Why it is Prescribed
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent certain infections caused by bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat or prevent anthrax 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.
Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
How it Works
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 ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent certain infections caused by bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat or prevent anthrax 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.
Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Brand Names
Cipro ® Cipro ® XR , Proquin ® XR
How it Works
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 ...
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Other Uses
In the event of biological warfare, ciprofloxacin may be used to treat and prevent dangerous illnesses that are deliberately spread such as plague, tularemia, and anthrax of the skin or mouth. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Precautions
Before taking ciprofloxacin,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic or have had a severe reaction to ciprofloxacin; or any other quinolone or fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as gatifloxacin (Tequin, not available in the U.S.), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), nalidixic acid (NegGram), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin); if you are allergic to any other medications; or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ciprofloxacin tablets or liquid. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor if you are taking tizanidine (Zanaflex). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take ciprofloxacin while you are taking this medication.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure ...
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Possible Side Effects
Ciprofloxacin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
indigestion
diarrhea
headache
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Special Dietary Concerns
Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products (like milk, ice cream, cheese, or yogurt) or calcium-added juices alone. You may take ciprofloxacin with a meal that includes these foods.
Do not drink or eat a lot of caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, cola, or chocolate. Ciprofloxacin may increase nervousness, sleeplessness, heart pounding, and anxiety caused by caffeine.
Make sure you drink plenty of water or other fluids every day while you are taking ciprofloxacin.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store the suspension in the refrigerator or at room temperature, closed tightly, for up to 14 days. Do not freeze ciprofloxacin suspension. Throw away any liquid that is left over after 14 days and any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.