Ciprofloxacin

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used as a treatment for a variety of bacterial infections.
• Special forms are for eye and ear infections.

How does it work?

• Ciprofloxacin inhibits metabolic activities in the bacteria causing its death.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

Oral:

• Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Do not take dairy products, antacids, didanosine, multivitamins, minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium), nutritional supplements, or sucralfate within 4 hours of this medicine.
• Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. You may want to stop tube feeding before and after dose. Shake liquid (suspension) well before using.

Eye:

• For the eye only.
• Take out soft contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given.
• Do not touch the bottle or tube tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
• After using medicine keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps medicine in the eye.
• Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes. Give one and wait 5 minutes before using the next.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with theophylline and warfarin.
• Not recommended in children younger than 18 years of age.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Alcohol may make infection more difficult to treat.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake. Ciprofloxacin causes an increase in caffeine's effect.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

Oral:

• Belly pain and cramps.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.

Eye:

• Short-term burning, discomfort.

What should I monitor?

• If you are on warfarin, get INR checked every week until stable.
• Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Pain in back of the ankle. The part called the Achilles tendon.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store tablets in a tight container at room temperature.
• Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature for 14 days. Throw away after that time.
• Store eye solution in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature. Avoid freezing.
• Store eye ointment at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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