CIPROFLOXACIN (Cipro) is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent certain infections caused by bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat or prevent anthrax in people who may have been exposed to anthrax germs in the air. Ciprofloxacin extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used only to treat certain types of urinary tract infections. Ciprofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat or prevent certain infections, such as bone, skin, stomach, lungs, blood, brain, ear and urinary tract infections; to treat and prevent anthrax in people who may have been exposed to anthrax germs in the air. It is also used to treat certain sexually transmitted diseases.
Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
you are pregnant, planning to become pregant, or are breast-feeding
you have dehydration
you have an unusual or allergic reaction to Ciprofloxacin, any other medicine, foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances
you have stomach problems (eg, colitis)
you have liver or kidney disease
you have seizures (convulsions)
How to use:
Strictly follow your doctor's directions.
Ciprofloxacin may either be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take Ciprofloxacin on an empty stomach (one hour before, or two hours after meal)
Do not take Ciprofloxacin with sucralfate, chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder, magnesium/aluminium antacids, sucralfate, didanosine, or with other products, containing calcium, iron, or zinc.
Take your doses at regular intervals
Don't stop taking Ciprofloxacin until your doctor say so.
If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
Avoid taking double or extra doses.
Safety issues:
If your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days, you should contact your doctor.
Ciprofloxacin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery or performing other tasks, that require mental alertness, until you know how Ciprofloxacin affects you.
Avoid drinking anything that contains caffeine. Ciprofloxacin may increase the stimulant effects of caffeine and cause heart, breathing and other problems.
NSAIDs such as advil, aleve, ibuprofen, motrin, naproxen
magnesium salts
mexiletine
manganese
multivitamins containing calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, or zinc
medicines for diabetes
methazolamide
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
vomiting
difficulty breathing
unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
fever
swelling of the face or neck
hallucinations
seizures (convulsions)
increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraciolet light
skin rash, itching
irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain
severe or watery diarrhea
joint, muscle or tendon pain
reduced amount of urine
nervousness, excitability, restlessness
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
stomach upset
diarrhea
nausea
difficulty sleeping
headche
dizziness or drowsiness
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
