COMMON USES Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. Ciprofloxacin tablets and suspension (liquid) are used to treat pneumonia (lung infection); bronchitis (infection of the tubes that lead to the lungs); some types of gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted disease); diarrhea caused by bacteria; typhoid fever (a contagious illness common in developing countries); and bone, joint, skin, prostate (a male reproductive gland), sinus, and urinary tract (bladder) infections. Ciprofloxacin is also used to prevent and/or treat anthrax in people exposed to anthrax germs in the air. Ciprofloxacin is also used with another medication to treat certain infections of the internal organs. Ciprofloxacin extended release (long-acting) tablets are used to treat urinary tract and kidney infections. Ciprofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Ciprofloxacin comes as a tablet, a suspension (liquid) and an extended release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth with or without food. The tablet and suspension are usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day). The extended release tablets are usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take ciprofloxacin, take it around the same time(s) every day. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have. Your doctor will tell you how long you need to take ciprofloxacin. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ciprofloxacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the extended release tablets whole; do not split, crush, or chew them. If you are taking the liquid, shake the bottle for 15 seconds before each use to mix the medication evenly. Swallow the correct dose without chewing the granules in the liquid. Do not give the liquid to a patient through a feeding tube. If you are taking the tablets or extended release tablets, swallow them with a full glass of water. You should begin feeling better during the first few days of treatment with ciprofloxacin. If you do not, call your doctor. Take ciprofloxacin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking ciprofloxacin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely cured and bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin is also sometimes used to treat patients with cystic fibrosis who have lung infections. Ciprofloxacin is sometimes used to treat various sexually transmitted diseases and various infections such as Legionnaire disease (a type of lung infection), cat scratch disease (an infection that may develop after a patient is bitten or scratched by a cat), and brucellosis (a type of infection that causes a rising and falling fever and other symptoms). In the event of biological warfare, ciprofloxacin may be used to treat and prevent dangerous illness that are deliberately spread such as plague, tularemia, and anthrax of the skin or mouth. Ciprofloxacin may also be used to reduce the amount of certain types of bacteria in the nose to prevent serious illness. Ciprofloxacin may be used with another medication to treat disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) (a type of lung disease that often affects people with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] ), and tuberculosis (TB) (a type of lung infection). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. . SPECIAL DIETARY INSTRUCTIONS Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products (like milk or yogurt) or calcium-added juices alone. You may take ciprofloxacin with a meal that includes these foods.