Ciprofloxacin

Brand Name: Cipro

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Take ciprofloxacin two hours after a meal. If an upset stomach occurs, take with food. Do not take with dairy products such as milk or yogurt. Drink plenty of water or other liquid every day. Do not drink or eat a lot of caffeine — products such as coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate. Ciprofloxacin increases nervousness, sleeplessness, heart pounding, and anxiety caused by caffeine.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medicine cause?
Although side effects from ciprofloxacin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if these symptoms are severe or persist:

• upset stomach or stomach pain
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• headache
• restlessness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

Why is this medicine prescribed?
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. In the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it works by altering the bacteria in the intestines, which can help to decrease inflammation.

How should this medicine be used?
Use this medication exactly as directed and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you do not understand. Do not change the dose or frequency prescribed by your doctor.

The tablets should be taken with a full glass of water.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking this medication, talk to your doctor and pharmacist about:

Certain products may decrease the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin. Do not take ciprofloxacin with antacids (Mylanta, Maalox), iron or zinc supplements, or vitamins that contain iron or zinc. Take them two hours before or six hours after ciprofloxacin.

Ciprofloxacin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat, light and moisture (not in the bathroom). Dispose properly of any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to ciprofloxacin.