Ciprofloxacin (Injection)

Introduction:

Ciprofloxacin (sip-roe-FLOX-a-sin)

Treats infections that are caused by bacteria. This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Cipro IV, Amerinet Choice Ciprofloxacin, NovaPlus Ciprofloxacin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins. This medicine is given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for about an hour.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home healthcare nurse.
• Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®). Using a steroid together with this medicine may increase your chance of having tendon problems.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), methotrexate (Folex®, Rheumatrex®), metoclopramide (Reglan®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), probenecid (Benemid®), or theophylline (Theo-Dur®). Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), diabetes medicine (such as glyburide, Diabeta®, Glynase®, or Micronase®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, or Celebrex®).
• Avoid caffeine (coffee, soda, chocolate) while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation), rheumatoid arthritis or joint problems, or a history of seizures, epilepsy, head injury, or stroke.
• This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash; itching; hives; hoarseness; shortness of breath; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you receive this medicine.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• This medicine may rarely cause inflammation or tearing of a tendon (the cord that attaches muscles to bones). This can occur while you are taking the medicine or after you finish taking it. The risk of having tendon problems may be increased if you are over 60 years of age, are using steroid medicines (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, Medrol®), have severe kidney problems, have a history of tendon problems (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or if you have received an organ transplant (e.g., heart, kidney, or lung). Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have sudden pain or swelling in a tendon after exercise (e.g., ankle, back of the knee or leg, shoulder, elbow, or wrist), bruise more easily after an injury, or are unable to bear weight or move the affected area. Refrain from exercise until your doctor says otherwise.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior.
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Pain or swelling in your knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, hand, or wrist.
• Red or dark brown urine or stool.
• Seizures or tremors.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision, feeling more sensitive to light or colors.
• Feeling nervous, restless, anxious, or agitated.
• Headache, bad dreams, or trouble sleeping.
• Mild muscle or joint pain, decreased joint movement.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Sores or white patches in your mouth or throat.
• Vaginitis.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: