As a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, Cipro is used to fight various skin, bone, brain, stomach, blood, ear and urinary tract infections, as well as STDs.

Cipro should be taken in strict compliance with your doctor’s instructions and directions on the prescription label.

Take Cipro orally by swallowing the tablet with a full glass of water, preferably and hour before or two hours after eating. Avoid combining the medication with dairy products or calcium-fortified juices alone. However, If you are taking Cipro during meals, you can combine it with products that include the above-mentioned ingredients.

Take doses with even intervals between them. Do not change dosage or the prescribed period of use without prior medical consult.

Consult a medical professional regarding the use of Cipro by children.

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects: heavy breathing and high temperature; hallucinations; uneven heartbeat; chest pain or palpitations; pain in muscles or joints; nervousness; higher sensitivity to sunrays or UV light; smaller volumes of urination, diarrhea; skin rash and itching; convulsions; swollen face and neck; vomiting; restlessness.

Common side effects of using Cipro include: insomnia; diarrhea; sleepiness; headache; nausea; upset stomach. Notify your doctor if any of the common effects persist or become bothersome.

Drink plenty of water while taking Cipro to stay hydrated – it will prevent the medication from crystalizing inside your body. Avoid combining the medication with caffeine as it may increase its stimulant effect and impede normal heart activity.

While taking Cipro, avoid spending time in the sun and wear protective clothes.

As Cipro may cause a sleepy effect on you, avoid taking it before driving or other activities that require utmost concentration. Move carefully after taking the medication as rapid movements may increase the risk of fainting.

Do not combine Cipro with antacids, iron and zinc preparations as they can reduce the effect of the medication.

Notify your doctor if you are going to have a surgical operation.

Notify your health care provider if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicines, vitamins or herbal products, especially: acetazolamide; calcium salts; potassium citrate; citric acid; sodium citrate products; iron supplements; didanosine, ddI; manganese; magnesium salts; diabetes drugs; multivitamins containing magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron, or zinc; methazolamide; mexiletine; NSAID medications such as Aleve, Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen or naproxen; probenecid; phenytoin; sucralfate; sodium bicarbonate; theophylline; warfarin; zinc salts; ursodiol.

Tell your doctor if you are a heavy alcohol or caffeine user, if you smoke or use any illegal drugs, as they might interfere with the effectiveness of Cipro.

If you have missed your dose of Cipro, make sure to take it as soon as possible. However, two doses should never be taken at the same time, so if the time for the next dose has almost come, DO NOT take the dose you have missed.

Cipro must be stored at room temperature under 86°F (30°C) in a tightly closed container, out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date.