Ciprofloxacin
(sye-proe-FLOKS-uh-sin)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Contact us
What is ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro") is an antibiotic used to treat many kinds of infections. It is available as an injection, tablet, or liquid.
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Special instructions
- Ciprofloxacin is taken with a full glass of water. It works best on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
- If this medicine upsets your child's stomach, the doctor may tell you to give ciprofloxacin with food, but not dairy or milk products.
- When ciprofloxacin is mixed with certain foods and other medicines, it can bind and not get absorbed causing it not to work right. Because of this, do not give the medicine within 2-3 hours of any dairy products (like milk, formula, cheese, pudding or yogurt); iron products (sometimes part of vitamins); antacids or sucralfate (medicine for sour stomach, indigestion).
- It is important to have your child drink a lot of water or other fluids while taking this medicine unless the doctor tells you not to.
- Notify the doctor before using this medication during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
- Notify your child's doctor if other medicines, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), are being taken, as some medicines will not work with ciprofloxacin.
- Notify your child's doctor if there is a history of seizures (epilepsy), kidney disease, or brain or spinal cord damage.
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
- Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle / package.
- If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor right away.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
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If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and / or missed doses, contact the health care provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side effects
Call your child's doctor if the following effects continue or are bothersome:
- Problems breathing
- Skin rash, peeling of skin
- Swelling of face or hands
- Tendon pain
- Confusion
- Hallucinations (seeing visions)
- Increased sensitivity to the sun causing your child to burn more easily
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor if your child develops:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea (loose stools)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Patient Education Program V 5106 8/98
Rev. 9/05, 8/07
