APO CIPROFLOX, 500MG, TABLET

Common uses

This medication contains an antibiotic from the quinolone family. Typically, it is used to treat infections. It requires several days to take effect.

How to use this medication

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Generally, a treatment with this medication lasts several days. Take it for the entire time prescribed in order to achieve the medication's full benefit.

It is not advisable to chew or crush this medication since it has an unpleasant taste. If you forget a dose and there is more than 6 hours left before the next dose, take immediately the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up.

This medication may be taken with or without food. However, avoid taking this medication with a meal or a snack mainly constituted of dairy products. Moreover, avoid taking antacids or multivitamins for at least 6 hours before and 2 hours after this medication. Also avoid mineral supplements (calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc).

To maximize its effectiveness, it is preferable to avoid taking orange juice for at least 4 hours before and 4 hours after this medication.

Possible side effects

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:

• it may cause diarrhea;
• it may cause drowsiness or dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving;
• it may cause abdominal discomfort;
• it may cause nausea and vomiting;
• it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun.

Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Storage information

As with most medications, this product should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed of safely.

Additional information

This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.

Rarely, this product causes damage to tendons, nerves or central nervous system disorders. Contact your doctor if you experience joint or muscle pain, tingling, numbness, weakness or confusion. Reactions can occur hours to weeks after taking the medication.

General information

When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:

• Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
• If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
• If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
• The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.

It is also strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take and carry it with you at all times. This could be useful if you have to see a health professional or need emergency care.

Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.