This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial
infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone
antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It
will not work for virus infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any
antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future
infections.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient
Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking
ciprofloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication may be taken with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually twice a day (every 12
hours).
Shake the container well for 15 seconds before pouring
each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring
device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the
correct dose. Do not chew the contents of the suspension.
Do not use the suspension with feeding tubes because the
suspension may clog the tube.
The dosage and length of treatment is based on your
medical condition and response to treatment. Drink plenty of fluids while
taking this medication unless your doctor tells you
otherwise.
Take this medication at least 2 hours before or 6 hours
after taking other products that may bind to it, decreasing its
effectiveness. Ask your pharmacist about the other products you take. Some
examples include: quinapril, sevelamer, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals
(including iron and zinc supplements), and products containing magnesium,
aluminum, or calcium (such as antacids, calcium
supplements).
Calcium-rich foods, including dairy products (such as
milk, yogurt) or calcium-enriched juice, can also decrease the effect of
this medication. Take this medication at least 2 hours before or 6 hours
after eating calcium-rich foods, unless you are eating these foods as part
of a larger meal that contains other (non-calcium-rich) foods. These other
foods decrease the calcium binding effect.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about safely using
nutritional supplements/replacements with this medication.
For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same
time(s) every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full
prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache,
or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse,
tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- unusual bruising/bleeding
- signs of a new infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever)
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine, red/pink urine)
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, unusual tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- severe dizziness
- fainting
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- signs of a tear/break in the main blood vessel called the
aorta (such as sudden/severe pain in the stomach/chest/back, shortness of
breath)
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal
condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur
during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your
doctor right away if you develop:
- diarrhea that doesn't stop
- abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
- blood/mucus in your stool
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or
opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods
may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if
you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or
other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolone antibiotics
such as norfloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or
ofloxacin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- diabetes
- heart problems (such as recent heart attack)
- joint/tendon problems (such as tendonitis, bursitis)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- mental/mood disorders (such as depression)
- myasthenia gravis
- nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy)
- seizures
- conditions that increase your risk of seizures (such as
brain/head injury, brain tumors, cerebral atherosclerosis)
- blood vessel problems (such as aneurysm or blockage of the
aorta or other blood vessels, hardening of the arteries)
- high blood pressure
- certain genetic conditions (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos
syndrome)
Ciprofloxacin may cause a condition that affects the
heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious
(rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using ciprofloxacin safely.
This medication may rarely cause serious changes in
blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar
regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Watch for
symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination.
Ciprofloxacin may increase the blood-sugar-lowering effects of the
medication glyburide. Also watch for symptoms of low blood sugar such as
sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision,
dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose
tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable
forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source
of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking fruit juice
or non- diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the
use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a
regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Your doctor may need to switch you
to another antibiotic or adjust your diabetes medications if any reaction
occurs.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor
right away if you get sunburned or have skin
blisters/redness.
Ciprofloxacin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as
typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that
you are using ciprofloxacin before having any
immunizations/vaccinations.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication contains sucrose. It is not recommended
if you have a rare hereditary metabolic condition (such as fructose
intolerance, sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, glucose-galactose
malabsorption).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug, especially joint/tendon problems.
Older adults may be at greater risk for tendon problems
(especially if they are also taking corticosteroids such as prednisone or
hydrocortisone), QT prolongation, and a sudden tear/break in the main blood
vessel (aorta).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk and may have
undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
See also How to Use and Precautions sections.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- "blood thinners" (such as acenocoumarol, warfarin)
- strontium
Many drugs besides ciprofloxacin may affect the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, quinidine,
procainamide, sotalol, among others.
This medication can slow down the removal of other
medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of
affected drugs include duloxetine, fezolinetant, pirfenidone, tasimelteon,
tizanidine, vorasidenib, among others.
Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing
caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking
over-the-counter products that contain caffeine. This drug may increase
and/or prolong the effects of caffeine.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your
doctor tells you to.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, blood
counts, cultures) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep
all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
Do not change brands of this medication without asking
your doctor or pharmacist. Not all brands have the same
effects.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is less than 6 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take
your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store upright in the refrigerator or at room
temperature. Do not freeze. Discard any unused portion after 14 days. Keep
all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.