Cipro Xr Consumer Information

Cipro XR

Generic Name: ciprofloxacin (oral) (SIP roe FLOX a sin)
Brand Names: Cipro, Cipro XR

What is ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Ciprofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.

Ciprofloxacin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin?

Taking ciprofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, or tanning beds.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ciprofloxacin?

Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;

• joint problems;

• kidney disease; or

• epilepsy or seizures.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use ciprofloxacin or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

How should I take ciprofloxacin?

Take ciprofloxacin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

When taking the oral liquid, swallow it without chewing the medicine beads you may notice in the liquid.

Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include seizures, urination problems, weakness, or blue lips with pale skin.

What should I avoid while taking ciprofloxacin?

Avoid caffeine while you are taking ciprofloxacin, because the medication can make the effects of caffeine stronger.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Ciprofloxacin side effects

• seizure (black-out or convulsions);

• confusion, hallucinations, depression, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others;

• sudden pain or swelling near your joints (especially in your arm or ankle);

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, lost appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• urinating more or less than usual;

• numbness, tingling, or unusual pain anywhere in your body; or

• chest pain, pounding or fast heartbeats.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• nausea, vomiting;

• dizziness or drowsiness;

• blurred vision;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• joint stiffness or muscle pain; or

• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin?

Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• didanosine (Videx, ddI);

• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Slo-Phyllin, Slo-Bid, Elixophyllin);

• warfarin (Coumadin);

• probenecid (Benemid);

• insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), and others;

• a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), and others;

• phenytoin (Dilantin); or

• cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ciprofloxacin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.