Safety FAQs

This section does not list all benefits and risks of Cipro XR. Cipro XR can be prescribed only by a licensed health care professional. Your doctor has prescribed Cipro XR only for you.

How and when should I take Cipro XR?
Who should not take Cipro XR?
What are the possible side effects of Cipro XR?
What about other medications I am taking?

How and when should I take Cipro XR?

Cipro XR should be taken once a day for three (3) to fourteen (14) days depending on your infection. Take Cipro XR at approximately the same time each day with food or on an empty stomach. Cipro XR should not be taken with dairy products (like milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone; however, Cipro XR may be taken with a meal that contains these products. Should you forget to take it at the usual time, you may take your dose later in the day. Do not take more than one Cipro XR tablet per day even if you missed a dose. Swallow the Cipro XR tablet whole. DO NOT SPLIT, CRUSH, OR CHEW THE TABLET.

You should take Cipro XR for as long as your doctor prescribes it, even after you start to feel better. Stopping an antibiotic too early may result in failure to cure your infection.

Who should not take Cipro XR?

You should not take Cipro XR if you have ever had a severe reaction to any of the group of antibiotics known as "quinolones."

Cipro XR is not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Cipro XR, talk to your doctor before taking this medication.

Cipro XR is not recommended for persons less than 18 years of age.

What are the possible side effects of Cipro XR?

Cipro XR is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects, which are usually mild, include nausea, headache, dyspepsia, dizziness, vaginal yeast infection and diarrhea. If diarrhea persists, call your health care professional. Antibiotics of the quinolone class may also cause vomiting, rash, and abdominal pain/discomfort.

You should be careful about driving or operating machinery until you are sure Cipro XR is not causing dizziness.

Rare cases of allergic reactions have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including ciprofloxacin, even after just one dose. If you develop hives, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency treatment right away. If you develop a skin rash, you should stop taking Cipro XR and call your health care professional.

Some patients taking quinolone antibiotics may become more sensitive to sunlight or ultraviolet light such as that used in tanning salons. You should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light while you are taking Cipro XR.

Ciprofloxacin has been rarely associated with inflammation of tendons. If you experience pain, swelling or rupture of a tendon, you should stop taking Cipro XR and call your health care professional.

Convulsions have been reported in patients receiving quinolone antibiotics including ciprofloxacin. If you have experienced convulsions in the past, be sure to let your physician know that you have a history of convulsions. Quinolones, including ciprofloxacin, have been rarely associated with other central nervous system events including confusion, tremors, hallucinations, and depression.

If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this section, or if you have any concerns about side effects you may be experiencing, please inform your health care professional.

What about other medications I am taking?

Cipro XR can affect how other medicines work. Tell your doctor about all other prescriptions and non-prescription medicines or supplements you are taking. This is especially important if you are taking theophylline or VIDEX® (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder. Other medications including warfarin, glyburide, and phenytoin may also interact with Cipro XR.

Many antacids, multivitamins, and other dietary supplements containing magnesium, calcium, aluminum, iron or zinc can interfere with the absorption of Cipro XR and may prevent it from working. You should take Cipro XR either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking these products.

Remember: Do not give Cipro XR to anyone other than the person for whom it was prescribed.

Complete the course of Cipro XR even if you are feeling better.

Keep Cipro XR and all medications out of reach of children.

This information does not take the place of discussions with your doctor or health care professional about your medication or treatment.