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Why it's used

Ciprofloxacin is a prescription medicine that is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissues, bone and joints. Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat various respiratory tract infections including bronchitis and sinus, to treat bacterial infections in other parts of the body including, urinary tract infections, kidneys, stomach, intestines, and ears, to treat sexually transmitted infections, such as, gonorrhoea, to treat typhoid fever and infectious diarrhea, and to treat certain potentially fatal infectious diseases, including, anthrax and plague.
Ciprofloxacin may also be used along with other medicines in the treatment of certain conditions as recommended by the doctor. It is used with Metronidazole to treat bacterial infections of the abdomen.
Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial
Ciprofloxacin belongs to the Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial class of medicines. Fluoroquinolones are medicines used for the treatment and prevention of certain types of bacterial infections. These medicines are commonly used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections.

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How to use

Follow directions on the product label, information guide, and provided by your doctor before using Ciprofloxacin. Use this medicine as per your doctor's instructions.
Ciprofloxacin is used with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Ciprofloxacin. Tell your doctor if you can not swallow the entire tablet. Do not crush, split or chew the tablet. Ciprofloxacin is used in the morning and evening.

Typical Dosage

The typical adult dose of Ciprofloxacin is 250 -750 mg every 12 hours. The typical dose for children is 10-20 mg/kg (4.5-9.1 mg/lb) every 12 hours. This medicine is commonly used for a period of 7-14 days for urinary tract infections, 7-14 days for lower respiratory tract infections, and 10 days for typhoid fever. Ciprofloxacin is typically used at the same time every day.
This medicine should be used on an as-needed basis. Typical course of treatment can vary from a single dose to upto to 2 months. You should continue to use this medicine as directed by the doctor even if you feel well.
If using the liquid form of this medicine, measure the dose using the provided measuring cup, spoon, or dropper. Before pouring the medicine into the measuring device, you should check the measurement markings carefully. Then, pour the dose amount into the device. After use, clean and store the measuring device in a safe place for your next use. You should not use a tablespoon or teaspoon as the dose measuring devices since it can result in an incorrect dose. If indicated on the product package, shake the medicine before use.
To decrease the possibility of side-effects, you might be recommended to use the extended-release form of this medicine by your doctor. The extended-release medicine helps in maintaining a steady level of the medicine in your body for a longer period of time. Do not crush or chew the medicine, unless indicated on the package or by your doctor.
The injection form of this medicine is given directly to the veins.
If you have any kidney disease, a lower dose will usually be taken if the patients has kidney disease.

Use in Children

If you are giving Ciprofloxacin to a child, be sure to use a product that is meant for use in children. Before giving this medicine, use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the leaflet or product package. You can also read the dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.
Avoid dairy products, such as, milk or yogurt while using Ciprofloxacin. Dairy products decrease the effectiveness of Ciprofloxacin. Avoid calcium-fortified juices Absorption of Ciprofloxacin gets reduced when taken with calcium-fortified juices.

Lab Tests

Your doctor may require that certain tests be performed before using Ciprofloxacin. The doctor may ask you to have Antibiotic Susceptibility test. This test is needed before starting the treatment to identify the organisms that cause infections.

Storage

Store Ciprofloxacin at room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), away from moisture, and away from light. Keep this medicine away from children and pets.
Medicines may be given for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. Do not use Ciprofloxacin for symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Ciprofloxacin to others who may have similar symptoms as you. Self-medication can cause harm.

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How to take Ciprofloxacin

Your dose may depend on several personal factors. You should consult with your doctor to find out the dose that is best for you. The dose of Ciprofloxacin depends on the following factors:
  • patient's weight
  • patient's health
  • the health of the patient's liver
  • medicines recommended by your doctor
  • any other medicines in use
  • herbal supplements consumed
  • response to treatment

Ciprofloxacin Dosage

Dosage for skin and soft tissues infection

Adult
  • Recommended: 500-750 mg every 12 hours for 1-2 weeks

Dosage for stomach and intestinal bacterial infections

Adult
  • Recommended: 500-750 mg twice a day for 1-2 week

Dosage for bone and joint infections

Adult
  • Recommended: 500-750 mg every 12 hours for 4-8 weeks

Dosage for typhoid fever

Adult
  • Recommended: 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days

Dosage for sexually transmitted infections (gonococcal uretritis)

Adult
  • Recommended: 500 mg as a single dose

Dosage for anthrax

Adult
  • Recommended: 500 mg every 12 hours for 60 days
Children
  • Recommended: 15 mg/kg (6.8 mg/lb) every 12 hours for 60 days
  • Maximum: 500 mg every 12 hours for 60 days

Dosage for upper and lower respiratory tract infections

Adult
  • Recommended: 500-750 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days

Dosage for urinary tract infections

Adult
  • Recommended: 250-500 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days
Children (1-17 years)
  • Recommended: 10-20 mg/kg (4.5-9.1 mg/lb) every 12 hours for 10-21 days
  • Maximum: 750 mg per dose every 12 hours for 10-21 days

Dosage for diarrhea caused by any infection

Adult
  • Recommended: 500 mg every 12 hours for 5-7 days

Dosage for inflammation of the urinary bladder

Adult
  • Recommended: 250 mg every 12 hours for 3 days

Dosage for inflammation of the nasal cavities (acute sinusitis)

Adult
  • Recommended: 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days

Dosage for inflammation of kidney due to bacterial infection (pyelonephritis)

Children (1-17 years age)
  • Recommended: 10-20 mg/kg (4.5 mg/lb-9.1 mg/lb) every 12 hours for 10-21 days
  • Maximum: 750 mg/dose every 12 hours for 10-21 days

Dosage for infection of the lungs/digestive system

Children
  • Recommended: 20 mg/kg (9.1 mg/lb) twice daily for 10-14 days
  • Maximum: 750 mg/dose twice daily for 10-14 days

Dosage for plague

Adult
  • Recommended: 500-750 mg every 12 hours for 14 days
Children
  • Recommended: 15 mg/kg (6.8 mg/lb) every 8-12 hours for 10-21 days
  • Maximum: 500 mg every 12 hours for 60 days

Dosage calculation for children

To calculate the dosage for children please use the weight based dose calculator to calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.

Forms

Film-coated tablet
Strength: 250 mg, 500 mg
Oral suspension
Strength: 250 mg/5 ml, 500 mg/5 ml
Ear drops
Strength: 2 mg/ml
Eye drops
Strength: 0.3% w/v
Injection
Strength: 400 mg in 200 ml of 5% dextrose

Special Instructions

Injection
Ciprofloxacin injection should be given directly into blood veins.
Ear drops
To avoid the dizziness that may occur after pouring the cold solution of ear drops, the solution should be warmed for several minutes by holding the ampoule in hand.
Eye drops
The product should be used within 28 days, after its first opening.

Missed Dose

A missed dose should be taken as early as you remember it. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, then the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. Avoid taking a repeated dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not take more than one dose of the extended-release tablets and more than two doses of the tablets or suspension in one day.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Ciprofloxacin?
In case of overdose, the toxic effect of the drug can be treated by inducing vomiting or cleaning out the contents of the stomach (gastric lavage). Monitor the functioning of the kidney, urinary pH and acidify to prevent the crystalluria. Also, aluminum, calcium, or magnesium-containing antacids can be taken to reduce the Ciprofloxacin absorption.
Symptoms of an overdose of Ciprofloxacin
If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:
If you think you have overdosed on Ciprofloxacin, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Ciprofloxacin

Before you use Ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
  • allergic to Ciprofloxacin
  • altered brain structure
  • heart attack
  • illness of the muscle connecting to the bone (tendon disorders)
  • irregular heartbeat
  • kidney problems
  • liver problems
  • low potassium level in the blood
  • reduced brain blood flow
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • seizures
  • slow heart rate (bradycardia)
  • stroke
  • weakness and pain from nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
  • weakness of skeletal muscle
Before you use Ciprofloxacin, discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Tell your doctor if you are allergic any of the following substances: fluoroquinolones.
The use of this medicine may change the pancreatic parameter. Use of this medicine may increase the level of the enzyme (amylase) in the blood.
The use of this medicine may change kidney parameters. Use of this medicine may increase the level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN). It may further lead to conditions like crystalluria (cloudy appearance of urine), the appearance of red blood cells in the urine (hematuria) and an increase in the level of creatinine in the blood.
The use of Ciprofloxacin may change blood parameters. Use of this medicine may increase the level of eosinophils and blood platelets and decrease the level of white blood cells (leukopenia), red blood cells and blood platelets.
The use of this medicine may change liver parameters. Use of this medicine may increase the level of bilirubin and liver enzymes.
The use of Ciprofloxacin may change blood glucose. Use of this medicine may reduce blood glucose level.

Seizures

Ciprofloxacin can make you feel sleepy. Be careful when using any machinery, driving a vehicle, or doing any other activity that needs you to be fully alert. The consumption of alcohol with Ciprofloxacin can worsen the sleepiness. Ciprofloxacin may cause rarely seizures in some people. If you perform any activities where a loss of consciousness may cause harm to you (or others), you should discuss with your doctor.

Use in Pregnancy

Consult with your doctor on the use of Ciprofloxacin during pregnancy, or if you are planning to become pregnant. No safe and well-controlled studies are present for this medicine which shows the risk to the fetus and pregnant women. As a precautionary measure it is best to avoid this medicine if possible.

Use while Breastfeeding

Consult with your doctor on the use of Ciprofloxacin during breastfeeding. Ciprofloxacin may pass into breast milk. Hence caution should be exercised when using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Use while Conceiving

Consult with your doctor on the use of Ciprofloxacin, if you are trying to conceive. It is unknown whether Ciprofloxacin impacts fertility of patients using it.

Increased Risks

This medicine may cause bleeding in the stomach. Regular use of tobacco or alcohol while using this medicine can increase your risk. Discuss with your doctor if you smoke and drink alcohol regularly. This medicine may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens, use a sunscreen and cover your skin when you are outdoors. Limit your time in the sun.

Side-effects in Older Patients

Ciprofloxacin may cause increased incidence of side-effects in older patients. Elderly patients may see an increased risk of illness of the muscle connecting to the bone (tendon disorders), inflammation of the tissue that connects muscle to bone (tendinitis), and prolonged heartbeat (QT prolongation).

Side-effects in Children

Ciprofloxacin may cause an increased risk of side-effects in children. Children using this medicine may see an increased risk of disorders that affect body movements (musculoskeletal disorders).

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Ciprofloxacin to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: Use this medicine only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breastfeeding

Precaution
Warning: It is not known if Ciprofloxacin will harm the unborn baby.

Younger Adults Population

Precaution
Warning: If the child has a history of joint-related problems, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Older Adults Population

Precaution
Warning: Use of this medicine may increase the risk of tendon disorders and QT prolongation in older adults patients.

Ciprofloxacin Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Ciprofloxacin. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
The following side-effects may commonly occur in older patients on the use of Ciprofloxacin. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:
  • inflammation of the tissue that connects muscle to bone (tendinitis)
  • prolonged heartbeat (QT interval prolongation)
  • separation of tissue connecting muscle to bone (tendon rupture)
Rarely, the use of Ciprofloxacin may cause the following side-effects:
  • bad taste
  • bile flow obstruction (cholestatic jaundice)
  • blood in the cough (hemoptysis)
  • blurred vision
  • chest pain
  • cloudy appearance of urine
  • decreased appetite
  • decreased clarity in vision (decreased visual acuity)
  • deviation from normal walking (abnormal gait)
  • disconnected feeling and thoughts (depersonalization)
  • disturbed colour vision (chromatopsia and photopsia)
  • dizziness
  • double vision (diplopia)
  • dry eyes
  • excess fluid build up in eyes
  • excessive flow of tears
  • eye discharge
  • eye pain
  • eye swelling
  • fainting
  • feeling of discomfort
  • hearing loss
  • hives
  • increase in the number of eosinophils in the blood (eosinophilia)
  • increased bilirubin
  • increased blood alkaline phosphatase
  • increased sensitivity to senses (hyperesthesia)
  • increased transaminase levels
  • indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • jerking movements of muscles (myoclonus)
  • joint stiffness
  • lack of energy
  • loss of body movements
  • loss of sense of smell (anosmia)
  • migraine
  • muscle contractions (twitching)
  • muscular rigidity (hypertonia)
  • painful bumps, nodules under the skin (erythema nodosum)
  • presence of a new infection in a patient with an existing infection (mycotic superinfections)
  • redness and peeling of the skin (exfoliative dermatitis)
  • redness of eyelids
  • restlessness
  • ringing sensation in the ear
  • sensitivity to light
  • severe itching in eyes
  • severe skin itching
  • skin fungal infections (candidiasis)
  • small red or purple spot caused by bleeding on the skin (petechia)
  • stomach pain
  • sweating
  • the appearance of calcium on the cornea (keratopathy)
  • tingling sensation
  • uncontrollable eye movement (nystagmus)
  • uncontrolled movements of the body (tremors)
  • warmth feeling and reddening of the skin (flushing)
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Ciprofloxacin:
  • Central nervous system disorders
    Symptoms: seizures, weakness pain due to nerve damage in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Gastrointestinal disorders (possibly fatal)
    Symptoms: bleeding in the stomach and intestine inflammation of the large intestine due to overgrowth of the bacteria (antibiotic-associated colitis)
  • Psychiatric disorders
    Symptoms: confusion, anxiety, abnormal dreams, depression, hallucinations increased ideation of suicidal attempts
  • Metabolism and nutrition disorders
  • Skin and soft tissues infection (possibly fatal)
    Symptoms: life-threatening skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/erythema multiforme), increased sensitivity of the skin to light, swelling of the lower layer of skin drug-related severe skin reaction (acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis)
  • Immune system disorder
    Symptoms: serious allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction/anaphylactic shock)
  • Hearing disorders
    Symptoms: hearing loss
  • Heart disorders (possibly fatal)
    Symptoms: rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), irregular heartbeat, heart attack prolonged heartbeat (QT interval prolongation)
  • Blood and lymphatic system disorder (possibly fatal)
    Symptoms: decrease in number of white blood cells (leukopenia), deficiency of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (pancytopenia), decrease in blood cells production (aplastic anemia), abnormal breakdown of red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia), deficiency of granulocytes in the blood, increased platelets formation (thrombocythemia), increased white blood cell (leukocytosis) abnormally low count of neutrophils (neutropenia)
  • Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorder
    Symptoms: inflammation of the tissue that connects muscle to bone (tendinitis), separation of tissue connecting muscle to bone (tendon rupture) worsening of symptoms of skeletal muscle weakness
Your doctor has prescribed this Ciprofloxacin because they have judged that the benefits outweigh the risks posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This is not a complete list of possible side-effects for Ciprofloxacin.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Ciprofloxacin by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

Side-effects in Older Adults

Following are the side-effects of this medicine in elderly patients:

Mild Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of mild allergic reactions to this medicine:

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:
  • hives
  • severe skin itching
  • swelling of lips, tongue, face
  • throat tightness
  • trouble breathing
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Tendinitis and Tendon Rupture

Patients with tendinitis and rupturing of tendon are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Ciprofloxacin may increase the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in patients of all age groups. This risk is higher in patients taking corticosteroids, over 60 years, and who have undergone heart, kidney or lung transplant. Discontinue the use of Ciprofloxacin immediately if the patient experiences symptoms like pain, swelling, inflammation or rupturing of a tendon.

Nerve Damage in the Hands and Feet

Patients who are receiving Ciprofloxacin are at an increased risk of development of symptoms of weakness and pain due to nerve damage in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy). Stop using Ciprofloxacin if patients experience any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy which includes pain, burning, tingling, weakness, alteration in sensations including light, touch, pain, temperature, position sense and vibratory sensation. Also, avoid Ciprofloxacin in patients who have a history of peripheral neuropathy.

Central Nervous System Disorders

Patients with central nervous system diseases are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Such patients are at an increased risk of brain related effects such as convulsions, increased intracranial pressure, nervousness, agitation, sleeplessness, anxiety, nightmares, fearful and threatening thoughts (paranoia), dizziness, confusion, tremors, hallucinations, and depression. Use this medicine only when the benefits of treatment exceed the risk of undesirable brain-related side effects in patients who are using it.

Weakness in Skeletal Muscles

Patients with skeletal muscle weakness are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Such patients are at an increased risk of fatal reactions with Ciprofloxacin. Avoid the use of Ciprofloxacin in patients with previous history of this disease.

Allergic Reactions

Patients who are taking the first dose of Ciprofloxacin are at an increased risk of developing serious and fatal allergic reactions. This medicine may cause loss of consciousness, swelling due to fluid build up inside the pharynx or face, hives, tingling sensation, itching, and difficulty in breathing. Severe allergic reactions to Ciprofloxacin may require an emergency treatment which includes airway management by the supply of oxygen.

Patients with Liver Problems

Elderly patients above 55 years are at an increased risk when using this medicine. This medicine may cause injury of liver cells, life-threatening liver failure, and symptoms of hepatitis such as severe eating disorder, jaundice, dark urine, skin irritation, and stomach discomfort. Discontinue the use of Ciprofloxacin immediately after an appearance of symptoms of hepatitis.

Use of Ciprofloxacin with Theophylline

Patients who are receiving combination therapy with theophylline are at an increased risk of severe and fatal reactions. This combination may cause a sudden loss of heart function, seizures, and respiratory failure. It also causes nausea, tremor, vomiting, palpitation and irritability in some cases. Proper monitoring of theophylline by dose adjustment is required if the combination of two drugs cannot be avoided.

Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea

Patients taking Ciprofloxacin are at an increased risk of developing Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. This medicine may cause mild diarrhea and inflammation of colon which leads to fatal conditions. The therapy with an appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation and antibacterial treatment is required to treat Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Prolonged Heartbeat (QT Prolongation)

Such patients are at an increased risk of heart abnormalities when using Ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin may cause abnormality in heart rate, low level of potassium and magnesium in the blood and heart failure in elderly patients who are receiving certain medicines (class IA or III antiarrhythmics, macrolides, tricyclic antidepressants, and antipsychotics). Avoid these medicines in patients who are receiving Ciprofloxacin.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Patients less than 18 years are at an increased risk when using Ciprofloxacin. This medicine increases the risk of joint-related side effects (arthropathy).

Sensitivity to Light (Photosensitivity)

Patients on treatment with Ciprofloxacin are at an increased risk of sunburn allergic reactions. This medicine may cause sunburn reactions such as the release of fluid from the wound (exudation), fluid-filled sac within the body (vesicles), skin redness, skin blisters, swelling due to fluid build up inside the pharynx or face, and burning sensation in the skin. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light. Discontinue the use of Ciprofloxacin in case of severe photosensitivity reactions.

Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Patients who are using Ciprofloxacin in absence or presence of strongly suspected bacterial infection are at an increased risk of reduction of an effect of Ciprofloxacin.

Cloudy Appearance of Urine (Crystalluria)

Patients on treatment with Ciprofloxacin are at an increased risk of crystalluria. Use of high consumption of water is required in patients receiving Ciprofloxacin to prevent the formation of urine with less amount of water in it (highly concentrated urine).

Cytochrome P4501A2 Enzyme Activity

Ciprofloxacin blocks the working of cytochrome P4501A2 enzymes. This medicine may increase the levels of theophylline, methylxanthines, tizanidine, ropinirole, caffeine, clozapine, and olanzapine in the blood.

Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Infection

A high dose of Ciprofloxacin for the treatment of sexually transmitted bacterial infection (gonorrhea) may hide the symptoms of developing syphilis. Perform test for syphilis after three months of treatment with Ciprofloxacin.

Interactions with Ciprofloxacin

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Ciprofloxacin. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Prolonged QT Interval Drugs

Ciprofloxacin interacts with prolonged QT interval drugs (class IA or III antiarrhythmics, macrolides, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants), which are used to treat heart diseases, mycobacterial infections, and mental disorders. Ciprofloxacin may cause abnormality in heart rate in patients who are using these medicines. Avoid use of these medicines in patients who are using Ciprofloxacin.

Theophylline

There may be an interaction of Ciprofloxacin with theophylline, which is used in the treatment of lung diseases. Intake of Ciprofloxacin with theophylline may result in an increased risk of developing the brain related side effects. Avoid the combined use of these medicines and monitor the levels of theophylline in the blood by adjusting the dose.

Tizanidine

Ciprofloxacin may interact with tizanidine, which is used to treat the uncontrolled muscle contractions. Use of Ciprofloxacin and tizanidine may increase the risk of low blood pressure and sleep inducing effects. Tizanidine should not be used in combination with Ciprofloxacin.

Phenytoin

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with phenytoin, which is used to treat seizures. Use of Ciprofloxacin alters the level of phenytoin in the blood. Careful monitoring is required to maintain the levels of phenytoin in the blood.

Oral Antidiabetic Drugs

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with oral antidiabetic drugs (glyburide, glimepiride), which are used to treat high blood glucose levels. The combined use of Ciprofloxacin and oral antidiabetic agents causes severe low blood sugar levels and may lead to fatal conditions. Proper monitoring of blood glucose levels is required in this case.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are used to reduce pain, fever and inflammation. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (except acetylsalicylic acid) with high doses of quinolones may increase the risk of convulsions. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Ropinirole

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with ropinirole, which is used to treat leg movements while sleeping. The use of Ciprofloxacin and ropinirole increase the level of ropinirole in the blood. Careful monitoring of ropinirole-related side effects and an appropriate adjustment of dosage is required during the treatment therapy with Ciprofloxacin.

Methotrexate

Ciprofloxacin interacts with methotrexate, which is used to treat cancer. Use of methotrexate with Ciprofloxacin increases the risk of methotrexate related harmful reactions. Patients should take necessary precautions while using Ciprofloxacin and methotrexate.

Anticoagulants

There may be an interaction of Ciprofloxacin with anticoagulants, which helps to prevent blood clot formation. This combination increases the anticoagulant effect. Regular monitoring of the coagulation parameters (prothrombin time) is required when Ciprofloxacin is used with an oral anticoagulant.

Cyclosporine

Ciprofloxacin may interact with cyclosporine, which is used to prevent organ rejection during transplantation of an organ from a healthy donor to recipient. Use of Ciprofloxacin with Cyclosporine may temporarily increase the creatinine level in the blood. Monitoring of functioning of the kidneys is required, and patients should take necessary precautions while using this combination.

Clozapine

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with clozapine, which is used to treat mental illness. Regular monitoring of clozapine-related side effects and proper dose adjustment is recommended.

Probenecid

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with probenecid, which is used to treat pain, redness, and tenderness in joints and excess of uric acid in the blood. Probenecid may increase the harmful effects of Ciprofloxacin. Take necessary precautions while using probenecid and Ciprofloxacin in combination. Careful monitoring of xanthine-related harmful effect is recommended.

Xanthine Derivatives

Ciprofloxacin interacts with xanthine derivatives (caffeine), which is used to increase brain activity. Use of Ciprofloxacin with caffeine decreases the removal of xanthine derivatives from the body. Careful monitoring of caffeine-related harmful effects and an appropriate adjustment of dosage is required during the treatment therapy with Ciprofloxacin. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Duloxetine

There may be an interaction of Ciprofloxacin with duloxetine, which is used to treat anxiety, pain and depression. Patients should avoid using both drugs in combination. But in case, if it is unavoidable, then monitor the increased harmful effects of duloxetine.

Sildenafil

Ciprofloxacin may interact with sildenafil, which is used to treat sexual dysfunction and high blood pressure conditions in lungs and heart. The level of sildenafil gets increased in the blood when used in combination with Ciprofloxacin. Regular monitoring is required in patients with increased harmful effects of sildenafil.

Interactions of Ciprofloxacin by Severity

Severe

The following medicines are usually not to be taken together without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can cause harmful effects in the body. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Ciprofloxacin be not used?

Allergic Reaction to Ciprofloxacin

This medicine should not be used in patients who are allergic to it. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:
  • insufficient blood flow in the heart
  • loss of consciousness
  • tingling sensation
  • swelling due to fluid build up inside the pharynx or face
  • difficulty in breathing
  • hives
  • itching
  • life-threatening allergic reactions

Tizanidine (For Muscle Spasm and Cramps)

Tizanidine should not be used in combination with Ciprofloxacin. This medicine should not be taken together with Ciprofloxacin as it may leads to low blood pressure and sleep inducing effects.

Traveling With Medication

  • Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
  • While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
  • Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
  • If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Ciprofloxacin is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for Ciprofloxacin .
Bacterial Infections
Bronchial Disorders
Urinary Tract Infections
Gonorrhea

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