Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: CIPROFLOXACIN - ORAL (sip-row-FLOX-ah-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Cipro
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
HOW TO USE: This medication may be taken with or without food, usually twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, or use as directed by your doctor. Take this medication 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, antacids, dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt), calcium-enriched juice, and sucralfate. Other products include bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc. They bind with ciprofloxacin preventing its full absorption. Note: This medication may be taken with dairy products or calcium-enriched juice as part of a meal since food will help prevent the drug from binding to calcium. Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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