$Unique_ID{BRK01890}
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$Title{CIPROFLOXACIN}
$Subject{Cipro (Miles)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CIPROFLOXACIN
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Cipro (Miles)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antibiotic
INGREDIENT:
     ciprofloxacin
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg)
STORAGE:
     Ciprofloxacin tablets should be stored at room temperature in tightly
       closed containers away from direct light.

USES

     Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of
bacterial infections.  It chemically attaches to the bacteria and prevents
their growth and multiplication.  It is not effective against viruses,
parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     Ciprofloxacin is best taken two hours after a meal with a full glass (8
ounces) of water.  You should drink several additional glasses of water every
day, unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise.  Drinking extra water
will help to prevent unwanted effects of ciprofloxacin.
     Ciprofloxacin works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream
is kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced
intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take two doses a day, the
doses should be spaced 12 hours apart.
     It is very important that you do not miss any doses of this medication.
If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.  However, if you do
not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.
     Ciprofloxacin therapy may be required for four to six weeks or longer.
It is important to continue to take this drug for the entire time prescribed,
even if the symptoms of infection disappear before the end of that period.  If
you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to
continue growing, and your infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, headache, light-headedness, nausea, stomach irritation, or
vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blood in your urine, change in your vision, confusion, convulsions (seizures),
agitation, dizziness, hallucinations, lower back pain, muscle or joint pain,
pain or difficulty in urinating, restlessness, skin rash, tremor, unpleasant
taste, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.  Also,
if the symptoms of your infection do not improve in several days, contact your
doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Ciprofloxacin interacts with several other drugs:
     1. Use of antacids with ciprofloxacin can decrease the absorption of this
medicine.  Do not take antacids within two hours of taking this medicine.
     2. Use of sucralfate with ciprofloxacin can decrease the absorption of
ciprofloxacin.  Do not take a dose of sucralfate within two hours of a dose of
ciprofloxacin unless directed to do so by your doctor.
     3. Use of medicine containing theophylline along with ciprofloxacin can
lead to increased bloodstream levels of theophylline and therefore to an
increased chance of theophylline-related side effects.
     4. Regular consumption of large quantities of caffeine-containing
products (coffee, tea, or caffeine-containing soft drinks) with ciprofloxacin
may lead to exaggerated or prolonged effects of caffeine.  Your doctor may
wish for you to restrict intake of caffeine during treatment.
     5. Use of probenecid with ciprofloxacin can increase the bloodstream
levels of ciprofloxacin and thus increase the risk of ciprofloxacin-related
side effects.
     Before starting to take ciprofloxacin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any other medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, norfloxacin,
cinoxacin, or nalidixic acid.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had brain or spinal cord disease, epilepsy,
kidney disease, or liver disease.
     * To decrease the potential for harmful effects on your kidneys, you
should increase your intake of fluids (nonalcoholic) unless your doctor
directs you to do otherwise.
     * Ciprofloxacin can cause dizziness or light-headedness, so patients
taking this medicine should know how they react to this medicine before they
operate an automobile or machinery, or engage in activities requiring
alertness or coordination.
     * This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.  When you
first begin taking this drug, avoid too much sun and do not use a sunlamp
until you see how your skin responds to short periods of sun exposure.  This
is especially important if you tend to sunburn easily.
     * Ciprofloxacin has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medicine.  You should not give your medicine to other people or use
it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This drug is not
recommended for use in pregnant women because it can result in serious adverse
effects in the developing fetus.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether ciprofloxacin passes into
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
