Ciprofloxacin
What is ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic, it is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. It is also used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague. Ciprofloxacin extended-release is only approved for use in adults.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects that may not be reversible.
Ciprofloxacin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, damage to your nerves (which may be permanent), serious mood or behavior changes (after just one dose), or low blood sugar (which can lead to coma).
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
low blood sugar – headache, hunger, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, or feeling shaky;
nerve damage symptoms – numbness, tingling, burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet:
serious mood or behavior changes – nervousness, confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, trouble concentrating, thoughts of suicide; or
signs of tendon rupture – sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a snapping or popping sound in any of your joints (rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions).
In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, the main blood artery of the body. This could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.
Also, stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
any skin rash, no matter how mild;
muscle weakness, breathing problems;
little or no urination;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
increased pressure inside the skull – severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.
Common ciprofloxacin side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
headache; or
abnormal liver function tests.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to it, or if:
you also take tizanidine; or
you are allergic to other fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin).
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. This can happen during treatment or several months after you stop taking ciprofloxacin. Tendon problems may be more likely in children and older adults, or people who use steroid medicine or have had an organ transplant.
To make sure ciprofloxacin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
arthritis or problems with your tendons, bones or joints (especially in children);
diabetes, low blood sugar;
nerve problems;
an aneurysm or blood circulation problems;
heart problems, or a heart attack;
muscle weakness, myasthenia gravis;
liver or kidney disease;
a seizure, head injury, or brain tumor;
trouble swallowing pills;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or
low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while taking ciprofloxacin and for 2 days after your last dose. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding if you take this medicine for anthrax exposure.
How should I take ciprofloxacin?
Take ciprofloxacin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Take ciprofloxacin at the same time each day, with or without food.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) for 15 seconds before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Do not give ciprofloxacin oral suspension through a feeding tube.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine.
Use ciprofloxacin for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Ciprofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Do not share this medicine with another person.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.
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