Uses of Cipro

Cipro is used to treat adults with infections caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used to prevent or slow the progress of anthrax after exposure.

Cipro Directions

How much Cipro you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the Cipro you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get your prescription refilled. Take Cipro exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Cipro may be taken with or without meals. The preferred dosing time is 2 hours after a meal. Drink plenty of liquids while taking Cipro. Take antacids that contain magnesium, aluminum, or calcium; iron; zinc; sucralfate; or didanosine chewable tablets or oral solution 2 hours after or 6 hours before taking Cipro. Do not take Cipro with yogurt or milk alone. However, calcium as part of a meal does not affect Cipro. Do not consume products that contain caffeine (coffee, tea, cola) while taking Cipro. Stop taking Cipro and talk with your doctor if you experience pain, inflammation, or swelling of a tendon. Get plenty of rest and stop exercising until your doctor has determined the cause. Do not treat diarrhea without talking to your doctor. Cipro may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Cipro may cause sensitivity to sunlight or other forms of UV light (eg, tanning beds). Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined. Stop taking Cipro if sunburn-like reactions occur. Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Cipro without checking with your doctor. Do not take more Cipro than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Cipro. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements.

Cipro Side Effects

Every medicine can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following occurs: Severe: Convulsions; increased pressure within the head; bizarre behavior; dizziness; tremors; depression; suicidal thoughts; hallucinations; loss of consciousness; tingling; severe allergic reactions (hives; itching; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, tongue, and lips); nervousness; agitation; sleeplessness; bloody stools; fever; excessive tendon ruptures; yellowing of the skin or eyes; fatigue; loss of appetite; dark urine; pale stools. Common: Nausea; diarrhea; headache; restlessness; stomach pain/cramps; rash; vomiting; headache; anxiety; nightmares. Other: Dizziness; irritability; tremor; clumsiness; lack of energy; drowsiness; weakness; general body discomfort; phobia; abnormal skin sensation; painful sores in mouth; mouth infection; difficulty swallowing; joint or back pain; joint stiffness; achiness; neck or chest pain; gout; urinary retention; vaginal infection; abnormal bleeding in the urine; nosebleed; hiccup; difficulty breathing; itching; hives; sensitivity to sunlight; flushing; fever; chills; skin inflammation; swelling of the face, neck, lips, eyes, or hands; changes in skin color; blurred vision; disturbed vision; double vision; eye pain; ringing in the ears; hearing loss; bad taste in mouth; second infection; tendon pain or swelling; sensitivity to sunlight.

Cipro Precautions

Before using Cipro, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have a history of hardening of the arteries in the brain; if you have gonorrhea; if you have impaired kidney function; if you have a history of seizures; if you are taking warfarin; if you are taking theophylline or you consume large amounts of caffeine; if you have any other medical condition.

Missed Dose of Cipro

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.