Clindamycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Clindamycin is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria.

Clindamycin is usually available as one of three salts: clindamycin phosphate, clindamycin hydrochloride, or clindamycin nicotinamide. These salt forms are all prodrugs of clindamycin but once inside the body or applied to the skin, they are rapidly converted to active clindamycin by hydrolysis. All three salt forms of clindamycin: clindamycin phosphate, clindamycin hydrochloride, and clindamycin nicotinamide have the same antimicrobial spectrum and effectiveness.

Clindamycin first gained FDA approval on February 22, 1970.

What is clindamycin phosphate?

Clindamycin phosphate is a salt of clindamycin that is usually used for injectable or topical formulations of clindamycin.

• Clindamycin phosphate is a prodrug of clindamycin that is rapidly converted to active clindamycin once inside the body or applied to the skin.
• Clindamycin phosphate has the same antimicrobial spectrum and effectiveness as clindamycin hydrochloride, clindamycin nicotinamide, and clindamycin.
• Clindamycin nicotinamide is another topical form of clindamycin.

What is clindamycin hydrochloride?

Clindamycin hydrochloride is a salt of clindamycin that is usually used for oral formulations of clindamycin.

• Clindamycin hydrochloride is a prodrug of clindamycin that is rapidly converted to active clindamycin once inside the body.
• Clindamycin hydrochloride has the same antimicrobial spectrum and effectiveness as clindamycin phosphate, clindamycin nicotinamide, and clindamycin.

What is clindamycin used to treat?

Clindamycin may be used to treat a wide range of infections, although it should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria to reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and to maintain its effectiveness.

Infections clindamycin treats in adults and children include serious:

• Infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria
• Infections due to susceptible isolates of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci, if a less toxic alternative (such as erythromycin) is not suitable
• Lower respiratory tract infections including pneumonia, empyema, and lung abscess caused by susceptible isolates of anaerobes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, other streptococci (except Enterococcus faecalis), and Staphylococcus aureus in adults and children
• Skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and anaerobes in adults and children
• • Topical clindamycin 1% may be used to help treat and control severe acne.

• Gynecological infections including endometritis, nongonococcal tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic cellulitis, and postsurgical vaginal cuff infection caused by susceptible anaerobes in adults and children
• Intra-abdominal infections including peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscesses caused by susceptible anaerobic organisms in adults and children
• Septicemia caused by susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci (except E. faecalis), and susceptible anaerobes in adults and children
• Bone and joint infections including acute hematogenous osteomyelitis caused by susceptible isolates of S. aureus and as adjunctive therapy in the surgical treatment of chronic bone and joint infections due to susceptible organisms in adults and children.

Clindamycin does not adequately penetrate the cerebrospinal fluid and should NOT be used to treat meningitis.

Clindamycin side effects

The most common clindamycin side effects include:

• nausea or vomiting
• stomach (abdominal) pain
• mild skin rash
• vaginal itching or discharge.

Clindamycin may also cause a metallic taste in your mouth. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways you can manage this.

Serious side effects and warnings

Clindamycin carries a Boxed Warning for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD).

Clindamycin can cause diarrhea, which may range in severity from mild to fatal colitis. Diarrhea associated with clindamycin use is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of dangerous Clostridium difficile bacteria in the large intestine. Seniors especially should be monitored for diarrhea. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using clindamycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Seek urgent medical attention.

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to clindamycin: (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Serious skin and other reactions can occur with clindamycin. Seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of a drug reaction such as skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. This reaction may occur several weeks after starting clindamycin.

Call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

• any change in bowel habits (for example, you start going to the toilet very frequently or don’t go at all)
• severe stomach pain
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• little or no urination.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Before taking this medicine

Do not take clindamycin if you are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, Cleocin, Clindesse, ClindaMax, or any of the inactive ingredients in the clindamycin preparation you are taking (refer to the clindamycin Package Insert).

To make sure clindamycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney or liver disease
• an intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• eczema
• an allergic skin reaction
• asthma or a severe allergic reaction to aspirin
• an allergy to yellow food dye.

Also, tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Pregnancy

Animal studies have not shown any harm during pregnancy, but it is not known whether clindamycin will harm an unborn baby in humans.

Breastfeeding

Clindamycin does pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. If you are breastfeeding while taking this medicine, call your doctor if your baby has diaper rash, redness or white patches in the mouth or throat, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea that is watery or bloody. Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding before taking clindamycin.

Young infants

Clindamycin injection may contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young or premature babies. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take clindamycin?

Take clindamycin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Oral clindamycin capsules are taken by mouth.

Clindamycin injection is injected into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Take the capsule with a full glass of water to keep it from irritating your throat.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You may need frequent medical tests during treatment.

If you need surgery, let your surgeon know you use clindamycin as it may interact with certain drugs used for anesthesia.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Clindamycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Protect the injectable medicine from high heat.

Do not store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused oral liquid after 2 weeks.

Take clindamycin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Clindamycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

What should I avoid while using clindamycin?

Do not use clindamycin at the same time as erythromycin, another antibiotic.

What other drugs will affect clindamycin?

Other drugs may interact with clindamycin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicines you start or stop using.

Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents, such as succinylcholine, rocuronium, or vecuronium. Use with caution.

Clindamycin is metabolized predominantly by CYP3A4 hepatic enzymes, and to a lesser extent by CYP3A5, to the major metabolite clindamycin sulfoxide and minor metabolite N‑desmethylclindamycin. Caution should be used when using with strong or moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, such as clarithromycin, nefazodone, itraconazole, ketoconazole, atazanavir, darunavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, or tipranavir. Caution should also be used when used together with inducers of these enzymes such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin, St. John’s Wort, and glucocorticoids because concentrations of clindamycin may be reduced and it may not be as effective.

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that fights bacteria in your body.

Clarithromycin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections affecting the skin and respiratory system.

Clarithromycin is also used together with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.

Warnings

Take clarithromycin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clarithromycin or similar antibiotics, if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking this medicine, or if you have liver or kidney disease and are also taking colchicine.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact with clarithromycin, and some drugs should not be used together.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clarithromycin or similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pak, Zmax), erythromycin, or telithromycin, or if:

• you have had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking clarithromycin; or
• you have liver or kidney disease and you also take a medicine called colchicine.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with clarithromycin. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:

• cisapride;
• pimozide;
• lomitapide
• lovastatin or simvastatin; or
• ergotamine or dihydroergotamine.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
• coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
• myasthenia gravis;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• diabetes; or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Clarithromycin may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

In animal studies, clarithromycin caused birth defects. However, it is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Clarithromycin can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old.

How should I take clarithromycin?

Take clarithromycin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use this medicine to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

You may take the regular tablets and oral suspension (liquid) with or without food.

Clarithromycin extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL) should be taken with food.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Shake the oral liquid well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Clarithromycin is usually given for 7 to 14 days. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Clarithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Do not keep the oral liquid in a refrigerator. Throw away any liquid that has not been used within 14 days.

If your infection is treated with a combination of drugs, use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor’s advice.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

What to avoid

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Clarithromycin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to clarithromycin: (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
• confusion, spinning sensation;
• liver problems – loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• kidney problems – little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

If you’ve ever had heart problems, clarithromycin may cause a heart attack or stroke years after you’ve taken this medicine. Seek medical attention right away if you have chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, trouble breathing, slurred speech, or sudden numbness or weakness on one side of your body.

Older adults may be more likely to have heart rhythm side effects, including a life-threatening fast heart rate.

Common clarithromycin side effects may include:

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
• diarrhea; or
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What other drugs will affect clarithromycin?

When you start or stop taking clarithromycin, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of any other medicines you take on a regular basis.

Clarithromycin can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, such as antibiotics, antifungal medicine, antidepressants, anti-malaria medicine, asthma inhalers, antipsychotic medicine, cancer medicine, certain HIV/AIDS medicine, heart or blood pressure medicine, or medicine to prevent vomiting.

Many drugs can interact with clarithromycin, and some drugs should not be used together. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic, it is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. It is also used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague. Ciprofloxacin extended-release is only approved for use in adults.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects that may not be reversible.

Ciprofloxacin should be used only for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.

Warnings

Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, nerve damage, serious mood or behavior changes, or low blood sugar.

Stop using ciprofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have: headache, hunger, irritability, numbness, tingling, burning pain, confusion, agitation, paranoia, problems with memory or concentration, thoughts of suicide, or sudden pain or movement problems in any of your joints.

In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, which could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

You may not be able to use this medicine if you have a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you also take tizanidine; or
• you are allergic to other fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin).

Ciprofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles’ tendon of the heel. This can happen during treatment or several months after you stop taking ciprofloxacin. Tendon problems may be more likely in children and older adults, or people who use steroid medicine or have had an organ transplant.

To make sure ciprofloxacin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• arthritis or problems with your tendons, bones or joints (especially in children);
• diabetes, low blood sugar;
• nerve problems;
• an aneurysm or blood circulation problems;
• heart problems, or a heart attack;
• muscle weakness, myasthenia gravis;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a seizure, head injury, or brain tumor;
• trouble swallowing pills;
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or
• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while taking ciprofloxacin and for 2 days after your last dose. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding if you take this medicine for anthrax exposure.

How should I take ciprofloxacin?

Take ciprofloxacin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Take ciprofloxacin at the same time each day, with or without food.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) for 15 seconds before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Do not give ciprofloxacin oral suspension through a feeding tube.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine.

Use ciprofloxacin for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Ciprofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share this medicine with another person.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you take regular tablets or oral suspension: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 6 hours.

If you take extended-release tablets: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 8 hours.

Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

What to avoid

Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juice. You may eat or drink these products with your meals, but do not use them alone when taking this medicine.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Ciprofloxacin could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Tell your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how ciprofloxacin will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ciprofloxacin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, damage to your nerves (which may be permanent), serious mood or behavior changes (after just one dose), or low blood sugar (which can lead to coma).

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• low blood sugar – headache, hunger, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, or feeling shaky;
• nerve damage symptoms – numbness, tingling, burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet:
• serious mood or behavior changes – nervousness, confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, trouble concentrating, thoughts of suicide; or
• signs of tendon rupture – sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a snapping or popping sound in any of your joints (rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions).

In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, the main blood artery of the body. This could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

Also, stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
• any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• muscle weakness, breathing problems;
• little or no urination;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• increased pressure inside the skull – severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.

Common ciprofloxacin side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• headache; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin?

Some medicines can make ciprofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your ciprofloxacin dose 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take the other medicine.

• the ulcer medicine sucralfate, or antacids that contain calcium, magnesium, or aluminum (such as Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Tums, and others);
• didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets;
• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• clozapine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, phenytoin, probenecid, ropinirole, sildenafil, or theophylline;
• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• heart medication or a diuretic or “water pill”;
• oral diabetes medicine;
• products that contain caffeine;
• medicine to treat depression or mental illness;

Cipro is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Cipro is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. Cipro is also used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects that may not be reversible.

Cipro should be used only for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.

Warnings

Cipro can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, nerve damage, serious mood or behavior changes, or low blood sugar.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: headache, hunger, irritability, numbness, tingling, burning pain, confusion, agitation, paranoia, problems with memory or concentration, thoughts of suicide, or sudden pain or movement problems in any of your joints.

In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, which could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

You may not be able to use Cipro if you have a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Cipro if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin, or if:

• you also take tizanidine; or
• you are allergic to other fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin).

Ciprofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles’ tendon of the heel. This can happen during treatment or several months after you stop taking Cipro. Tendon problems may be more likely in children and older adults, or people who use steroid medicine or have had an organ transplant.

To make sure Cipro is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• arthritis or problems with your tendons, bones or joints (especially in children);
• diabetes, low blood sugar;
• nerve problems;
• an aneurysm or blood circulation problems;
• heart problems, or a heart attack;
• muscle weakness, myasthenia gravis;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a seizure, head injury, or brain tumor;
• trouble swallowing pills;
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or
• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).

Do not give Cipro to a child without medical advice.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while taking ciprofloxacin and for 2 days after your last dose. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding if you take ciprofloxacin for anthrax exposure.

How should I take Cipro?

Take Cipro exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Take Cipro at the same time each day, with or without food.

Shake the Cipro oral suspension (liquid) for 15 seconds before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Do not give Cipro oral suspension through a feeding tube.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine .

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Ciprofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share Cipro with another person.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you take regular tablets or oral suspension: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 6 hours.

Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

What to avoid

Do not take Cipro with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juice. You may eat or drink these products with your meals, but do not use them alone when taking Cipro.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Ciprofloxacin could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Tell your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ciprofloxacin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Cipro (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, damage to your nerves (which may be permanent), serious mood or behavior changes (after just one dose), or low blood sugar (which can lead to coma).

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• low blood sugar – headache, hunger, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, or feeling shaky;
• nerve damage symptoms – numbness, tingling, burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet:
• serious mood or behavior changes – nervousness, confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, trouble concentrating, thoughts of suicide; or
• signs of tendon rupture – sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a snapping or popping sound in any of your joints (rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions).

In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, the main blood artery of the body. This could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

Also, stop using Cipro and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
• any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• muscle weakness, breathing problems;
• little or no urination;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• increased pressure inside the skull – severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.

Common Cipro side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• headache; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What other drugs will affect Cipro?

Some medicines can make Cipro much less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your dose 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take the other medicine.

• the ulcer medicine sucralfate, or antacids that contain calcium, magnesium, or aluminum (such as Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Tums, and others);
• didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets;
• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• clozapine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, phenytoin, probenecid, ropinirole, sildenafil, or theophylline;
• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• heart medication or a diuretic or “water pill”;
• oral diabetes medicine;
• products that contain caffeine;
• medicine to treat depression or mental illness;
• steroid medicine (such as prednisone)

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cephalexin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections and bone infections.

Cephalexin is used to treat infections in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cephalexin or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Omnicef, and others. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins or other antibiotics.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to cephalexin or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Ceclor, Raniclor);
• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefpodoxime (Vantin);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftibuten (Cedax);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin); and others

To make sure cephalexin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had

• an allergy to any drug (especially penicillin);
• liver or kidney disease; or
• intestinal problems, such as colitis.

Cephalexin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Cephalexin can pass into breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take cephalexin?

Take cephalexin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not use cephalexin to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Use cephalexin for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share cephalexin with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your urine.

What to avoid

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Cephalexin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to cephalexin (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• a seizure;
• pale skin, cold hands and feet;
• yellowed skin, dark colored urine;
• fever, weakness; or
• pain in your side or lower back, painful urination.

Common cephalexin side effects may include:

• diarrhea;
• nausea, vomiting;
• indigestion, stomach pain; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What other drugs will affect cephalexin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• metformin; or
• probenecid.