CIPROFLOXACIN
DRUG INFORMATION – READ CAREFULLY
Adult Dose: Take one (1) Ciprofloxacin 500 mg tablet by
mouth every 12 hours.
Child Dose (age 17 and under): Children weighing 62
pounds and up should take the Adult dose. For children 61
pounds or less, the correct dose depends on the child’s
weight. Read: Ciprofloxacin Liquid for Children.
Instructions: Take Ciprofloxacin with a full glass of
water. Ciprofloxacin can be taken with or without food, but
avoid taking with dairy or milk products. Avoid having more
than 2 drinks containing caffeine per day.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to
the usual schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Finish all your Ciprofloxacin, even if you feel OK, unless your
doctor or Public Health department says to stop. Stopping
too soon could allow you to get sick.
Keep Ciprofloxacin away from heat (below 86°F) and direct
light. Do not freeze or store in damp places.
If you take any herbals or other medicines: see below.
Allergic Reactions: Do not take this drug if you have
ever had a severe allergic reaction to Ciprofloxacin or
another “floxacin” type drug such as levofloxacin
(Levaquin®), norfloxacin (Noroxin®), ofloxacin (Floxin®),
gemifloxacin (Factive®) or moxifloacin (Avelox®).
Signs of an allergic reaction are rash; hives; trouble
breathing; chest tightness; swelling of the mouth, face, lips,
or tongue; or severe and unusual tiredness. If any of these
occur while taking Ciprofloxacin, stop taking
Ciprofloxacin and call a doctor immediately, dial 911, or
go to an emergency room.
Side Effects: Common side effects are upset stomach,
nausea, mild diarrhea, tiredness, mild headache, and mild
dizziness. Women may get vaginal yeast infections, which
can be treated using anti-yeast creams (like Monistat®).
If Ciprofloxacin makes you dizzy, do not drive, and be careful
when doing tasks that require you to be alert. Avoid alcohol,
which makes dizziness worse.
Ciprofloxacin may rarely cause tearing of a tendon. If you
develop sudden pain, swelling, or inflammation of a joint, rest
the joint, avoid exercise, and seek medical care.
See a doctor if you develop any of the following: pain in
arms, legs or joints, changes in vision, vomiting, severe
diarrhea, severe dizziness, severe headache, restlessness,
ringing in the ears, or difficulty thinking.
Pregnancy: Ciprofloxacin may affect the joints of growing
children and is usually avoided in pregnancy. However, in
public health emergencies such as we have now,
Ciprofloxacin is FDA-approved for babies, children and
pregnant women because it may be the best antibiotic
available. Breastfeeding is OK while taking Ciprofloxacin.
Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight. If you must spend
time in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen
(SPF 15 or greater). Do not use tanning equipment.
Seizures or Epilepsy: If you have ever had seizures or
epilepsy, start taking Ciprofloxacin but talk to your doctor
right away (within 48 hours). Ciprofloxacin can make
seizures worse.
Kidney Disease: If you have severe kidney disease or
have been told you may need dialysis, start taking
Ciprofloxacin, but talk to your doctor within 48 hours. You
may need a dose change.
IF YOU TAKE OTHER MEDICINES or HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS:
WARNING: Do not take Ciprofloxacin if you are taking tizanidine (Zanaflex®). Talk to your doctor immediately.
Take Ciprofloxacin 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking ddI (Videx ®, Didanosine), Quinapril (Accupril®), sucralfate (Carafate®),
antacids (Tums®, Maalox®, Mylanta®, Alternagel®), multi-vitamins, or products containing calcium, magnesium, iron, or zinc.
Avoid St. John’s wort and dong quai herbal preparations.
If you take any of the drugs below, start taking Ciprofloxacin now and talk to your doctor within 48 hours.
You may need a change in drug or drug dose, special monitoring, or special testing.
GENERIC NAME
BRAND NAME(S)
GENERIC NAME
BRAND NAME(S)
Any “-floxacin” drug,
e.g. levofloxacin
Levaquin®, Cipro®, Factive®, Avelox®,
Noroxin®, Floxin®
Warfarin
Coumadin®
Glyburide
Micronase®
Theophylline
Theo-24®, Theo-Dur®, Uniphyl® , others
Phenytoin
Dilantin®
Methotrexate
Trexall®, Rheumatrex®
Olanzapine
Zyprexa®
Cyclosporine
Neoral®
Ziprasidone
Geodon®, Zeldox®
Probenecid
Benemid®
Mexiletine
Mexetil®
Amiodarone
Cordarone®
Buproprion
Wellbutrin®, Zyban®
Sotalol
Betapace®
Haloperidol
Haldol®
Procainamide
Procan SR®
Methadone
Dolophine®
Quinidine
Quinaglute®
Thioridazine
Mellaril®
Regional Alliance for Mass Prophylaxis—Bay Area County Public Health Departments-California