Antibiotic for Urinary Tract and Bacterial Infections
Ciprofloxacin
(generic Bactrim™ Substitute for Sulfa Allergy )
What is this medication?
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections in adults. It works by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to grow and reproduce, which helps stop the infection from spreading in the body.
This medication may be prescribed to treat infections such as:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Kidney infections
Certain gastrointestinal infections
Respiratory infections
Skin or soft tissue infections
Prostate infections
Some serious bacterial infections identified by a provider
Ciprofloxacin only works against bacterial infections. It will not treat viral illnesses such as colds, influenza, or most sore throats.
This medication should only be used when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.
SOLO: 14 Tablets; 500mg
DUO: 28 Tablets; 500mg
QUAD: 84 Tablets; 500mg
Travel Kit Substitutes for Allergies:
Sulfa Allergy Adjustment: Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) excluded. Ciprofloxacin may be substituted as an alternative.
When should this medication be used?
Your provider may recommend this medication if you develop symptoms of a bacterial infection while traveling.
Situations where this medication may be used include:
painful or frequent urination
burning sensation when urinating
fever with urinary symptoms
abdominal pain with suspected bacterial infection
severe traveler’s diarrhea caused by bacteria
worsening infection symptoms that do not improve
Antibiotics should only be started when a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed.
Do not take antibiotics unnecessarily. Improper use can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which makes infections harder to treat in the future.
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General instructions for safe use include:
Take the medication exactly as prescribed
Take doses at evenly spaced times to keep a consistent level of medication in your body
Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water
Drink plenty of fluids during treatment unless your provider tells you otherwise
Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better early
Do not skip doses or stop the medication unless instructed by your provider
Additional important guidance specific to ciprofloxacin:
This medication may be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset
Avoid taking ciprofloxacin at the same time as antacids, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or multivitamins, as these can reduce how well the medication works
Take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after these products
Avoid excessive caffeine while taking this medication, as ciprofloxacin can increase caffeine effects
Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen, as this medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight
Because ciprofloxacin has specific absorption requirements and safety considerations, it is important to follow instructions carefully to ensure the medication works effectively and safely.
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If you miss a dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose
Do not take two doses at the same time
Always follow the instructions on the pharmacy label provided with your medication.
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While taking ciprofloxacin:
Stop taking the medication and seek medical care immediately if you develop tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation, especially in the ankle, shoulder, or other joints
Avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise if you notice any tendon discomfort, as this medication increases the risk of tendon injury or rupture
Pay close attention to any unusual nerve-related symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your arms or legs and report these immediately, as nerve damage may become permanent
Monitor for changes in mood, behavior, or mental status, including anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, or trouble sleeping, and contact your provider if these occur
Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen, as your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight while taking this medication
Stay well hydrated throughout treatment unless your provider advises otherwise
Avoid taking this medication at the same time as antacids, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or multivitamins, as these can interfere with absorption
Inform any healthcare provider that you are taking ciprofloxacin, especially if you are being treated for other conditions or prescribed new medications
Tell your provider immediately if you have worsening muscle weakness or breathing difficulty, especially if you have a history of myasthenia gravis
Risks while taking ciprofloxacin:
Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics associated with serious and potentially permanent side effects, including:
tendon rupture, which can occur during or even months after treatment
nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) that may be irreversible
central nervous system effects such as seizures, dizziness, or psychiatric symptoms
worsening of muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis
These side effects can occur quickly, sometimes after the first dose, and require immediate medical attention if they develop.
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Ciprofloxacin may interact with other medications and affect how they work or increase your risk of side effects.
Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter products, supplements, and herbal products.
Examples of potential interactions include:
Antacids or supplements containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc: These can significantly reduce how well ciprofloxacin is absorbed. Take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after these products
Multivitamins or mineral supplements: These may interfere with absorption and reduce effectiveness
Caffeine: Ciprofloxacin can increase the effects of caffeine, which may cause jitteriness, anxiety, or trouble sleeping
Blood thinners (such as warfarin): May increase the risk of bleeding and require monitoring
Diabetes medications (including insulin or oral medications): May affect blood sugar levels, leading to low or high blood sugar
Corticosteroids (such as prednisone): May increase the risk of tendon injury or rupture
Antiarrhythmic medications or other drugs that affect heart rhythm: May increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms
Theophylline: May increase the risk of serious side effects, including nervous system effects
NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen): May increase the risk of central nervous system side effects, including seizures
If you are unsure whether your medications may interact with ciprofloxacin, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting this medication.
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When traveling with antibiotics:
Keep the medication in its original labeled pharmacy container
Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Carry medications in your carry-on bag when flying
Do not share antibiotics with others
Only begin treatment according to your provider’s instructions
If symptoms worsen or do not improve within several days, seek medical care.
Important Safety Information
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Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, which have been associated with serious and sometimes permanent side effects.
Some serious reactions may occur together or shortly after starting treatment.
Most serious warnings may include:
tendon inflammation or tendon rupture
nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
central nervous system effects such as seizures or confusion
worsening muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis
severe allergic reactions
serious intestinal infections
heart rhythm abnormalities
severe skin reactions
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are sometimes reserved for situations where other treatment options may not be appropriate due to these risks.
Tendon Injury Risk
Ciprofloxacin can increase the risk of tendon inflammation or tendon rupture, particularly involving the Achilles tendon.
Risk may be higher if you:
are over age 60
take corticosteroid medications
have kidney disease
have had tendon problems before
have had an organ transplant
Tendon rupture can occur during treatment or even months after finishing the medication.
Stop taking the medication and seek medical care immediately if you experience:
sudden tendon pain
swelling or inflammation near a joint
a snapping or popping sensation in a tendon
bruising after a tendon injury
inability to move the affected area
Nerve Damage (Peripheral Neuropathy)
Ciprofloxacin may cause nerve damage in the arms or legs, which may become permanent if treatment continues.
Stop taking the medication and contact a healthcare provider immediately if you develop:
numbness
burning pain
tingling sensations
weakness in the arms or legs
Central Nervous System Effects
Some patients may experience neurological or psychiatric symptoms while taking this medication.
Symptoms may include:
dizziness
confusion
tremors
anxiety or agitation
hallucinations
nightmares
seizures
depression
severe headaches
changes in mood or behavior
Seek medical attention if any unusual neurological symptoms occur.
Worsening of Myasthenia Gravis
Ciprofloxacin may worsen muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis, which can lead to breathing problems.
Patients with this condition should inform their provider before starting treatment.
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Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
tendon pain or swelling
numbness, burning, or tingling in the limbs
severe diarrhea or bloody stools
chest pain or irregular heartbeat
severe dizziness or fainting
hallucinations or confusion
yellowing of the skin or eyes
difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
These symptoms may indicate a serious reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
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Do not take ciprofloxacin if you:
have a known allergy to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics
have had a serious allergic reaction to this medication in the past
have a history of severe side effects from fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including tendon problems, nerve damage, or central nervous system reactions
have myasthenia gravis, as this medication may worsen muscle weakness and breathing problems
are taking certain medications that are known to have serious interactions with ciprofloxacin (your provider will review this with you)
This medication is typically not recommended unless clearly needed in individuals with higher risk for serious side effects.
If you are unsure whether ciprofloxacin is safe for you, speak with your healthcare provider before starting the medication.
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Tell your healthcare provider if you:
are allergic to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics
have had tendon problems related to antibiotic use
have nerve disorders
have a history of seizures
have heart rhythm disorders
have kidney disease
have myasthenia gravis
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
are breastfeeding
take other prescription or over-the-counter medications
Certain medications may interact with ciprofloxacin.
Always provide your healthcare provider with a full list of medications and supplements.
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Ciprofloxacin can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious. While many people tolerate this medication well, it is important to be aware of how your body responds during treatment.
Common side effects may include:
nausea
diarrhea
stomach discomfort
headache
dizziness
trouble sleeping
rash or skin irritation
increased sensitivity to sunlight
These effects are usually mild but should be reported if they become severe or persistent.
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Taking more ciprofloxacin than prescribed can increase your risk of serious side effects.
Symptoms of an overdose may include:
nausea or vomiting
dizziness or lightheadedness
confusion or unusual changes in thinking
tremors or shaking
seizures
difficulty concentrating or unusual behavior
kidney-related symptoms such as changes in urination
In more serious cases, overdose may lead to significant effects on the nervous system, including seizures or severe confusion.
If you think you have taken too much of this medication:
contact your healthcare provider immediately
call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222
seek emergency medical care if symptoms are severe or worsening
Do not wait for symptoms to appear if a large amount has been taken.
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Dispose of unused or expired ciprofloxacin properly to prevent accidental use or harm.
Do not flush this medication down the toilet unless specifically instructed to do so
Do not pour it into drains or sinks
Keep the medication in its original container until you are ready to dispose of it
Use a medication take-back program if one is available in your area. Many pharmacies or local law enforcement agencies offer safe disposal options
If a take-back program is not available, remove the tablets from their packaging and mix them with an undesirable substance such as dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter. Place the mixture in a sealed bag or container and dispose of it in the household trash
Remove or scratch out any personal information on the prescription label before discarding the container
Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets at all times.
Disclaimers
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Some Travel Medical Kits may include prescription antibiotics that have been prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider for emergency use during travel when timely access to medical care may be limited.
These medications are intended to help patients manage certain suspected bacterial infections that may occur during travel when medical evaluation is not immediately available. Antibiotics included in travel kits should only be used according to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the guidance outlined in your medication safety guide.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral illnesses, including the common cold, influenza, or most sore throats. Using antibiotics when they are not medically necessary can contribute to antibiotic resistance and may expose patients to unnecessary medication risks.
Patients should only begin an antibiotic when symptoms clearly match the guidance provided in the medication instructions or when directed by a licensed healthcare provider.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or do not improve within the expected time frame, patients should seek medical care as soon as possible.
Travel kit antibiotics are intended for short-term use during travel and should not be used for routine illnesses or without appropriate medical guidance.
Patients should never share prescription medications with others and should never take antibiotics that were prescribed for another individual.
To help prevent antibiotic overuse, antibiotic stockpiling, and unsafe self-treatment, Superior Health & Wellness’s practices the following stewardship principles:
antibiotics are prescribed only after review by a licensed provider for appropriate travel-related use
quantities are limited to the intended treatment course
refills or replacement requests require clinical review, and may be limited
patients should not save antibiotics for unrelated future illnesses or share them with others
patients should contact a provider if symptoms worsen, do not improve, or appear inconsistent with a bacterial infection
antibiotics in travel kits are intended for appropriate, provider-directed use only
These stewardship principles align with the prescribing information’s warnings to use the medication only for proven or strongly suspected bacterial infections and to counsel patients against misuse that can contribute to drug-resistant bacteria.
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This prescription may have been issued through a telemedicine consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. If you experience severe symptoms, worsening illness, or any concerning reactions while using this medication, contact your prescribing clinician immediately or seek emergency medical care.
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This medication guide summarizes important safety information derived from pharmacy labeling, medication manufacturers, and prescribing references. It is intended to help patients understand the safe use of medications included in the Superior Health & Wellness Travel Medical Kit.
This guide does not contain the complete prescribing information for Ciprofloxacin. Always follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider and the instructions on the pharmacy label that accompanies your prescription.
Medications included in travel medical kits are prescribed only after a clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. Prescriptions are issued based on your medical history, current medications, allergies, and overall health needs. Not all patients will qualify for every medication or kit configuration, and the contents of each kit may vary based on provider discretion and patient suitability.
Some medications included in travel medical kits are commercially manufactured medications dispensed through licensed pharmacies. In certain cases, a medication may be provided as a compounded formulation prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy when a provider determines that a compounded version is medically appropriate for a patient. Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness but are prepared by licensed pharmacies in accordance with applicable pharmacy regulations.
Travel Medical Kits are intended to provide limited medication support during travel when timely access to medical care may be difficult. These kits are not a substitute for routine medical care, primary care services, or emergency medical treatment. Purchasing a Travel Medical Kit does not establish a primary care relationship with Superior Health & Wellness and does not include ongoing medical supervision beyond the initial provider evaluation used to determine eligibility for the kit.
Patients experiencing severe illness, worsening symptoms, medication reactions, or medical emergencies should seek immediate medical care or contact a licensed healthcare professional.
Medical services and prescriptions offered through Superior Health & Wellness are provided by licensed healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Prescription medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies following a valid provider prescription.
Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription medications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.