In this Article

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ciprofloxacin (Cipro XR)?

You should not use ciprofloxacin if:

• you are also taking tizanidine (Zanaflex);
• you have a history of myasthenia gravis; or
• you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or similar medications such as gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

To make sure you can safely take ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take quinidine (Quin-G), disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace);
• a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
• joint problems;
• epilepsy or seizures;
• kidney or liver disease;
• diabetes;
• muscle weakness or trouble breathing;
• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ciprofloxacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Ciprofloxacin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ciprofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking ciprofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you have.

How should I take ciprofloxacin (Cipro XR)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take ciprofloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day while you are taking ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) for at least 15 seconds just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

When taking the oral liquid, swallow it without chewing the medicine beads you may notice in the liquid.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juice. You may eat or drink these products as part of a regular meal, but do not use them alone when taking ciprofloxacin. They could make the medication less effective.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.