Ciprofloxacin

Why is this medication prescribed?


Ciprofloxacin is used to treat or prevent certain infections caused by bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat or prevent anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack) in people who may have been exposed to anthrax germs in the air. Ciprofloxacin extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used only to treat certain types of urinary tract infections. Ciprofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
How should this medicine be used?


Ciprofloxacin comes as a tablet, a suspension (liquid), and an extended-release tablet to take by mouth. The tablet and suspension are usually taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, with or without food. The extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day. Cipro XR brand extended-release tablets may be taken with or without food. Proquin XR brand extended-release tablets should be taken with a main meal of the day, preferably the evening meal. Take ciprofloxacin at around the same time(s) every day. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have. Your doctor will tell you how long to take ciprofloxacin. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ciprofloxacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

One brand or type of ciprofloxacin cannot be substituted for another. Be sure that you receive only the brand or type of ciprofloxacin that was prescribed by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the type of ciprofloxacin you were given.

Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products or calcium-fortified juices alone. However, you may take ciprofloxacin with a meal that includes these foods or drinks.

Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, crush, or chew them. If you cannot swallow tablets whole, tell your doctor.

If you are taking the suspension, shake the bottle very well for 15 seconds before each use to mix the medication evenly. Swallow the correct dose without chewing the granules in the suspension. Close the bottle completely after each use. Do not give the suspension to a patient through a feeding tube.

You should begin feeling better during the first few days of your treatment with ciprofloxacin. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor. If you are being treated for a urinary tract infection, call your doctor if you develop fever or back pain during or after your treatment. These symptoms may be signs that your infection is worsening.

Take ciprofloxacin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Do not stop taking ciprofloxacin unless you experience the symptoms of tendinitis or tendon rupture described in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or the symptoms of allergic reaction described in the SIDE EFFECTS section. If you stop taking ciprofloxacin too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

What side effects can this medication cause?


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

nausea

vomiting

stomach pain

heartburn

diarrhea

feeling an urgent need to urinate

headache

vaginal itching and/or discharge
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, or those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, stop taking ciprofloxacin and call your doctor immediately:

severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)

rash or blisters

hives

itching

tingling or swelling of the face, neck, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

difficulty breathing or swallowing

hoarseness or throat tightness

wheezing

rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat

fainting

fever

joint or muscle pain

unusual bruising or bleeding

extreme tiredness

lack of energy

loss of appetite

pain in the upper right part of the stomach

yellowing of the skin or eyes

dark urine

flu-like symptoms

seizures

dizziness

confusion

nervousness

restlessness

anxiety

difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

nightmares or abnormal dreams

not trusting others or feeling that others want to hurt you

hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)

depression

thoughts about dying or killing yourself

uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in a part of the body

Ciprofloxacin may cause problems with bones, joints, and tissues around joints in children. Ciprofloxacin should not normally be given to children younger than 18 years of age unless they have certain serious infections that cannot be treated with other antibiotics or they have been exposed to anthrax in the air. If your doctor prescribes ciprofloxacin for your child, be sure to tell the doctor if your child has or has ever had joint-related problems. Call your doctor if your child develops joint problems such as pain or swelling while taking ciprofloxacin or after treatment with ciprofloxacin. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of giving ciprofloxacin to your child.