Ciprofloxacin (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin or to similar medicines.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Take this medicine at the same time each day.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Do not take this medicine with only a source of calcium, such as milk, yogurt, or juice that contains added calcium. You may have foods or drinks that contain calcium as part of a larger meal.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Oral liquid: Shake for at least 15 seconds just before each use. The liquid has small beads floating in it. Do not chew the beads when you drink the liquid. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Tablet: Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any leftover liquid medicine after 14 days.

Do not use this medicine together with tizanidine.
Some foods and medicines can affect how ciprofloxacin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
- Clozapine, cyclosporine, duloxetine, lidocaine, methotrexate, olanzapine, pentoxifylline, phenytoin, probenecid, ropinirole, sildenafil, theophylline
- Antibiotic (including azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- Blood thinner (including warfarin)
- Diabetes medicine (including glimepiride, glyburide)
- Medicine for depression or mental illness
- Medicine for heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
- NSAID pain medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Steroid medicine (including hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone)
Take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, lanthanum, sevelamer, sucralfate, and didanosine . This includes vitamin/mineral supplements.
This medicine slows the digestion of caffeine, so it might affect you for longer than normal.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, myasthenia gravis, or a history of heart rhythm problems (such as prolonged QT interval) or seizures. Tell your doctor if you have ever had tendon or joint problems, including rheumatoid arthritis, or if you have received a transplant.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Tendinitis and tendon rupture (may happen after treatment ends)
- Liver damage
- Nerve damage in the arms or legs
- Heart rhythm changes
- Changes in blood sugar levels
This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Dark-colored urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach, yellow skin or eyes
Diarrhea that may contain blood
Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Pain, stiffness, swelling, or bruises around your ankle, leg, shoulder, or other joint
Seizures, severe headache, unusual thoughts or behaviors, trouble sleeping, feeling anxious, confused, or depressed, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Last Updated: 1/27/2017