$Unique_ID{BRK03089} $Pretitle{} $Title{ciprofloxacin} $Subject{Cipro Miles Antibiotic ciprofloxacin bacterial infections bacteria} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. ciprofloxacin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Cipro (Miles) TYPE OF DRUG Antibiotic INGREDIENT ciprofloxacin DOSAGE FORM Tablets (250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg) STORAGE Ciprofloxacin tablets should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed containers away from direct light. USES Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It chemically attaches to the bacteria and prevents their growth and multiplication. It is not effective against viruses, parasites, or fungi. TREATMENT Ciprofloxacin is best taken two hours after a meal with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. You should drink several additional glasses of water every day, unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise. Drinking extra water will help to prevent unwanted effects of ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take two doses a day, the doses should be spaced 12 hours apart. It is very important that you do not miss any doses of this medication. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. Ciprofloxacin therapy may be required for four to six weeks or longer. It is important to continue to take this drug for the entire time prescribed, even if the symptoms of infection disappear before the end of that period. If you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and your infection could recur. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Diarrhea, headache, light-headedness, nausea, stomach irritation, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about blood in your urine, change in your vision, confusion, convulsions (seizures), agitation, dizziness, hallucinations, lower back pain, muscle or joint pain, pain or difficulty in urinating, restlessness, skin rash, tremor, unpleasant taste, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Also, if the symptoms of your infection do not improve in several days, contact your doctor. INTERACTIONS Ciprofloxacin interacts with several other drugs: 1. Use of antacids with ciprofloxacin can decrease the absorption of this medicine. Do not take antacids within two hours of taking this medicine. 2. Use of sucralfate with ciprofloxacin can decrease the absorption of ciprofloxacin. Do not take a dose of sucralfate within two hours of a dose of ciprofloxacin unless directed to do so by your doctor. 3. Use of medicine containing theophylline along with ciprofloxacin can lead to increased bloodstream levels of theophylline and therefore to an increased chance of theophylline-related side effects. 4. Regular consumption of large quantities of caffeine-containing products (coffee, tea, or caffeine-containing soft drinks) with ciprofloxacin may lead to exaggerated or prolonged effects of caffeine. Your doctor may wish for you to restrict intake of caffeine during treatment. 5. Use of probenecid with ciprofloxacin can increase the bloodstream levels of ciprofloxacin and thus increase the risk of ciprofloxacin-related side effects. Before starting to take ciprofloxacin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any other medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, norfloxacin, cinoxacin, or nalidixic acid. * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had brain or spinal cord disease, epilepsy, kidney disease, or liver disease. * To decrease the potential for harmful effects on your kidneys, you should increase your intake of fluids (nonalcoholic) unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise. * Ciprofloxacin can cause dizziness or light-headedness, so patients taking this medicine should know how they react to this medicine before they operate an automobile or machinery, or engage in activities requiring alertness or coordination. * This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. When you first begin taking this drug, avoid too much sun and do not use a sunlamp until you see how your skin responds to short periods of sun exposure. This is especially important if you tend to sunburn easily. * Ciprofloxacin has been prescribed for your current infection only. Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a different medicine. You should not give your medicine to other people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This drug is not recommended for use in pregnant women because it can result in serious adverse effects in the developing fetus. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is not known whether ciprofloxacin passes into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.