Cipro

Cipro

     * Generic Name: ciprofloxacin
     * Brand Name: Cipro


     * What is ciprofloxacin?
     * What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       ciprofloxacin?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       ciprofloxacin?
     * How should I take ciprofloxacin?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking ciprofloxacin?
     * What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is ciprofloxacin?

   Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone)
   antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Ciprofloxacin is used
   to treat different types of bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin is also
   used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain
   types of plague.

   Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side
   effects. Ciprofloxacin should be used only for infections that cannot
   be treated with a safer antibiotic.

   Ciprofloxacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction
   (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a
   severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes,
   skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering
   and peeling).

   Ciprofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of (rupture) a
   tendon. Ciprofloxacin can also have serious effects on your nerves,
   and may cause permanent nerve damage. Stop using this medicine and call
   your doctor at once if you have:
     * signs of tendon rupture--sudden pain, swelling, bruising,
       tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a snapping or popping
       sound in any of your joints (rest the joint until you receive
       medical care or instructions); or
     * nerve symptoms--numbness, tingling, burning pain, or being more
       sensitive to temperature, light touch, or the sense of your
       body position.

   Also, stop using ciprofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you
   have:
     * severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
     * fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of
       breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
     * the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
     * confusion, hallucinations, nightmares, paranoia,
       depression, thoughts about hurting yourself;
     * tremors, anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling restless or
       nervous;
     * muscle weakness, breathing problems;
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * little or no urination;
     * jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in
       your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your
       eyes; or
     * low blood sugar--headache, hunger, sweating, irritability,
       dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky.

   Common side effects may include:
     * nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
     * vaginal itching or discharge;
     * headache; or
     * abnormal liver function tests.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin?

   You should not use ciprofloxacin if you are also taking tizanidine.

   Ciprofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that
   connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles'
   tendon of the heel. This effect may be more likely to occur if you are
   over 60, if you use steroid medication, or if you have had a
   kidney, heart, or lung transplant.

   Call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, bruising,
   tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest
   the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

   Cipro Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
ciprofloxacin?

   You should not use ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to it, or if:
     * you are also taking tizanidine; or
     * you are allergic to other fluoroquinolones (gemifloxacin,
       levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and
       others).

   Ciprofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that
   connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles'
   tendon of the heel. This can happen during treatment or up to several
   months after you stop taking ciprofloxacin. Tendon problems may be more
   likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or
   if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.

   To make sure ciprofloxacin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have ever had:
     * tendon problems, arthritis or other joint problems (especially
       in children);
     * a muscle or nerve disorder, such as myasthenia gravis;
     * kidney disease;
     * seizures or epilepsy;
     * a head injury or brain tumor;
     * long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or
     * heart problems, or low levels of potassium in your blood
       (hypokalemia).

   Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Tendon and
   joint problems may be more likely in a child taking ciprofloxacin.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant.

   Ciprofloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
   You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take ciprofloxacin?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Take ciprofloxacin with water, and drink extra fluids to keep your
   kidneys working properly.

   Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food, but take it at the
   same time each day.

   Shake the oral suspension (liquid) for 15 seconds just before you
   measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe
   provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If
   you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
   Do not give ciprofloxacin oral suspension through a feeding tube.

   Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it
   whole.

   Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms
   may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses
   may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to
   antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as
   the flu or a common cold.

   Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the
   same symptoms you have.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the
   liquid medicine to freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

   Cipro Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking ciprofloxacin?

   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.

   Avoid caffeine while you are taking ciprofloxacin, because the
   medication can make the effects of caffeine stronger.

   Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new
   infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your
   doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you
   to.

   Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Ciprofloxacin can make you
   sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen
   (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Call your doctor if you have
   severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the
   sun.

   Ciprofloxacin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin?

   Some medicines can make ciprofloxacin much less effective when taken at
   the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your
   ciprofloxacin dose 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take the other
   medicine.
     * antacids that contain calcium, magnesium, or aluminum (such as
       Amphojel, Di-Gel Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta,
       Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Rulox, Tums, and others), or the
       ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);
     * didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets;
     * a phosphate binder such as lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol) or
       sevelamer (Renagel); or
     * vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium, iron,
       magnesium, or zinc.

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * cyclosporine, methotrexate, metoclopramide,
       phenytoin, probenecid, ropinirole, sildenafil,
       theophylline, or zolpidem;
     * a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
     * a diuretic or "water pill";
     * heart rhythm medication;
     * medicine to treat depression or mental illness;
     * oral diabetes medicine;
     * NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil,
       Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac,
       indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or
     * steroid medicine--prednisone, methylprednisolone, and
       others.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ciprofloxacin,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about ciprofloxacin.
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