Ciprofloxacin (oral)
Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.
What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin?
| Pronunciation: | SIP roe FLOX a sin |
| Brand: | Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR |
 | You should not use this medication if you are taking tizanidine (Zanaflex), or if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or similar antibiotics such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others. |
 | Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juice. You may eat or drink dairy products or calcium-fortified juice with a regular meal, but do not use them alone when taking ciprofloxacin. They could make the medication less effective. |
Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, joint problems, diabetes, a history of seizures, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."
| Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets 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. |
Taking ciprofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, or tanning beds.
 | 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 an oral 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. |
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| Last updated: | September 15, 2008 |
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