What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin?
Do not take ciprofloxacin 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 ciprofloxacin. They could make the
medication less effective.
Take all of the ciprofloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to
feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Certain medicines should be taken at least 2 hours after or 6 hours before you take
ciprofloxacin. This includes
didanosine (
Videx) chewable/buffered tablets or powder;
sucralfate
(
Carafate);
antacids that contain
calcium,
magnesium or aluminum (such as
Tums or Rolaids); or
vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium,
iron, or
zinc.
Taking ciprofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to
sunlight, sun lamps, or tanning beds.
What is ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Ciprofloxacin
fights bacteria in the body.
Ciprofloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.
Ciprofloxacin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ciprofloxacin?
Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
ciprofloxacin or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C: This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do
not use ciprofloxacin without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant. Tell your doctor if you
become pregnant during treatment.
Ciprofloxacin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take ciprofloxacin?
Take ciprofloxacin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or
for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Take each dose with a full
glass of
water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of
fluid each day while you are taking ciprofloxacin.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) for at least 15 seconds just before you measure a
dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or
medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask
your pharmacist for one.
When taking the oral liquid, swallow it without chewing the medicine beads you may
notice in the liquid.
Do not crush, chew or break the extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is
specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much
of the drug to be released at one time.
Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.
Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with
calcium-fortified juice. You may eat or drink these products as part of a regular meal, but do not
use them alone when taking ciprofloxacin. They could make the medication less effective.
Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you
begin to feel better. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.
Ciprofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the
common cold or flu.
Store ciprofloxacin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow
the liquid medicine to freeze.
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