Consumer Information for: BIO-CIPROFLOXACIN

Consumer Information

Information about the product including what the product is used for, dosage, warnings, proper use and side effects. This summary will not tell you everything about the product. Contact your healthcare professional if you have any questions about the product.


What the medication is used for

BIO-Ciprofloxacin is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections.

Antibacterial drugs like BIO-Ciprofloxacin treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections such as the common cold. Although you may feel better early in treatment, BIO-Ciprofloxacin should be taken exactly as directed. Misuse or overuse of BIO-Ciprofloxacin could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by BIO-Ciprofloxacin (resistance). This means that BIO-Ciprofloxacin may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine.

What it does

BIO-Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that kill the bacteria causing the infection.

When it should not be used

  • you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
  • you are allergic to any other ingredients in this product (see “What are ingredients in BIO-Ciprofloxacin Tablets”).
  • you are taking tizanidine (ZANAFLEX®). Side effects such as drowsiness, sleepiness and low blood pressure may occur.
  • are currently taking agomelatinea . Agomelatine concentrations may increase and may cause further side effects such as liver toxicity.

aCurrently not marketed in Canada

What the medicinal ingredient is

Ciprofloxacin as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride

What the non-medicinal ingredients are

Colloidal Anhydrous Silica, Crospovidone, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Maize Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Pregelatinized Starch, Polyethylene Glycol, Purified Talc, and Titanium Dioxide.

What dosage form it comes in

BIO-Ciprofloxacin 500 mg Tablets: White to off-white, capsule shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets, with ‘500’ debossed on one side and plain on other side. Bottles of 100’s and 500’s.

Warnings and precautions

Serious Warnings and Precautions

  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, like BIO-Ciprofloxacin, are related to disabling and possibly long lasting effects such as:
    • Inflamed tendon (tendonitis), tendon rupture.
    • Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy).
    • Problems in the brain such as:
      • convulsions
      • nervous breakdown
      • confusion
      • and other symptoms
  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, like BIO-Ciprofloxacin:
    • Have lengthened the heartbeat (QT prolongation)
    • Have led to serious allergic reactions, including death
    • May be related to increased tendonitis (inflamed tendon)
    • May worsen myasthenia gravis (a muscle disease)
    • May lead to seizures and nervous breakdowns. Tell your doctor if you have brain or spinal cord problems (such as epilepsy)
    • May cause liver injury which may lead to death
  • For further information and symptoms see:
    • the “To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, …” section
    • the “What are possible side effects from using BIO-Ciprofloxacin?” section

Talk to your doctor to see if BIO-Ciprofloxacin is right for you.

  • have a history of seizures.
  • have an irregular heart rhythm (such as QT prolongation).
  • have low potassium blood levels.
  • have liver or kidney disease or damage.
  • are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breast feeding or planning to breast feed.
  • are less than 18 years of age.
  • have a history of tendon problems (such as pain, swelling or rupture of a tendon) related to the use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
  • have myasthenia gravis (a muscle disease).
  • have an aortic aneurysm which is an abnormal bulge in a large blood vessel called the aorta.
  • have or if anyone in your family has a condition called aneurysm disease which is an abnormal bulge in any large blood vessel in the body.
  • have an aortic dissection which is a tear in the wall of the aorta.
  • have any of the following conditions: Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Takayasu arteritis, giant cell arteritis or Behcet’s disease.
  • have high blood pressure.
  • have atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of your blood vessels.

Other warnings you should know about

Blood Sugar Changes

Medicines like BIO-Ciprofloxacin can cause blood sugar levels to rise and drop in patients with diabetes. Serious cases of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) that caused coma or death have been seen with medicines like BIO-Ciprofloxacin. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels often while taking BIO-Ciprofloxacin.

While taking BIO-Ciprofloxacin:

  • Avoid too much sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light (such as sunlamps).
    • Contact your doctor if a sunburn or rash occurs.
  • Do not drive or use machinery if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Quinolones, including BIO-Ciprofloxacin have been associated with an enlargement or “bulge” of a large blood vessel called the aorta (aortic aneurysm) and a tear in the aorta wall (aortic dissection)

  • The risk of these problems is higher if you:
    • are elderly
    • have or anyone in your family has had aneurysm disease
    • have an aortic aneurysm or an aortic dissection
    • have any of the following conditions: Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Takayasu arteritis or giant cell arteritis or Behcet’s disease
    • have high blood pressure or atherosclerosis

If you experience sudden, severe pain in your abdomen, chest or back, a pulsating sensation in your abdomen, dizziness or loss of consciousness, get immediate medical help.

Tendon problems can happen within the first 48 hours of treatment.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

Interactions with this medication
  • Theophylline or VIDEX® (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder. Serious and fatal reactions have been reported in patients receiving ciprofloxacin, and theophylline.
  • Antacids, multivitamins, and other dietary supplements containing magnesium, calcium, aluminum, iron or zinc (see “How to take BIO-Ciprofloxacin”).
  • Antidiabetic agents (such as glyburide, glibenclamide, glimepiride, insulin); the combination of any of these agents with ciprofloxacin may cause lower blood sugar.
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS).
  • Caffeine (such as coffee) and other xanthine derivatives (such as pentoxifylline).
  • Certain heart medications known as antiarrhythmics (such as quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol).
  • Other medications including:
    • oral anticoagulants (like warfarin and acenocoumarol),
    • phenytoin, duloxetine, methylxanthines, sevelamer,
    • sucralfate, clozapine, ropinirole, lidocaine, sildenafil, probenecid,
    • methotrexate, metoclopramide, cyclosporine, lanthanum carbonate, zolpidem.

Proper use of this medication
  • BIO-Ciprofloxacin should be taken as prescribed at almost the same times each day with food or on an empty stomach.
  • BIO-Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with dairy products (like milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone; however, BIO-Ciprofloxacin may be taken with a meal that contains these products (see “The following may interact with BIO-Ciprofloxacin”).
  • You should avoid excessive caffeine consumption while taking BIO-Ciprofloxacin.
  • You should drink lots of water while taking BIO-Ciprofloxacin.
  • Swallow the BIO-Ciprofloxacin tablets whole, with water as needed. DO NOT SPLIT, CRUSH, OR CHEW THE TABLET.
  • If you are taking the following medicines, take them at least 6 hours before or 2 hours after BIOCiprofloxacin:
    • antacids or mineral supplements containing magnesium or aluminium
    • sucralfate
    • supplements containing iron or zinc
    • any product (supplement or food) with more than 800 mg calcium
  • Do not use BIO-Ciprofloxacin for another condition or give it to others.

You should take BIO-Ciprofloxacin for as long as your doctor prescribes it, even after you start to feel better. Stopping an antibiotic too early may result in failure to cure your infection.

Usual Dose

Your doctor (healthcare provider) will tell you how much of the medicine to take and for how long. This information does not take the place of discussions with your doctor or health care professional about your medication or treatment.

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much BIO-Ciprofloxacin, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed Dose

Take the normal dose as soon as possible and then continue as prescribed. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you are unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare professional.

Side effects and what to do about them

All medicines, including BIO-Ciprofloxacin, can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking BIO-Ciprofloxacin. If you experience any side effects not listed here or if conditions worsen or do not improve then:

  • contact your healthcare professional.
  • see the “To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use,…” section.

Stop taking BIO-Ciprofloxacin and contact your doctor if:

  1. you have symptoms of an allergic reaction such as:
    • rash, hives, blistering or other skin reaction
    • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
    • difficulty breathing
    • irregular or rapid heartbeat, or fainting spells
  2. you have sunburn-like skin reaction when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light.
  3. you have pain, swelling or rupture of a tendon. These side effects may last more than 30 days.You should:
    • rest
    • avoid physical exercise
  4. you have neuropathy (damage to the nerves) with symptoms such as:
    • pain, burning, tingling, numbness or weakness
  5. you have severe diarrhea (bloody or watery) with or without:
    • fever
    • stomach pain or tenderness
      • You may have Clostridium difficile colitis (bowel inflammation). See your doctor right away.
  6. you have mental problems such as:
    • confusion, headache, shaking
    • hallucinations, depression, agitation
    • difficulty sleeping, anxiety, nervousness, suicidal thoughts

      • These side effects may last more than 30 days.

      Contact your doctor if you have suicidal thoughts.

Other side effects include:

  • your eyesight worsens or changes. These side effects may last more than 30 days. See your doctor or eye specialist right away.
  • nausea, dizziness, unsteady walk
  • gas, cramping, feeling unwell,
  • loss of hearing, problems of smell and taste, loss of appetite. These side effects may last more than 30 days.
  • migraine, sweating
  • worsening of myasthenia gravis (a muscle disease) with symptoms such as:
    • weakness
    • difficulty walking, swallowing, drooping eyelids
      • Do not use BIO-Ciprofloxacin if you have this condition.

Self-Limiting Side Effects:

  • feeling lightheaded
  • insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
  • nightmares

If any of these affect you severely, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects and what to do about them
Symptom / effect Talk to your healthcare professional Only if severe Talk to your healthcare professional In all cases Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help
Rare
Allergic Reaction:
  • rash
  • hives (skin eruptions)
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
  • difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • rapid heartbeat
     ✔
Mental Health Problems:
  • anxiety
  • confusion
  • depression
  • feeling agitated
  • restless or nervous
  • suicidal thoughts or actions hallucinations
  • inability to think clearly or pay attention
  • memory loss
  • paranoia or loss of touch with reality
(These side effects may last more than 30 days)		     ✔
Neurological Problems:
  • seizures (convulsion)
  • tremors
   ✔  
Rise in the Pressure within your skull:
  • blurred or double vision
  • headaches
  • nausea
   ✔  
Photosensitivity Reaction: Sensitivity to light, blistering of skin     ✔
Tendon pain, inflammation, or rupture (these side effects may last more than 30 days)     ✔
Increased Blood Sugar:
  • frequent urination
  • thirst
  • hunger
  • tiredness
  • blurred vision
  • headache
  • trouble concentrating
 ✔    
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar):
  • change in mood
  • change in vision
  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • fast heartbeat
  • feeling faint
  • headache
  • hunger
  • shaking
  • sweating
  • weakness
   ✔  
Unknown
Aortic aneurysm (abnormal bulge in a large blood vessel called the aorta) /Aortic dissection (tear in the wall of the aorta):
  • dizziness
  • loss of consciousness
  • pulsating sensation in the abdomen
  • sudden, severe pain in abdomen, chest or back
     ✔
Severe Bowel Disorder (Clostridium difficile colitis):
  • persistent diarrhea,
  • bloody or watery diarrhea,
  • abdominal or stomach pain/cramping,
  • blood/mucus in stool
     ✔
Nerve Disorder (Neuropathy): pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness     ✔
Liver Disorder: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pale stools   ✔  
Heart Disorder (QT Prolongation): irregular heartbeat   ✔  

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.

How to store

Tablets: Store at room temperature 15°C- 30°C in a dry place.

Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Reporting side effects

You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:

NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.

More information

  • Talk to your health care professional
  • Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/healthcanada.html); by contacting Biomed Pharma at 1-888-731-6703 or info@biomed-pharma.ca.

This leaflet was prepared by:

Biomed Pharma
1B-9450 Boulevard Langelier
Montreal, Quebec H1P 3H8
Canada

Last revised: July 23, 2020

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