Antibiotics

Drug Uses

It is used to treat infections of the lower respiratory tract, the abdomen, the skin, the bones and joints, and the urinary tract, including cystitis (bladder inflammation) in women.

Usage

Cipro may be taken with or without food. But it is recommended that you do not take Cipro with dairy products or calcium fortified juices. Also, you should ensure that you drink plenty of fluids while taking Cipro to prevent crystals from forming in your urine.

Missed Dose

Antibiotics like Cipro works best when there is a constant amount in the blood and urine. Hence, you must ensure that you do not miss any dose. If you miss a dose of Cipro, then take it if there is ample time before your second dose. But if it is nearly time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose ever.

Storage

Store Cipro tablets at room temperature away from direct exposure to heat, light and moisture. Keep away from children. The suspension may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, then seek medical attention immediately.

More Information

This drug is known to cause dizziness or light headedness and hence, you must maintain caution while driving or undertaking any task that requires you to be mentally alert. Do not consume alcohol while taking the drug.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Cipro if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Cipro or to any other fluoroquinolone (eg, levofloxacin)
you have recently received a live, oral typhoid vaccination or you are taking cisapride or tizanidine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Cipro . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have heart problems or a history of irregular heartbeat, low blood potassium levels, Alzheimer disease, a brain or nervous system disorder, a problem with the blood vessels in your brain, diarrhea, a stomach infection, liver problems, kidney problems, increased pressure in your brain, seizures, inflammation of your tendons, joint problems, or skin sensitivity to the sun


Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cipro . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Cisapride or class 1A or class III antiarrhythmics (eg, quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol) because the risk of serious side effects, including irregular heartbeat, may be increased
Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because they may increase the risk of tendon problems
Arsenic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), or probenecid because side effects, such as seizures, may occur
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), arsenic, cyclosporine, methadone, methotrexate, sulfonylureas (eg, glyburide), theophyllines, tizanidine, or xanthines (eg, theophylline) because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) or live, oral typhoid vaccine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Cipro

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Anxiety; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nightmares; restlessness; stomach upset; vision changes; vomiting.


Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; bizarre behavior; bloody stools; chest pain; convulsions; dark urine (or unusual change in amount of urine); depression; dizziness; easy bruising or bleeding; fever, chills, or unusual cough; hallucinations; increased pressure within the head; inflammation, pain, or rupture of a tendon; irregular heartbeat; joint pain or swelling; loss of appetite; loss of consciousness; mental changes; moderate to severe sunburn; muscle pain; nervousness; oral thrush; pain; pale stools; persistent sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or continuing diarrhea; sleeplessness; stomach cramps/pain; suicidal thoughts; tingling or weakness of arms and legs; tremors; unusual fatigue; vaginal yeast infection; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Cipro , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Cipro is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.