Cipro

How should you take Cipro?

Cipro can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Cipro should not be taken with dairy products (such as milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone; however, Cipro may be taken with a meal that contains these products. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to prevent crystals from forming in your urine.

Like other antibiotics, Cipro works best when there is a constant amount in the blood and urine. To help keep the level constant, try not to miss any doses, and take them at approximately the same time every day.

Your doctor will only prescribe Cipro to treat a bacterial infection; it will not cure a viral infection, such as the common cold. It's important to take the full dosage schedule of Cipro, even if you're feeling better in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances that the bacteria may become resistant to Cipro and similar antibiotics.

If you are taking the oral suspension, be sure to shake the bottle vigorously for 15 seconds before each dose. Swallow without chewing the microcapsules in the suspension. Reclose the bottle completely, following the instructions on the cap.

Do not use Cipro HC Otic suspension in your eyes, and avoid contaminating the dropper by letting it touch your ears, fingers, or other surfaces. To administer the ear drops:

Warm the otic suspension by holding the bottle in your hand for a minute or two; putting a cold suspension into the ear can cause dizziness.

Have the person lie down with the affected ear up.

Shake the bottle, then position the filled dropper above the entrance to the ear canal.

Squeeze 3 drops into the ear. The person should not get up for 30 to 60 seconds after the drops have been given.

Throw away any suspension that remains after treatment is finished.

• If you miss a dose...
  Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.