Cipro

Generic Name:

ciprofloxacin (oral) (SIP roe FLOX a sin)

Brand Names:

Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR

USES:

This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Important information about Cipro

You should not use Cipro if you are taking tizanidine (Zanaflex), or if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or similar antibiotics such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others. Do not take Cipro with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juice. You may eat or drink dairy products or calcium-fortified juice with a regular meal, but do not use them alone when taking Cipro. They could make the medication less effective.

Before taking Cipro, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, joint problems, diabetes, a history of seizures, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take Cipro. These other medicines can make Cipro much less effective when taken at the same time.

Taking Cipro can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, or tanning beds.

Side effects

Common side effects of cipro include an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness or headache. If you have problems with any of these symptoms, tell your doctor. Less common side effects include pain in arms or legs, changes in vision, restlessness, ringing in the ears, or mental changes. If any of these symptoms occur, call your doctor right away.

Severe allergic reactions are very rare. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling of the tongue, hands or feet, fever, or trouble breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, call your doctor right away.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR CHILDREN:

This medicine may cause joint problems in infants and children under 18 years of age. If your child has any joint pain while he/she is taking cipro, tell your doctor.

Why should Cipro not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Cipro or certain other antibiotics of this type such as norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and trovafloxacin, you should not take this medication. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Cipro HC Otic suspension should not be used on anyone whose eardrum is perforated or who has a viral infection of the ear.

NOTES:

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

STORAGE:

Store at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets

WARNING:

This medication may rarely cause tendon damage (e.g., tendonitis, tendon rupture) during or after treatment. Your risk for tendon problems is greater if you are over 60 years of age, if you are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone), or if you have a kidney, heart or lung transplant. Stop exercising, rest, and seek immediate medical attention if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling.