proquin xr

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

Proquin XR is used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (acute cystitis).

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

Important information

You should not use Proquin XR if you are also taking tizanidine.

You may not be able to use Proquin XR if you have a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis.

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. This effect 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, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Proquin XR if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin, or if:

• you are also taking tizanidine; or

• you are allergic to other fluoroquinolones (gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and others).

You may not be able to use Proquin XR if you have a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis.

To make sure Proquin XR is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take medication to treat it;

• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome;

• tendon problems, arthritis or other joint problems (especially in children);

• a muscle or nerve disorder;

• trouble swallowing pills;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• seizures or epilepsy;

• a history of head injury or brain tumor;

• diabetes (especially if you take oral diabetes medication);

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

• if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin) and have "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

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. This can happen during treatment or up to several months after you stop taking Proquin XR. Tendon problems 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.

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 medication.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Ciprofloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take Proquin XR?

Proquin XR should be taken once daily for 3 days with a main meal of the day, preferably the evening meal. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day while you are taking Proquin XR.

Do not take Proquin XR at the same time that you drink milk or juices with added calcium, unless you drink them with a main meal.

Proquin XR should be taken at least 4 hours before or 2 hours after antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, sucralfate, Videx (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder, calcium, iron or zinc tablets and some multivitamin preparations. They could make ciprofloxacin less effective.

Use this medication 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.

Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

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.

What should I avoid?

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 ciprofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time:

• antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Rolaids), or the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);

• didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets;

• 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, or the first sign of a skin rash; fast heartbeat, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Proquin XR may cause swelling or tearing of (rupture) a tendon. Proquin XR can also have serious effects on your nerves, and may cause permanent nerve damage. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of tendon rupture--sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a snapping or popping sound in any of your joints (rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions); or

• nerve symptoms--numbness, tingling, burning pain, or being more sensitive to temperature, light touch, or the sense of your body position.

Stop using Proquin XR and call your doctor at once if you have:

• headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• muscle weakness or trouble breathing;

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding;

• depression, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, tremors, feeling restless or anxious, unusual thoughts or behavior, insomnia, nightmares;

• seizure (convulsions); or

• increased pressure inside the skull-- severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.

Common Proquin XR side effects may include:

• stomach discomfort, vomiting, mild diarrhea;

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• mild dizziness; or

• mild headache.

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: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Proquin XR?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Proquin XR, especially:

• cyclosporine, methotrexate, metoclopramide, omeprazole, pentoxifylline, phenytoin, probenecid, ropinirole, sildenafil, theophylline;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• heart rhythm medication--amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, and others;

• medicine to treat depression or mental illness--amitriptylline, clomipramine, clozapine, desipramine, duloxetine, iloperidone, imipramine, nortriptyline, and others; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Proquin XR, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.