Cipro is used for:

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.

Do NOT use Cipro if:

* you are allergic to any ingredient in Cipro or to any other fluoroquinolone (eg, levofloxacin) * you are taking tizanidine or you have recently received a live oral typhoid vaccine Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Cipro:

Some medical conditions may interact with Cipro . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: * if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding * if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement * if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances * if you have a stomach infection, liver problems, brain or nervous system problems, increased pressure in the brain, Alzheimer disease, brain blood vessel problems, muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis), or a history of seizures * if you have a history of severe or persistent diarrhea, skin sensitivity to the sun, low blood potassium levels, heart problems, irregular heartbeat (eg, QT prolongation), or if you have a family member with a history of irregular heartbeat * if you have a history of joint or tendon problems; rheumatoid arthritis; kidney problems or decreased kidney function; or heart, kidney, or lung transplant * if you take corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) or you participate in strenuous physical work or exercise Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cipro . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: * Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, quinidine) because the risk of serious side effects, including irregular heartbeat, may be increased * Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because they may increase the risk of tendon problems * Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), metoclopramide, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), or probenecid because they may increase the risk of Cipro 's side effects * Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), antipsychotics (eg, clozapine), cyclosporine, methotrexate, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine), sulfonylureas (eg, glyburide), theophylline, tizanidine, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or xanthines (eg, caffeine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Cipro * Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) or live oral typhoid vaccine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Cipro This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cipro may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Cipro:

Use Cipro as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. * An extra patient leaflet may be available with Cipro . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information. * 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). * Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Cipro is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions. * If you also take any products containing magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, or zinc (eg, antacids, quinapril, vitamins/minerals); 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 (eg, calcium-enriched juice, yogurt) 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: Diarrhea; dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach upset; 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); bloody or tarry stools; burning, numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness of the arms, hands, legs, or feet; chest pain; dark urine or unusual change in amount of urine; fainting; fever, chills, or unusual cough; hallucinations; inability to move or bear weight on a joint or tendon area; irregular heartbeat; loss of consciousness; moderate to severe sunburn; mood or mental changes (eg, new or worsening anxiety, agitation, confusion, depression, restlessness, sleeplessness); muscle pain or weakness; pain, soreness, redness, swelling, weakness, or bruising of a tendon or joint area; pale stools; persistent sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent diarrhea; severe or persistent dizziness; stomach cramps/pain; suicidal thoughts or actions; tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual fatigue; vaginal yeast infection; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at