What is Cipro?
Cipro is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial. Different types of bacterial infections are treated with Cipro. Cipro can also be used to treat those who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague. The side effects of fluoroquinolones may be severe or permanent. Cipro should only be used for infections that cannot be treated by a safer alternative antibiotic.
Warnings
Cipro may cause serious side effects such as tendon damage, nerve damage, or serious mood or behavioural changes. Call your doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms occur: headache; numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; confusion or agitation; paranoia or a feeling of unease; memory or concentration problems; thoughts of self-harm; sudden pains or problems moving your joints. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe pain in your back, chest, or stomach. Cipro may not work if you suffer from a muscular disorder. You should tell your doctor if there is a family history of myasthenia graveis.
Before you take this drug
Cipro should not be used if you have an allergy to ciprofloxacin or if
- You can also take tizanidine.
- You are allergic to any other fluoroquinolones.
Ciprofloxacin can cause swelling or tears in a tendon (the fibre that connects muscles to bones in the body), especially in the Achilles tendon in the heel. Ciprofloxacin can cause this during treatment or even several months after stopping the drug. Tendon problems are more common in older adults and children, as well as in those who have used steroid medication or had an organ transplant.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Cipro will be safe for you:
- Children with arthritis or joint problems affecting the tendons or bones
- Diabetes is low blood sugar.
- Nervous disorders
- Aneurysms or problems with blood circulation;
- Heart problems or an attack
- Muscle weakness, myasthenia gravis;
- Liver or kidney disease
- A seizure, head injury, or brain tumour;
- Trouble swallowing pills
- Long-QT syndrome
- Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia)
Cipro should not be given to children without consulting a doctor. This medicine is not known to harm a baby in utero. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. While taking ciprofloxacin, you should not breastfeed for at least 2 days following your last dose. If you are taking ciprofloxacin to treat anthrax, ask your doctor if breastfeeding is possible.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, Albuterol, Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Cephalexin, Azthromycin, and Metronidazole
How to take Cipro?
Please read and follow all directions listed on your prescription label as well as medication guides or instruction sheets. Also make sure that all instructions provided by the prescription are read thoroughly and carefully. Take Cipro every day at the same time, with or without eating. Before measuring a dose, shake the Cipro oral suspension for 15 seconds. Use either the provided dosing device or another dose-measuring tool (but not a spoon). Do not give Cipro orally, suspended through a feeding tub. Take this medication with plenty of fluids. Even if your symptoms seem to improve quickly, take this medication until its entire dose has been completed. Skipping doses could result in infections resistant to treatment. Ciprofloxacin does not treat a virus, such as the flu or a cold. Do not share Cipro with anyone. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Don't let the liquid medicine freeze. After 14 days have elapsed, discard any liquid which has not been consumed.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are taking regular tablets or an oral suspension, take the medicine as quickly as possible. Skip the missed dose, however, if the next dose is in less than six hours. Do not take more than one dose at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Cipro should not be taken with milk, yoghurt, or calcium-fortified drinks. These products can be consumed with meals, but not alone. Antibiotics can cause diarrhoea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you have bloody or watery diarrhoea before taking anti-diarrhoea medication. Avoid sunbeds and tanning beds. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. Outdoors, it is best to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) regularly. If severe sunburn occurs or there are symptoms such as redness or swelling that require medical intervention, notify a health provider. Be wary when driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand how the medication will impact you. You may be unable to react properly.
Side effects of Cipro
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction (hives or difficulty breathing) or a severe reaction on your skin (fever, sore mouth, burning eyes, pain in the skin, or a red or purple rash with blistering or peeling), seek emergency medical attention. Ciprofloxacin may cause serious side effects, such as tendon problems, nerve damage (which could be permanent), mood or behaviour changes that are severe (even after a single dose), and low Blood glucose levels (which can result in coma).
Do not take this medicine if you are suffering from:
- Low sugar: headaches, hunger, irritability dizziness nausea, rapid heart rate, or feeling shak
- Symptoms of nerve damage—numbness or burning in the hands, arms, legs, or feet.
- Serious mood and behavior changes include nervousness, confusion or agitation; hallucinations; memory problems or trouble focusing.
- Tension Ruptures can manifest themselves through sudden pain, swelling or bruising as well as stiffness or tenderness in joints.
Rarely, ciprofloxacin can damage your aorta, the main blood vessel of the body. If you experience severe pain or bleeding in your back, chest, or stomach, seek emergency medical attention.
Stop using Cipro immediately and contact your doctor if:
- Diarrhea that is bloody or watery; severe stomach pain
- Heartbeats that are fast or pounding, chest fluttering, dizziness, or the feeling of passing out;
- Any skin rash;
- Muscle weakness and breathing problems
- Little or no urination
- Jaundice
- Increased skull pressure, severe headaches, dizziness and nausea, vision issues, pain behind the eyes, etc.
Cipro can cause a variety of side effects.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain;
- Headache
- Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor immediately if experiencing side effects; or for reporting purposes contact the FDA on 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Cipro can be less effective if taken with certain medicines. Take your Cipro dose at least 2 hours before taking any of the medicines listed below.
- The ulcer medicine sucralfate or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminium (such as Maalox Milk of Magnesia Mylanta Pepcid Complete Rolaids Tums and others);
- Didanosine (Videx), powder or chewable tablet;
- Vitamin or mineral supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc
Inform your physician of any additional medications taken, including:
- Clozapine (cyclosporine), methotrexate (methotrexate), phenytoin (phenytoin), probenecid (ropinirole), sildenafil, or theophylline
- A blood thinner (Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven);
- Heart medication, diuretic, or "water pills";
- Oral diabetes medicine
- Products that contain caffeine
- Medicine to treat mental illness or depression
- Steroid medicine (such as prednisone);
- Nsaids are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac (Indomethacin), celecoxib (Aleve), and others.
This list is incomplete. There are other drugs that may interact with ciprofloxacin. These include both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products; this list does not represent all potential interactions.
