Proquin XR

Generic Name: ciprofloxacin (oral) (SIP roe FLOX a sin)
Brand names: Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR, Cipro I.V., Cipro Cystitis Pack

What is Proquin XR?

Proquin XR (ciprofloxacin) is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.

Proquin XR is indicated only for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (acute cystitis) caused by susceptible strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. It is not interchangeable with other ciprofloxacin products such as Cipro.

Proquin XR may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Proquin XR

You should not use Proquin XR if you are taking tizanidine (Zanaflex), if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or similar antibiotics such as gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

Before taking Proquin XR, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, joint problems, diabetes, muscle weakness or trouble breathing, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, a history of seizures, a history of head injury or brain tumor, low levels of potassium in your blood, a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.

Slideshow: 10 Things to Know About Antibiotic Resistance

Do not take Proquin XR with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juice. Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take Proquin XR. Ciprofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. Stop taking Proquin XR and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Before taking Proquin XR

You should not use Proquin XR if:

• you are also taking tizanidine (Zanaflex);

• you have a history of myasthenia gravis; or

• you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or similar medications such as gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

To make sure you can safely take Proquin XR, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take quinidine (Quin-G), disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace);

• a history of head injury or brain tumor;

• a condition called pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure inside the skull that may cause headaches, vision loss, or other symptoms);

• a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;

• joint problems;

• kidney or liver disease;

• epilepsy or seizures;

• diabetes;

• muscle weakness or trouble breathing;

• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or

• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Proquin XR will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this Proquin XR. Ciprofloxacin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Proquin XR without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Proquin XR pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Proquin XR may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking Proquin XR and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions. Do not share Proquin XR with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you have.

How should I take Proquin XR?

Take Proquin XR exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take Proquin XR with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day while you are taking this medicine. Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.

Do not crush, chew, or break a Proquin XR extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Do not take Proquin XR with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juice. You may eat or drink these products as part of a regular meal, but do not use them alone when taking Proquin XR. They could make the medication less effective.

Take Proquin XR for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Proquin XR will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store Proquin XR at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Proquin XR dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include seizures, urination problems, weakness, or blue lips with pale skin.

What should I avoid while taking Proquin XR?

You may be taking certain other medicines that should not be taken at the same time as Proquin XR. Avoid taking the following medicines within 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take Proquin XR. These other medicines can make Proquin XR much less effective when taken at the same time:

• antacids that contain calcium, magnesium or aluminum (such as Tums, Mylanta, or Rolaids);

• the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);

• didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets; or

• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium, iron, or zinc.

Avoid caffeine while you are taking Proquin XR, because the medication can make the effects of caffeine stronger. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Proquin XR can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Call your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Proquin XR and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Proquin XR may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Proquin XR side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Proquin XR: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Proquin XR and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;

• sudden pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of movement in any of your joints;

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• confusion, hallucinations, depression, unusual thoughts or behavior;

• seizure (convulsions);

• severe headache, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes;

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness;

• urinating less than usual or not at all;

• easy bruising or bleeding;

• numbness, tingling, or unusual pain anywhere in your body;

• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or

• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your 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.

Less serious Proquin XR side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• dizziness or drowsiness;

• blurred vision;

• feeling nervous, anxious, or agitated; or

• sleep problems (insomnia or nightmares).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Proquin XR side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Proquin XR?

Do not take Proquin XR together with tizanidine (Zanaflex).

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo);

• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);

• glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase);

• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);

• metoclopramide (Reglan);

• phenytoin (Dilantin);

• probenecid (Benemid);

• ropinirole (Requip);

• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl);

• an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others; or

• steroid medication (prednisone and others).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Proquin XR. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Proquin XR.