Cipro

What is Generic Cipro?

Ciprofloxacin is a widely used oral antibiotic, which is used for treating some serious bacterial infections such as UTI (urinary tract infections), skin and respiratory infections, infections of the joints or bones, and others.

What should I tell my doctor before I use Ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin is well tolerated by the vast majority of the patients, but if you have or have had any of the conditions listed below, your doctor might have to run certain tests in order to determine if this medication is safe for you:

• allergic reactions to antibiotics
  
• kidney disease
  
• liver disease
  
• joint problems
  
• heart condition
  
• myasthenia gravis
  
• diabetes
  
• history of "Long QT syndrome”
  
• seizures or epilepsy
  

Women that are pregnant, become pregnant during the treatment, or are breastfeeding should inform their doctor and let him decide if the medication is suitable for them.

How should I take this medication?

Take the tablets with full glass of water, at regular intervals, and do not take larger dose than the one that your healthcare provider has recommended. Do not prematurely terminate the treatment even if the infection’s symptoms are gone and do not skip doses. Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with yogurt or milk, but can be taken after meals or on an empty stomach. Drinking a few extra glasses of water per day while the treatment lasts is recommended.

Do not share the medication with anyone and in the case of accidental overdosing or bad adverse reactions, seek medical help as soon as possible.

What drugs may interact with this medication?

Medications that should not be taken together with Ciprofloxacin are:

• terfenadine
  
• tizanidine
  
• cisapride
  
• droperidol
  
• methotrexate
  
• cyclosporine
  
• metoclopramide
  
• phenytoin
  
• clozapine
  
• probenecid
  
• ropinirole
  
• tacrine
  
• insulin or diabetes medications
  
• certain blood thinners
  

Inform your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription drugs that you are taking, as well as dietary and herbal supplements and vitamins.

What should I be aware of while taking this medication?

Taking this medication might make you lightheaded and dizzy and operating heavy machinery, driving, and activities that require mental concentration should be avoided. Ciprofloxacin increases the skin’s sensitivity and therefore during the treatment tanning beds and sunlamps should be avoided, and the time in the sun should be limited as well as it might lead to swelling, sunburn, and blisters.

What are the possible side effects?

The possible side effects that Ciprofloxacin can cause are:

• dizziness
  
• seizures
  
• hallucinations
  
• tremors
  
• feeling restless, anxious or nervous
  
• trouble sleeping
  
• confusion
  
• depression
  
• nightmares
  
• paranoia
  

Ciprofloxacin can cause severe allergic reactions as well even after taking only one tablet and these reactions might manifest themselves as:

• swelling of the tongue, lips, or face
  
• throat tightness
  
• faint
  
• rapid heartbeat
  
• hives
  

If you experience any of the listed above side effects or reactions that are not listed here, but are severe or persistent, go to the nearest emergency room and notify your doctor at once.

How should I store my medication?

The tablets should be kept in their original package and stored at temperature below 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). Keep the medication away from the reach of children and dispose of the unused pills in the manner, recommended by your pharmacist or doctor.