What is ciprofloxacin used for? 

Bactrim is a broad antibiotic that can be used for a variety of infections, but is typically used for: 

• Pneumonia 

• Urinary tract infection

• Abdominal infection (shigella, campylobacteriosis, cholera, salmonella)

What are the most common side effects seen with ciprofloxacin? 

• Musculoskeletal

  • Joint pain, abnormal gait, abnormal joint exam, joint sprains, leg pain, back pain, arthrosis, bone pain, pain, muscle pain, arm pain, and decreased range of motion in a joint (knee, elbow, ankle, hip, wrist, and shoulder)

• Gastrointestinal

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea 

    
    

Contraindications

Ciprofloxacin shouldn’t be taken if your child has had an anaphylactic reaction (hives or swelling of the tongue) to ciprofloxacin or any medication similar to ciprofloxacin (ex: levofloxacin, ofloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin). 

Tips & Tricks to administer ciprofloxacin

If your child is having difficulty taking ciprofloxacin (liquid or tablets), it can be mixed in some foods or beverages. Please keep in mind that if a medication is mixed with food or drink, it should be taken immediately. The mixture should not be saved or consumed later.

• Ciprofloxacin can be mixed with any food or beverage based on the child's preference (exceptions below). 

• Ciprofloxacin should not be mixed with dairy products such as yogurt or milk, but it can be taken with meals that contain dairy. 

• Ciprofloxacin should be administered at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids or other products containing calcium, iron, or zinc

How to store ciprofloxacin

• Ciprofloxacin tablets should be stored at room temperature. 

• Ciprofloxacin oral liquid should be stored at room temperature and be protected from freezing. 

Breast feeding considerations 

• Ciprofloxacin can be present in breast milk if being taken by the mother. 

• In some cases, the nursing infant can experience diarrhea or thrush from the ciprofloxacin in breast milk. 

• Before taking ciprofloxacin, notify your doctor that you are breastfeeding so you can discuss the risks vs. benefits to taking ciprofloxacin. 

The information in this database regarding prescription drugs is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interaction or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. See disclaimer.