Cipro is used for:

Treating bacterial infections. It may also be used to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure.Cipro is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to kill sensitive bacteria. It works by stopping the production of essential proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

How to use Cipro:

Use Cipro as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Cipro by mouth with or without food. The preferred dosing time is 2 hours after a meal.
• Take Cipro with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL). Drink several extra glasses of water a day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• If you also take any products containing magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, or zinc (eg, vitamins/minerals, antacids, quinapril); didanosine; sucralfate; or bismuth subsalicylate, do not take them within 6 hours before or 2 hours after taking Cipro . Check with your doctor if you have questions.
• If you also take sevelamer, do not take it within 4 hours before or after taking Cipro . Check with your doctor if you have questions.
• Cipro works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
• To clear up your infection completely, take Cipro for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.
• Avoid taking Cipro with milk or milk products (such as yogurt or calcium-enriched juice) by themselves. However, taking Cipro as part of a full meal that contains milk or milk products is permitted.
• Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of Cipro , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cipro .

Possible side effects of Cipro:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Anxiety; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nightmares; restlessness; stomach upset; vision changes; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; bizarre behavior; bloody stools; chest pain; convulsions; dark urine (or unusual change in amount of urine); depression; dizziness; easy bruising or bleeding; fever, chills, or unusual cough; hallucinations; increased pressure within the head; inflammation, pain, or rupture of a tendon; irregular heartbeat; joint pain or swelling; loss of appetite; loss of consciousness; mental changes; muscle pain; nervousness; oral thrush; pain; pale stools; persistent sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or continuing diarrhea; sleeplessness; stomach cramps/pain; suicidal thoughts; sun sensitivity (sunburn easily); tingling or weakness of arms and legs; tremors; unusual fatigue; vaginal yeast infection; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Proper storage of Cipro:

Store Cipro at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cipro out of the reach of children and away from pets.