PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies (especially to quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin), kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, seizures, tendon problems (e.g., tendonitis, bursitis), brain disorders (e.g., cerebral arteriosclerosis, tumors or increased intracranial pressure). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Patients with diabetes may experience changes in blood glucose levels due to infection or use of this medication. Monitor your blood glucose frequently while using this medication and notify your doctor if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar. This medication should be used with caution in children less than 18 years of age. This medication may cause joint or bone problems in young children. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this drug. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: medications for diabetes (e.g., glyburide, insulin), theophylline, foscarnet, procainamide, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), other antibiotics, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen). Also report any drugs causing drowsiness, such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants, drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.