Uses:
This medication is used to treat kidney or bladder (urinary tract) infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for virus infections (such as common cold flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
Side Effects:
Nausea diarrhea dizziness lightheadedness headache or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects including: unusual bruising/bleeding signs of a new infection (such as new/persistent fever persistent sore throat) signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine red/pink urine) signs of liver problems (such as unusual tiredness stomach/abdominal pain persistent nausea/vomiting yellowing eyes/skin dark urine).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects including: severe dizziness fainting fast/irregular heartbeat signs of a tear/break in the main blood vessel called the aorta (sudden/severe pain in the stomach/chest/back cough shortness of breath).
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea abdominal or stomach pain/cramping blood/mucus in your stool.
Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have any of these symptoms because these products may make them worse.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat) severe dizziness trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Pre-Cautions:
Before taking ciprofloxacin tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolone antibiotics such as norfloxacin gemifloxacin levofloxacin moxifloxacin or ofloxacin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history especially of: diabetes heart problems (such as recent heart attack) joint/tendon problems (such as tendonitis bursitis) kidney disease liver disease mental/mood disorders (such as depression) myasthenia gravis nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy) seizures conditions that increase your risk of seizures (such as brain/head injury brain tumors cerebral atherosclerosis) blood vessel problems (such as aneurysm or blockage of the aorta or other blood vessels hardening of the arteries) high blood pressure certain genetic conditions (Marfan syndrome Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).
Ciprofloxacin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness fainting) that need medical attention right away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using ciprofloxacin tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure slow heartbeat QT prolongation in the EKG) family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating diarrhea or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using ciprofloxacin safely.
This medication may rarely cause serious changes in blood sugar especially if you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Watch for symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Ciprofloxacin may increase the blood-sugar-lowering effects of the medication glyburide. Also watch for symptoms of low blood sugar such as sudden sweating shaking fast heartbeat hunger blurred vision dizziness or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you dont have these reliable forms of glucose rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar honey or candy or by drinking fruit juice or non- diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. Your doctor may need to switch you to another antibiotic or adjust your diabetes medications if any reaction occurs.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive use machinery or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
Ciprofloxacin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Before having surgery tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs nonprescription drugs and herbal products).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug especially joint/tendon problems.
Older adults may be at greater risk for tendon problems (especially if they are also taking corticosteroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone) QT prolongation and a sudden tear/break in the main blood vessel (aorta).
During pregnancy this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.