Ciprofloxacin Tablets (Generic)

What is Ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is an oral antibiotic used to treat susceptible bacterial infections in multiple animal species.

Who is it for?
It is for cats and dogs that are not rapidly growing.

What are the benefits?

Ciprofloxacin is a prescription broad-spectrum antibiotic used in cats and dogs to treat bacterial infections of the urinary tract, skin, and other organs.

How does Ciprofloxacin work?
It works by blocking the bacteria's ability to make DNA, resulting in death of the bacteria.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
This is a generic medication.

How is it given?
Ciprofloxacin tablets are given orally. Provide plenty of fresh water for your pet to drink. If possible, should NOT be given with food. Do not give within two hours of giving dairy products.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Use all of the medication prescribed, even if your pet appears well. If the entire course of treatment is not given, the infection may recur or worsen.

What results can I expect?
Ciprofoxacin is absorbed from the intestinal tract and is carried by the bloodstream to many tissues of the body where it kills susceptible bacteria. To be effective, ciprofloxacin must be given multiple days in a row. If doses are missed or the entire treatment regimen is not completed, the infection could recur or worsen. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with ciprofloxacin.

What form(s) does it come in?
This medication comes in tablet form.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Cipro®

Pronunciation
sip-row-FLOX-ah-sin

Common Drug Name
Ciprofloxacin

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Ciprofloxacin?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is taking Ciprofloxacin. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has a history of seizures, may be pregnant or is nursing, or if you intend to breed your pet.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Follow your veterinarian's directions and give the full course of Ciprofloxacin as prescribed. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Ciprofloxacin. Do NOT use in rapidly growing dogs unless under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to Ciprofloxacin or similar drugs such as enrofloxacin (Baytril®).

Use with caution in animals with central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as epilepsy, as it could possibly cause seizures. Use with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease. In pets taking quinolone antibiotics, dehydration increases the risk of seizures.

May cause problems in the development of bones/joints of young growing animals, including large breeds of dogs under 18 months of age. Only use in growing animals if under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Do not use in breeding animals or pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young).

This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

What side effects may be seen when taking Ciprofloxacin?
You may see lack of appetite and vomiting. Central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as seizures or dizziness could potentially occur, but are rare. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.

If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Store in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container between 40-86°F. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
May see lack of appetite, vomiting, dizziness, or seizures. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Ciprofloxacin?
Consult your veterinarian before using Ciprofloxacin with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, antacids, other antibiotics, sucralfate, warfarin, phenytoin, oral cyclosporine, theophylline, or probenecid, since interactions may occur.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.