Cipro XL (Ciprofloxacin)

Do’s

• Take Cipro XL exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, including dosage and duration. It's typically taken once a day, but this can vary.
• You can take Cipro XL with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, taking it with food might help.
• Swallow the Cipro XL tablet whole. Don't crush, chew, or break it.
• Avoid taking Cipro XL with antacids (magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide) within 2 hours of your dose for the same reason as dairy products.
• Limit excessive caffeine intake (coffee, tea, colas) while taking Cipro XL, as it can affect how your body absorbs the medication.

Don'ts

• Don't take more or less medication than prescribed, or take it more often.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
• Don’t take dairy products. Avoid taking Cipro XL with dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) or calcium-fortified juices within 2 hours of your dose, as they can interfere with absorption.
• Don't take Cipro XL for longer than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't operate machinery if you are dizzy. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness as a side effect.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Insomnia
• Muscle pain
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Menstrual pain
• Ear discomfort, pain, or itching
• Temporary blurred vision
• Tearing or feeling of something in the eye/ear
• Redness or discomfort in the eye
• White specks on the surface of the eye

Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue, and trouble breathing
• Severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using the medication
• Eye or ear swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting, or drainage (may be signs of infection)
• Liver problems with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
• Long QT syndrome with symptoms such as fainting and lightheadedness
• Seizures with symptoms including confusion
• Tendinitis and ruptured tendon, which can occur during treatment and up to several months after stopping the medication
• Nerve damage
• Serious mood or behavior changes, including nervousness, confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, trouble concentrating, and thoughts of suicide
• Signs of tendon rupture, such as sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a snapping or popping sound in any of the joints
• Damage to the aorta, the main blood artery of the body
• Serious allergic reactions, including death, even after only one dose, with symptoms like hives, rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing or swallowing, and fainting

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Cipro xl, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

People who are allergic to any of Cipro xl ingredients should not use ciprofloxacin products. Your healthcare provider can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ciprofloxacin products they stock.

Cipro XL may affect alertness and coordination. Avoid driving or activities requiring these until the effects subside.

Cipro XL can increase sun sensitivity. Use sunscreen, and protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds.

People under 18 or over 60 may be more susceptible to side effects. Discuss risks with your healthcare provider.

Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, especially:

Heart problems (history of heart attack, irregular heartbeat)

• Kidney or liver problems
• Past tendon or joint problems
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Low blood potassium or magnesium

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, herbal products, or supplements you take to avoid interactions.

Discuss potential risks with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.