Ciprofloxacin Medical Information

• Ciprofloxacin uses
• Ciprofloxacin dosage
• Ciprofloxacin side effects
• Warnings & precautions
• Drug interactions
• Missed dose
• Overdose

Common Brand Names: Cipro, Ciloxan

Generic Name: Ciprofloxacin

The following product information is not intended to replace the physician's or manufacturer's instructions.

Common Medical Uses:
Ciprofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat pneumonia (lung infection); bronchitis (infection of the tubes that lead to the lungs); some types of gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted disease); diarrhea caused by bacteria; typhoid fever (a contagious illness common in developing countries); and bone, joint, skin, prostate (a male reproductive gland), sinus, and urinary tract (bladder) infections. Ciprofloxacin is also used to prevent and/or treat anthrax in people exposed to anthrax germs in the air. Ciprofloxacin is also used with another medication to treat certain infections of the internal organs. Ciprofloxacin extended release (long-acting) tablets are used to treat urinary tract and kidney infections. Ciprofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How to Use Ciprofloxacin:
Take tablets by mouth. 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. Do not take with magnesium/aluminum antacids, sucralfate, Videx (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder, or with other products containing calcium, iron or zinc. Ciprofloxacin may be taken two hours before or six hours after taking these products. Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with dairy products (such as milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone; however, ciprofloxacin may be taken with a meal that contains these products. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your health care professional even if you think your condition is better.

Ciprofloxacin Possible Side Effects:
Ciprofloxacin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• indigestion
• headache
• nervousness
• agitation
• anxiety
• dizziness, drowsiness

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor as soon as possible:

• seizures (convulsions)
• difficulty breathing
• vaginal yeast infection
• confusion
• shaking hands that you cannot contro
• unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
• hallucination (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
• depression

Rare cases of peripheral neuropathy (changes or disturbances of the nervous system) have been reported with this type of antibiotic. Contact your doctor if you experience muscle weakness, paralysis, pain or numbness, a burning sensation, or a "pins and needles" sensation.
Stop taking ciprofloxacin if you develop a skin rash or other allergic reaction.

Ciprofloxacin Warnings & Precautions:

• Don't take if: You are allergic to fluoroquinolones or quinolone derivatives.
• Before taking Ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor or/and pharmacist:
• if you have any disorder of the central nervous system such as epilepsy or stroke.
• if you have had sun sensitiivity or tendinitis
• if you have kidney or liver disease, stomach problems (especially colitis), diabetes, heart disease
• Driving, piloting or hazardous work: Ciprofloxacin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.
• Discontinuing: Don't discontinue without consulting doctor or completing prescribed dosage.
• Pregnancy: Risk category C. Decide with your doctor if drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.
• Breast feeding: Drug passesinto milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medication. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking this drug.

Drug Interactions:
The following drugs and foods may interact with Ciprofloxacin:

• Aminophylline (increased aminophylline effect)
• Antacids (decreased ciprofloxacin effect)
• Antidiabetic agents (adverse diabetic reactions)
• Nonsteroidal Ant-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) (increased risk of central nervous system problems)
• Caffeine (increased risk of central nervous system problems)
• Calcium supplements (decreased ciprofloxacine effect)
• Cyclosporine (increased cyclosporine effect)
• Didanosine (decreased ciprofloxacin effect)
• Digoxin (increased digoxin effect)
• Iron supplements (decreased ciprofloxacin effect)
• Oxtriphylline (increased risk of oxtriphylline toxicity)
• Phenytoin (decreased phenytoin effect)
• Probenecid (increased ciprofloxacin effect)
• QT interval prolongation causing drugs (heart rhythm problems)
• Sucralfate (decreased ciprofloxacin effect)
• Theophylline (increased risk of theophylline toxicity)
• Warfarin (increased warfarin effect)
• Zinc (decreased ciprofloxacin effect)

Tell your health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.

Possible interactions with other substances:

• Alcohol - increased possibility of central nervous system side effects
• Dairy foods - decreased effect of ciprofloxacin
• Tobacco - increased possibility of central nervous system side effects

Missed Dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, weight for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms: confusion and hallucinations, headache, abdominal pain, convulsions.

See also:

• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• How to buy Ciprofloxacin without prescription