Ciprofloxacin is an antibacterial compound that is used to treat a variety of infections, including Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB).
HOW should this drug be taken ?
This medication is usually used in combination with other agents to treat MAC or TB. The dose of ciprofloxacin is 500 to
750 mg twice daily, either before or after meals. Take ciprofloxacin with plenty of water, including several additional
glasses of water throughout the day. Do not take ciprofloxacin with milk products. It may be easier to take ciprofloxacin
at the same time each day, at equally spaced intervals. This will also help you to remember to take your dose. Your dosage is______________.
What should you do if you FORGET a dose?
If you miss a dose of ciprofloxacin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is time for your next dose, do not double the dose, just carry on with your regular schedule.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause ? What should you do about them?
While most people benefit from the medication, some may experience unwanted effects. Mild effects which people have
experienced are stomach upset (stomach pains, nausea or feeling sick), diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness. Make
sure you know how you react to this drug before you drive a car, operate machines, or do anything that could be
dangerous if you are dizzy or lightheaded. If these effects occur and are bothersome, please call the clinic or discuss them at your next visit.
Rarely more serious unwanted effects may occur. Stop taking ciprofloxacin and consult your physician immediately or go
to the emergency room at the nearest hospital if you get any of the following: itchy skin rash, hives or other skin
condition, fever, yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice), blood in the urine, changes in hearing vision, or taste, severe
vomiting or abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, swelling of face, lips, mouth, or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, swelling of the hands, feet or ankles.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED REGULARLY.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug ?
Do not stop taking this medications without checking with your doctor first, even if you begin to feel better. Maintain your
regular visits and inform your doctor of any new medical problems that develop while you are taking ciprofloxacin.
There is not enough information available on the safety of using ciprofloxacin if you are pregnant or you are breast
feeding. It is best to discuss pregnancy and breast feeding with your doctor before you begin to take the medication.
Some pople who take ciprofloxacin become more sensitive to sunlight than they are normally. Stay out of direct sunlight
if possible. Wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses. Use a protective sunscreen with an SPF of at least
15. Do not use a sunlamp, tanning bed or booth. If you have any questions about this, check with your physician or pharmacist.
Ciprofloxacin may affect the way caffeine is removed from the body. Therefore avoid excessive amounts of coffee, tea and
soft drinks, such as colas, while taking ciprofloxacin. Antacids used for upset stomach, calcium or iron supplements
may affect the way ciprofloxacin works. Avoid using antacids containing aluminum or magnesium while taking this medication.
Other prescription medications may affect the way ciprofloxacin works and so increase the chance of side effects. Also
ciprofloxacin may affect the way other agents work (for example theophylline, cyclosporine, warfarin, probenecid,
sucralfate, glyburide). Therefore, inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, and do not start taking other medciations without discussing this first.
How should this medication be STORED?
Ciprofloxacin should be stored at room temperature (15-30C) in a dry place, protected from light. Do not store in your
bathroom, as heat and moisture may cause the medication to lose potency.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR PHARMACIST OR PHYSICIAN OR NURSE.
WRITE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DOWN TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.
A pharmacist at ___________________ is available to answer questions.
The telephone number is ___________. Please ask for ____________________.
