What is ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Ciprofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.
Ciprofloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.
Ciprofloxacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin?
You should not use this medication if you are taking tizanidine (Zanaflex), if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or similar antibiotics such as gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.
Before taking ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, joint problems, diabetes, muscle weakness or trouble breathing, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, a history of seizures, a history of head injury or brain tumor, low levels of potassium in your blood, a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.
Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juice.
Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take ciprofloxacin.
Ciprofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. Stop taking ciprofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ciprofloxacin?
You should not use ciprofloxacin if:
you are also taking tizanidine (Zanaflex);
you have a history of myasthenia gravis; or
you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or similar medications such as gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.
To make sure you can safely take ciprofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take quinidine (Quin-G), disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace);
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
a condition called pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure inside the skull that may cause headaches, vision loss, or other symptoms);
a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
joint problems;
kidney or liver disease;
epilepsy or seizures;
diabetes;
muscle weakness or trouble breathing;
low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ciprofloxacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
Ciprofloxacin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Ciprofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking ciprofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.
Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you have.