Generic Name: E: CIPROFLOXACIN (sip-roe-FLOX-a-sin)
Drug Manufacturer: BAYER
Common Uses: This medicine is a
fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
How to use this Medicine: Follow the
directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine
comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this
medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. DRINK
A FULL GLASS OF WATER with each dose. Drink several additional glasses of
water daily, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. DO NOT TAKE any
products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium within 6 hours before or
2 hours after taking this medicine. Some examples include quinapril,
didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Sucralfate, bismuth
subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These products bind with
ciprofloxacin preventing its full absorption. Avoid taking this medicine
with milk or milk products (such as yogurt or calcium-enriched juice) by
themselves. However, taking this medicine as part of a full meal that
contains milk or milk products is permitted. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any questions about how to properly take this
medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30
degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and
light. Do not store in the bathroom. Antibiotics work best when the amount
of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this
medicine at the same time each day. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY,
continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you
begin to feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A
DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE
IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or another
fluoroquinolone antibiotic (such as levofloxacin, ofloxacin). A severe
reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or
dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this
medicine or if a certain medicine is a fluoroquinolone, contact your doctor
or pharmacist. IF THIS MEDICINE CAUSES A SKIN RASH, HIVES, OR DIFFICULTY
BREATHING, check with your doctor before taking additional doses. KEEP ALL
DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. THIS
MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. Taking this medicine alone, with other
medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform
other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased
sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning
booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or
protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. AVOID
LARGE AMOUNTS OF CAFFEINE-CONTAINING foods and beverages, such as coffee,
tea, cocoa, cola drinks, and chocolate, while taking this medicine as the
effects of the caffeine may be increased. This medicine may rarely cause
pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon. If you experience any of these
problems contact your doctor immediately. Rest and avoid exercise until you
receive further instruction from you doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW
MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children. Contact
your doctor for more information. Caution is advised when using this
medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side
effects of the medicine (e.g., tendon problems, especially if they are also
taking corticosteroid medicines such as prednisone). IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING
PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT
BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine
may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your
doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Possible Side Effects: SIDE EFFECTS
that may occur while taking this medicine include stomach upset, loss of
appetite, diarrhea, nausea, headache, vision changes or dizziness during the
first few days as your body adjusts to this medicine. If they continue or
are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE if you experience sunburn-like skin reaction (sun sensitivity), or
severe or continuing diarrhea. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you
experience seizures, mental or mood changes, easy bruising or bleeding,
swelling of throat or tongue, persistent sore throat or fever, irregular
heartbeat, chest pain, stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine,
unusual change in the amount of urine, or unusual fatigue. This medicine may
rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to
a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has
stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medicines
because these products may make the effects worse. Therefore, CONTACT YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop tendon pain, joint pain or swelling,
persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain or cramping, or blood or
mucus in your stool. USE OF THIS MEDICINE FOR PROLONGED OR REPEATED PERIODS
may result in oral thrush or a vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor
if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or
other new symptoms. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely but
seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
