CIPROFLOXACIN (sip roe FLOX a sin) treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called quinolone antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Bone, joint, or tendon problems
Diabetes
Heart disease
History of irregular heartbeat or rhythm
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Myasthenia gravis
Seizures
Tingling of the fingers or toes or other nerve disorder
An unusual or allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not crush or chew this medication. You may cut the tablet in half if it is scored (has a line in the middle of it). This may help you swallow the tablet if the whole tablet is too big. Be sure to take both halves. Do not take just one-half of the tablet. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.
Take products with aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc in them at a different time of day than this medication. Take these products 6 hours BEFORE or 2 hours AFTER taking a dose of this medication.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Cisapride
Dronedarone
Flibanserin
Lomitapide
Pimozide
Thioridazine
Tizanidine
This medication may also interact with the following:
Antacids
Caffeine
Certain medications for diabetes, such as glipizide, glyburide, or insulin
Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin
Clozapine
Cyclosporine
Didanosine buffered tablets or powder
Dofetilide
Duloxetine
Estrogen or progestin hormones
Lanthanum carbonate
Lidocaine
Methotrexate
Multivitamins
NSAIDS, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Olanzapine
Omeprazole
Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes
Phenytoin
Probenecid
Ropinirole
Sevelamer
Sildenafil
Sucralfate
Theophylline
Ziprasidone
Zolpidem
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
Joint, muscle, or tendon pain, swelling, or stiffness
Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Severe diarrhea, fever
Seizures
Sudden or severe chest, back, or stomach pain
Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Headache
Nausea
Skin reactions on sun-exposed areas
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
This medication may cause tendon problems. Tendons are the cords of tissue that connect your muscles to your bones. Tell your care team right away if you have pain, swelling, or stiffness while you are taking this medication or after you have stopped treatment. The risk is higher in people older than 60 years of age, those taking steroid medications, and those who have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.
This medication may worsen muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. This can cause breathing problems. Call your care team right away if you have myasthenia gravis and have worsening symptoms while taking this medication.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Tell your care team if you are taking medications to treat diabetes. This medication may cause changes to blood sugar levels. Talk to your care team about how often to check your blood sugar while taking this medication. Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat it.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
