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In this Article

• What is ciprofloxacin (Cipro)?
• What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin (Cipro)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin (Cipro)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ciprofloxacin (Cipro)?
• How should I take ciprofloxacin (Cipro)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Cipro)?
• What happens if I overdose (Cipro)?
• What should I avoid while taking ciprofloxacin (Cipro)?
• What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin (Cipro)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Cipro)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Cipro)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include seizures, urination problems, weakness, or blue lips with pale skin.

What should I avoid while taking ciprofloxacin (Cipro)?

You may be taking certain other medicines that should not be taken at the same time as ciprofloxacin. Avoid taking the following medicines within 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take ciprofloxacin. These other medicines can make ciprofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time:

• antacids that contain calcium, magnesium or aluminum (such as Tums, Mylanta, or Rolaids);
• the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);
• didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets; or
• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium, iron, or zinc.

Avoid caffeine while you are taking ciprofloxacin, because the medication can make the effects of caffeine stronger.

Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Ciprofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen (SPF-15 or higher) if you must be out in the sun. Call your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Ciprofloxacin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin (Cipro)?

Do not take ciprofloxacin together with tizanidine (Zanaflex).

Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
• clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo);
• cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
• insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth, such as glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase);
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
• metoclopramide (Reglan);
• phenytoin (Dilantin);
• probenecid (Benemid);
• ropinirole (Requip);
• tacrine (Cognex);
• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Slo-Phyllin, Slo-Bid, Elixophyllin);
• a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), and others; or
• an oral steroid medication such as prednisone and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ciprofloxacin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ciprofloxacin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed.

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