Indications 

Cipro XL is a prescription medicine indicated for the treatment of urinary tract infections, including acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis (kidney infections), caused by susceptible strains of bacteria. 

Belonging to the class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, Cipro XL functions by eradicating the bacteria responsible for infections. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before starting treatment with Cipro XL and with every prescription refill, carefully review the accompanying medication guide and patient information leaflet. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for any inquiries or concerns. 

The appropriate dosage and duration of treatment with Cipro XL are determined by the patient’s medical condition and response to the treatment. 

Typically, this antibiotic is taken once daily as prescribed by the doctor, without regard to food intake. 

Ingest the tablets whole, without crushing or chewing, as this can lead to rapid drug release, elevating the potential for side effects. 

For the best effect, take Cipro XL exactly as directed, ideally at the same time of the day every day.  

If you miss a dose of Cipro XL by 8 hours or more from the next scheduled dose, take the missed dose and then continue as usual. If it is less than 8 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose and stick to your regular dosing schedule. 

Complete the entire prescribed course of this antibiotic, even if symptoms improve within a few days. Discontinuing it early could lead to a recurrence of the infection. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Cipro XL. Promptly notify your doctor if any of these symptoms continue or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Dizziness 
• Lightheadedness 
• Headache 
• Difficulty sleeping 

Serious Side Effects 

• Skin sensitivity to sunlight 
• Unusual bruising or bleeding 
• Signs of a new infection: 
  • New or persistent fever 
  • Persistent sore throat 
• Unusual changes in urine volume 
• Changes in urine color (red or pink) 
• Signs of liver problems: 
  • Unusual fatigue 
  • Stomach or abdominal pain 
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting 
  • Yellowing of eyes or skin 
  • Weakness 
  • Dark urine 
• Severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats 
• Sudden joint pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of joint movement 
• Watery or bloody diarrhea 
• Confusion, hallucinations, depression, unusual thoughts or behavior 
• Seizures  
• Severe headache, ringing in ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind eyes, numbness, tingling, or unusual pain anywhere in the body 
• First sign of any skin rash, regardless of its severity 
• Severe skin reaction: 
  • Fever 
  • Sore throat 
  • Facial or tongue swelling 
  • Burning in eyes 
  • Skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling 

Inform your doctor immediately if you exhibit any of the above-listed serious side effects. 

Cipro XL may rarely lead to a severe intestinal condition caused by C. difficile bacteria. This condition can occur either during treatment or several weeks to months after treatment has ended. Promptly inform your doctor if you experience: 

• Persistent diarrhea 
• Abdominal or stomach pain/cramping 
• Blood or mucus in your stool 

Avoid the use of anti-diarrhea or opioid products if you have the above symptoms, as they can potentially worsen the condition. 

Allergic Reactions 

In rare cases, Cipro XL may trigger a severe allergic response. Seek immediate medical attention if you observe signs of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Rash 
• Itching/swelling particularly, of the face/tongue/throat 
• Severe dizziness 
• Difficulty in breathing 

This list does not cover all side effects of Cipro XL. Report to your doctor if other side effects arise. 

Cautions 

Before taking Cipro XL, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to ciprofloxacin, to any of its inactive ingredients, or to other quinolone antibiotics like norfloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or ofloxacin. 

To ensure Cipro XL is safe for you, disclose to your doctor your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Diabetes 
• Heart problems (e.g., recent heart attack) 
• Joint/tendon problems (e.g., tendonitis, bursitis) 
• Kidney disease 
• Liver disease 
• Mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression) 
• Myasthenia gravis 
• Nerve problems (e.g., peripheral neuropathy) 
• Seizures 
• Conditions that increase seizure risk (e.g., brain/head injury, brain tumors, cerebral atherosclerosis) 
• Blood vessel problems (e.g., aneurysm, aorta or other blood vessel blockage, arterial hardening) 
• High blood pressure 
• Certain genetic conditions (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) 

Some products like acenocoumarol, warfarin, and strontium may interact with Cipro XL. To mitigate the chance of such drug interactions, disclose all current and recent use of medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to your healthcare providers. 

To ensure the effectiveness of Cipro XL, take it at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after using products that may interact with it. Consult your pharmacist regarding any other medications or substances you are taking. Examples include: 

• Duinapril 
• Sevelamer  
• Sucralfate 
• Vitamins/minerals (including iron and zinc supplements) 
• Products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium (e.g., antacids, didanosine solution, calcium supplements) 

Cipro XL has the potential to reduce the elimination of other medications from your system, potentially impacting their effectiveness. Some examples of affected drugs include: 

• Domperidone 
• Duloxetine 
• Fezolinetant 
• Pirfenidone 
• Tasimelteon 
• Tizanidine 

Refrain from consuming excessive caffeine-containing beverages (such as coffee, tea, and colas), ingesting substantial amounts of chocolate, or using over-the-counter products containing caffeine while taking Cipro XL, as it may potentiate and extend the effects of caffeine. 

Calcium-rich foods, like dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt) or calcium-enriched juice, can potentially reduce the efficacy of Cipro XL. To mitigate this effect, take this medication at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after consuming calcium-rich foods unless they are part of a larger meal containing non-calcium-rich components, which can counteract the calcium-binding effect. 

Cipro XL may reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, like the typhoid vaccine. Inform your healthcare provider about your use of this medication before receiving any immunizations or vaccinations. 

Cipro XL can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight or UV light. Take precautions by limiting exposure to sunlight or UV light (including tanning beds and sunlamps) and use protective measures like clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If you notice redness, swelling, or blistering resembling a severe sunburn, contact your doctor. 

Rarely, taking Cipro XL may significantly alter blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar as prescribed and communicate the results with your healthcare provider. 

Cipro XL should only be taken during pregnancy only if necessary. Consult your doctor for a comprehensive evaluation of potential risks and benefits. 

Ciprofloxacin can transfer to breast milk and potentially cause adverse effects in a nursing baby. Seek guidance from your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while taking this antibiotic.