Download What do ciprofloxacin tablets do? CIPROFLOXACIN (Cipro®) is an

What do ciprofloxacin tablets do?
CIPROFLOXACIN (Cipro®) is an antibiotic. It treats many kinds of infections of the
skin, bone, stomach, brain, blood, lungs, ear, and urinary tract. It also treats certain
sexually transmitted diseases. Generic ciprofloxacin tablets are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I take ciprofloxacin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•dehydration
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•seizures (convulsions)
•stomach problems (especially colitis)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or
preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow
ciprofloxacin tablets whole with a full glass of water. Although this medicine can be
taken with meals, it is best to take ciprofloxacin on an empty stomach. One hour before
or two hours after meals is the preferred time. Try to avoid taking this medicine with
dairy products. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more
often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care
professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your
prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in
children. Special care may be needed.
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. This medication should be taken at
regular intervals.
What other medicines can interact with ciprofloxacin?
•aluminum salts
•antacids
•caffeine
•calcium salts
•didanosine, ddI
•iron (ferrous sulfate) preparations
•magnesium salts
•manganese
•multivitamins containing iron, zinc, manganese, or calcium
•probenecid
•sucralfate
•theophylline
•warfarin
•zinc salts
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking,
including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also
tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with
caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way
your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or
starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking ciprofloxacin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon
as possible:
•difficulty breathing
•fever
•hallucinations
•increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light
•irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain
•joint, muscle or tendon pain
•nervousness, excitability, restlessness
•reduced amount of urine
•severe or watery diarrhea
•skin rash, itching
•seizures (convulsions)
•swelling of the face or neck
•vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or
health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•difficulty sleeping
•dizziness, drowsiness
•headache
•nausea
•stomach upset
What do I need to watch for while I take ciprofloxacin?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3
days.
If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health
care professional for advice.
Drink several glasses of water a day. Cut down on drinks that contain caffeine.
Ciprofloxacin can increase the stimulant effects of caffeine and cause heart, breathing
and other problems.
Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use
sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
mental alertness until you know how ciprofloxacin affects you. To reduce the risk of
dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older
patient.
Antacids can make ciprofloxacin ineffective. If you get an upset stomach and want to
take an antacid, make sure there is an interval of at least 2 hours since you last took
ciprofloxacin, or 6 hours before your next dose. Iron and zinc preparations can also make
ciprofloxacin ineffective. Do not take multivitamins at the same time you take your
ciprofloxacin tablets.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you
are taking ciprofloxacin.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 30 degreesC (86 degreesF). Keep container tightly
closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions,
interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you
are taking, check with your health care professional.