C-Flox (Ciprofloxacin (As Hydrochloride))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is C-Flox Used For?
C-Flox is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of medicines called quinolones. It works by killing the bacteria that cause your infection.
Primary Uses
C-Flox treats certain bacterial infections of the lungs, skin, bones and joints, kidney and bladder, prostate, and bowel. It is also used to treat inhalational anthrax (an infection caused by breathing in bacterial spores).
How It Works
C-Flox kills bacteria causing your infection. It does not work against infections caused by viruses, such as colds or flu.
Good to know: C-Flox only works against bacterial infections, not viral infections like colds or flu
How to Take C-Flox
Your doctor will tell you exactly how much and how often to take C-Flox based on your type of infection and medical conditions.
Dosage Instructions
The usual adult dose is one tablet twice daily for 7 to 14 days. Some infections may require longer treatment (up to 28 days or more). Elderly people and those with kidney problems may need smaller doses. Swallow tablets whole with water. Take at the same time each day, preferably on an empty stomach, though it can be taken with or without food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If 6 hours or more until your next dose: take the missed dose right away, then take the next dose at your regular time. If less than 6 hours until your next dose: skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe skin rashes or peeling skin
- allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing problems)
- fainting
- yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- severe watery or bloody diarrhea
- seizures or convulsions
- confusion, nightmares, hallucinations, or thoughts of self-harm
- fast or irregular heartbeats
- vision problems
- ringing in ears or hearing loss
- severe abdominal pain
- pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in limbs
- tendon pain, swelling, or rupture
- high or low blood sugar symptoms
- worsening of myasthenia gravis symptoms
Important Warnings
C-Flox can cause serious, disabling, and potentially irreversible side effects that may be long-lasting (more than 30 days).
Who Should Not Take C-Flox
Do not take if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics (including nalidixic acid, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin), or any ingredients. Do not take with tizanidine (a muscle relaxant) as this can cause dangerous side effects. Not recommended for children under 18 years except for inhalational anthrax.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: epilepsy, fits, seizures or convulsions; stroke; kidney or liver disease; heart rhythm problems; conditions requiring corticosteroid treatment; myasthenia gravis; history of tendon problems with quinolones; mental illness; or diabetes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Not recommended during pregnancy as similar medicines have caused joint problems in young animals. Do not take while breastfeeding as C-Flox passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.
Serious Warning: Some serious side effects may be long-lasting (more than 30 days) and disabling, including tendonitis, tendon rupture, muscle and bone disorders, and nervous system effects including mental health problems
Drug Interactions
Many medicines can interact with C-Flox. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Heart rhythm medicines
- Theophylline (asthma medicine)
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Phenytoin (epilepsy medicine)
- Diabetes medicines
- Didanosine (viral infection medicine)
- Ciclosporin (immune system medicine)
- NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory medicines)
- Methotrexate
- Duloxetine (depression medicine)
- Clozapine (schizophrenia medicine)
- Ropinirole (Parkinson’s medicine)
- Lidocaine (local anesthetic)
- Pentoxifylline (circulation medicine)
- Sildenafil (erectile dysfunction medicine)
- Agomelatine (depression medicine)
- Zolpidem (sleep medicine)
- Levothyroxine (thyroid medicine) – take C-Flox 6 hours before or after
- Multivitamins, minerals, antacids containing iron, zinc, magnesium, aluminum, or calcium – take C-Flox 2 hours before or after
- Sucralfate (ulcer medicine) – take C-Flox 2 hours before or after
- HIV medicines – take C-Flox 2 hours before or after
- Probenecid (gout medicine)
- Omeprazole (stomach acid medicine)
- Sevelamer (kidney disease medicine) – take C-Flox 2 hours before or after
- Metoclopramide (nausea medicine) – take C-Flox 2 hours before or after
Alcohol & Driving
C-Flox can affect your ability to drive and may interact with alcohol.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol while taking C-Flox, dizziness may be worse. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how C-Flox affects you. C-Flox may cause dizziness, especially after the first few doses.
Sun Exposure
Avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight as your skin may become more prone to sunburn. If sunburn occurs, stop taking C-Flox immediately and tell your doctor.
Storage
Store C-Flox below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep tablets in the original pack until time to take them. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much C-Flox, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of treatment varies from 1 to 28 days or longer depending on the type of infection. You should continue taking it for as long as your doctor tells you, even if you feel better.
C-Flox can be taken with or without food, though it’s preferably taken on an empty stomach. Take it at the same time each day.
Do not stop taking C-Flox even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to. If you stop too soon, the infection may not clear completely or symptoms may return.
If you drink alcohol while taking C-Flox, dizziness may be worse. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
If it’s 6 hours or more until your next dose, take the missed dose right away. If it’s less than 6 hours, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.
C-Flox should be used with caution in elderly patients as they are more prone to side effects and may need smaller doses.
Yes, avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight as your skin may become more prone to sunburn. If sunburn occurs, stop taking C-Flox and tell your doctor immediately.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.