- CIPROXIN (Cipro, Tequin, ciprofloxacin)
Description
Treats infections caused by bacteria. Belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone
antibiotics.
Brand Name(s)
Cipro® (Oral)
When you should not use this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin or
other quinolone medicines, such as norfloxacin (Noroxin®), ofloxacin (Floxin®), or
nalidixic acid (NegGram®).
How to use and store this medicine
Tablets/Oral Liquid:
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how
often.
- Shake the oral liquid medicine thoroughly before each use.
- Take the medicine with a full glass of water. Drink several
glasses of water every day while you are taking this medicine.
- It is best to take this medicine 2 hours after a meal.
However, you may take ciprofloxacin with food if it upsets your stomach. But don't take
the medicine with food that has a large amount of calcium alone, such as milk, yogurt or
cheese.
- Don't stop taking the medicine until all the tablets are
gone (or until your doctor tells you to). Your infection might come back if you stop
taking the medicine too soon.
- Store your tablets at room temperature, away from heat,
moisture, and light.
- Store the oral liquid at room temperature or in the
refrigerator. Do not freeze
- Any liquid medicine leftover after 14 days of treatment
should be thrown away.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
If you miss a dose:
- Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until
then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to use this medicine
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 taking asthma
medicine such as theophylline, probenecid (Benemid®), or a blood thinner such as
Coumadin®.
- You should not use this medicine with foods that contain a
large amount of calcium, such as milk, yogurt or cheese
- If you are taking antacids (such as Maalox® or Mylanta®),
vitamins, iron supplements, or sucralfate (Carafate®) take them 2 hours after or 6 hours
before ciprofloxacin.
- Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine (coffee, tea, or
colas) while taking ciprofloxacin.
Warnings
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor
before taking this medicine.
- If you become pregnant while being treated with
ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have epilepsy or kidney
disease.
- This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Avoid
driving or using machinery until you know how the medicine will affect you.
- Your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight while taking
this drug. Use a sunscreen when you are outside, and try not to spend a long time in
direct sunlight.
Side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
- Feeling short of breath or having trouble breathing
- Rash or hives
- Seizures
- Severe diarrhea
- Swelling of face, throat, or lips
If you have problems with these less serious side effects,
talk with your doctor.
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Mild diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
