GENERIC NAME: CIPROFLOXACIN SUSTAINED RELEASE - ORAL (sip-row-FLOX-ah-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Cipro XR

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

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 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 once daily, or use as directed by your doctor. Swallow this medication whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew the tablets. 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 medication at the same time each day. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if you feel better right away. 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.