Why is this medication prescribed?    

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is also used to prevent or treat anthrax in people who may have been exposed to anthrax germs in the air. 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.

How should this medicine be used?   

Ciprofloxacin injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be given through a needle or catheter placed in your vein. It is usually infused (injected slowly) intravenously (into a vein) over a period of 60 minutes, usually every 8 to 12 hours. Ciprofloxacin injection should be infused at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or other health care provider to explain any part you do not understand. Use ciprofloxacin injection exactly as directed. Do not infuse it more quickly than directed, and do not use more or less of it, or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.If this medication is infused more quickly than directed, there may be damage to the vein or to the skin near the injection area.

If you will be administering ciprofloxacin injection at home, your health care provider will show you how to infuse the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your health care provider if you have any questions. Ask your health care provider what to do if you have any problems administering ciprofloxacin injection.

Before you administer ciprofloxacin, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Gently squeeze the bag or observe the solution container to make sure there are no leaks. Do not use the solution if it is discolored, if it contains particles, or if the bag or container leaks. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.

Do not infuse ciprofloxacin into a vein at the same time as you infuse any other medication.

You should begin feeling better during the first few days of your treatment with ciprofloxacin. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Use ciprofloxacin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using ciprofloxacin too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

After you use one or more doses of ciprofloxacin injection, your doctor may tell you to start taking ciprofloxacin tablets or liquid by mouth instead of using ciprofloxacin injection. Make sure you understand and follow your doctor's directions.

Other uses for this medicine     

In the event of biological warfare, ciprofloxacin may be used to treat and prevent dangerous illnesses that are deliberately spread such as plague, tularemia, and anthrax of the skin or mouth.Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?     

Your health care provider will probably tell you to store your medication at room temperature. Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand how to store your medication properly. Throw away any medication that is expired or no longer needed. Talk to your health care provider about the proper disposal of your medication.

Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place out of the reach of children when you are not using them. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.

In case of emergency/overdose     

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?     

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ciprofloxacin.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the ciprofloxacin, call your doctor.

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