There are a variety of infections that can be treated with ciprofloxacin.Cipro helps stop the growth of infections.Your doctor may want you to take it in pill or liquid form.Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions for when and how often you should take it.When combined with certain drugs and food, it can become less effective.Do you know if there are certain foods you should avoid?
Step 1: Take it at the same time every day.
When you have a consistent amount in your body, ciprofloxacin is more effective.You should try to take it at the same time every day.You should take it every day at the same exact time.It should be taken every 12 hours if you are supposed to take it twice a day.Setting a timer can help you remember to take it.You can use an alarm on your phone.
Step 2: If you don't have food, take Cipro with you.
The drug can be taken after a meal.There are a few exceptions, such as yogurt, dairy, and fortified orange juice.Cipro is less effective because of calcium.If you want to avoid this, wait 6 hours after your last meal to take Cipro or 2 hours before your next meal.Iron, zinc, and magnesium are found in some of the meals.If you've eaten a meal that's high in these minerals, take it 2 hours before your next meal or wait 6 hours to take Cipro.If you're eating a large meal, these exceptions don't apply.You can take it at any time.
Step 3: As soon as you remember, take a missed dose.
Wait for your next dose if you missed it.Don't double up on your next dose if you miss one.Take a single dose.
Step 4: Follow your doctor's instructions.
Depending on why you are taking it, how often, and how long you take it will be different.Dosage and usage instructions should be given by your doctor.You have to follow them exactly.
Step 5: The tablet should be swallowed whole.
If you are prescribed an extended-release tablet, make sure you swallow it whole.When you take it, don't smash, crush, or chew it.
Step 6: A full glass of water is required.
You don't need to eat when you take Cipro, but you should drink a full glass of water.Take the pill and then drink half of the water.
Step 7: For 15 seconds, shake the liquid medication.
Microcapsules in liquid medication look like bubbles or small beads.To evenly distribute them, shake the medicine.Before you swallow the medicine, don't chew the microcapsules.
Step 8: Measure out your dose with the cup.
Your medication will come with a measuring cup if you are prescribed liquid Cipro.If you want to measure out your dose, use that cup.This helps make sure you get the right amount of medicine.
Step 9: Take your entire prescription.
You might feel better before you finish your prescription.Even if you feel better, don't stop taking it.To make sure the infection doesn't come back, you need to take the entire prescription.
Step 10: Do not take Cipro with dairy products.
Milk and yogurt can react with the Cipro and make it less effective.Don't eat dairy products before or after you take your dose.If you eat dairy products, you should take the antibiotic Cipro before your next meal.If you're eating dairy products with a large meal, you should take your Cipro.
Step 11: Take antacids, vitamins, or supplements for at least 2 hours before taking Cipro.
If you need to take an antacid, you should take it 6 hours before you take Cipro.If you don't know how to take Cipro with antacids, vitamins, or supplements, talk to your doctor.
Step 12: Do not drink more than 2 drinks a day.
The effects of caffeine can be made to last longer.You can have coffee, tea, or soda, but not more than 2 a day.It's a good idea to avoid taking those types of drinks.It is better to have clear water.