CIPROFLOXACIN HCL (Generic for CETRAXAL)

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not crush or chew this medication. You may cut the tablet in half if it is scored (has a line in the middle of it). This may help you swallow the tablet if the whole tablet is too big. Be sure to take both halves. Do not take just one-half of the tablet. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.
Take products with aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc in them at a different time of day than this medication. Take these products 6 hours BEFORE or 2 hours AFTER taking a dose of this medication.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
This medication may cause tendon problems. Tendons are the cords of tissue that connect your muscles to your bones. Tell your care team right away if you have pain, swelling, or stiffness while you are taking this medication or after you have stopped treatment. The risk is higher in people older than 60 years of age, those taking steroid medications, and those who have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.
This medication may worsen muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. This can cause breathing problems. Call your care team right away if you have myasthenia gravis and have worsening symptoms while taking this medication.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Tell your care team if you are taking medications to treat diabetes. This medication may cause changes to blood sugar levels. Talk to your care team about how often to check your blood sugar while taking this medication. Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat it.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.