Patient Information:
Ciprofloxacin 500-mg Oral Tablet
Ciprofloxacin Oral Suspension
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Take this medicine as prescribed.
Ciprofloxacin, commonly known as cipro, belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and protect people who have been exposed to anthrax spores.
How to take cipro
ADULTS: Take 1 tablet every 12 hours as directed.
CHILDREN: A child’s dose depends on body weight. Give the medicine to your child as directed by the doctor.
It is best to take cipro 2 hours before or after a meal with at least one large glass of water. However, if an upset stomach occurs, cipro may be taken with food. Avoid dairy products such as milk and yogurt for at least 3 hours before and after taking the medicine. If you take vitamins or antacids such as Tums or Maalox, take them 6 hours before or 2 hours after taking cipro.
If you miss a dose, start again taking one tablet every 12 hours. Do not take 2 pills to make up for the missed dose. Finish all your pills, even if you feel okay, unless your doctor tells you to stop. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, you may become ill.
Side effects
Common side effects of cipro include an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness or headache. If you have problems with any of these symptoms, tell your doctor. Less common side effects include pain in arms or legs, changes in vision, restlessness, ringing in the ears, or mental changes. If any of these symptoms occur, call your doctor right away.
Severe allergic reactions are very rare. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling of the tongue, hands or feet, fever, or trouble breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, call your doctor right away.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR CHILDREN: This medicine may cause joint problems in infants and children under 18 years of age. If your child has any joint pain while he/she is taking cipro, tell your doctor.
Precautions
- Be sure to tell the doctor if you are allergic to any medicine
- It is very important to tell your doctor about ALL of the medicine you are currently taking even pills that were bought at the store such as vitamins and antacids.
- Tell the doctor if you have ever had a seizure, stroke, or problems with your kidneys, joints or tendons, liver, or vision. Report any history of unusual bleeding or bruising.
- If this drug makes you dizzy, use caution driving or doing tasks that require you to be alert. Avoid alcohol in this case as it will make the dizziness worse.
- Cipro can make skin very sensitive to the sun which increases the chance of getting severe sunburn. Avoid the sun as much as possible. When outside, wear a long sleeve shirt and hat and always apply sunscreen (30 SPF)
- In women, cipro can cause vaginal itching and discharge commonly known as a yeast infection. Tell your doctor if this happens.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor.
- Safety of taking cipro during pregnancy is unknown. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant, tell your doctor. Also, if you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor.
- Cipro can increase the effects of caffeine and theophylline (a medicine).
Page last modified January 20, 2004