How it works
Cipro is used for treating infections of the chest, urinary tract and of the gastrointestinal system. It enters the bacterial cell wall in inhibits the formation of an enzyme called DNA Gyrase.
Guidelines for usage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.
Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.
Cipro may be used with or without food.
Ensure that you increase your fluid intake while taking Cipro to prevent formation of crystals in the urine.
Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.
NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.
Missed Dose
It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.
Do not panic if you have missed a dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.
How & where do I store Cipro?
The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.
Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.
Overdose Related Information
If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.
Safety Information
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.
Ensure that you mention the following:
• Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
• All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
• Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
• Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
• If you have heart problems or a history of irregular heartbeat, low blood potassium levels, Alzheimer disease, a brain or nervous system disorder, a problem with the blood vessels in your brain, diarrhea, a stomach infection, liver problems, kidney problems, increased pressure in your brain, seizures, inflammation of your tendons, joint problems, or skin sensitivity to the sun
This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.
To be avoided
You must avoid using Cipro if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or
• If you have recently received a live, oral typhoid vaccination or you are taking cisapride or tizanidine.
Using Alcohol
Cipro is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Cipro.
These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.
Possible Drug & Food Interactions
Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications. Cipro is known to have possible interactions with the following medications.
• Cisapride or class 1A or class III antiarrhythmics (eg, quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol), Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), Arsenic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), or probenecid, Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), arsenic, cyclosporine, methadone, methotrexate, sulfonylureas (eg, glyburide), theophyllines, tizanidine, or xanthines (eg, theophylline), Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) or live, oral typhoid vaccine.
Additional Information
Cipro is an antibiotic that is effective only in the treatment of bacterial infections. It will not be effective against viral infections like cough and cold. Antibiotic treatment must be monitored closely by doctors because prolonged treatment increases the resistance of the bacteria against Cipro. A future bacterial infection becomes severe and difficult to treat.
Some patients experience a persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in their stool. Contact your doctor immediately if this happens.
If your doctor has prescribed laboratory tests then ensure that you do not miss out on them.
Important Information for Pregnant Women
Cipro is categorized under FDA category C.
Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.
Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.
