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Yellow skin or eyes
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Cipro
There may be other brand names for this medicine.