Proquin XR

Generic name: ciprofloxacin (oral) [ SIP-roe-FLOX-a-sin ]
Drug class: Quinolones and fluoroquinolones

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 23, 2023.

What is Proquin XR?

Proquin XR is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that fights different types of bacterial infections in the body.

Proquin XR is used to treat simple uncomplicated bladder infections.

It is not known if Proquin XR is safe and works in treating any infections other than uncomplicated bladder infections.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects that may not be reversible.

Proquin XR should be used only for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.

It is also not known if this medicine is safe and works in children under 18 years of age. Children have a higher chance of getting bone, joint, or (musculoskeletal) problems while taking fluoroquinolone antibiotic medicines.

Some infections are caused by viruses rather than by bacteria. Examples include viral infections in the sinuses and lungs, such as the common cold of flu. Antibiotics including ciprofloxacin do not kill viruses.

Warnings

Proquin XR can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, nerve damage, serious mood or behavior changes, or low blood sugar.

Stop using Proquin XR and call your doctor at once if you have: headache, hunger, irritability, numbness, tingling, burning pain, confusion, agitation, paranoia, problems with memory or concentration, thoughts of suicide, or sudden pain or movement problems in any of your joints.

In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, which could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

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.

Before taking this medicine

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

• you also take tizanidine; or

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

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. This can happen during treatment or several months after you stop taking Proquin XR. Tendon problems may be more likely in children and older adults, or people who use steroid medicine or have had an organ transplant.

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

• arthritis or problems with your tendons, bones or joints (especially in children);

• diabetes, low blood sugar;

• nerve problems;

• an aneurysm or blood circulation problems;

• heart problems, or a heart attack;

• muscle weakness, myasthenia gravis;

• liver or kidney disease;

• a seizure, head injury, or brain tumor;

• trouble swallowing pills;

• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or

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

Do not give Proquin XR to a child without medical advice.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while taking Proquin XR and for 2 days after your last dose.

How should I take Proquin XR?

Take Proquin XR exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Take Proquin XR at the same time each day, with or without food.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Ciprofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share Proquin XR with another person.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, doxycycline, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, metronidazole, ceftriaxone, clindamycin, levofloxacin, Augmentin

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you take extended-release tablets: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 8 hours.

Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

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 with your meals, but do not use them alone when taking your dose of Proquin XR.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Ciprofloxacin could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Tell your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Proquin XR side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Proquin XR (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, damage to your nerves (which may be permanent), serious mood or behavior changes (after just one dose), or low blood sugar (which can lead to coma).

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• low blood sugar - headache, hunger, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, or feeling shaky;

• nerve damage symptoms - numbness, tingling, burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet:

• serious mood or behavior changes nervousness, confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, trouble concentrating, thoughts of suicide; or

• 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).

In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, the main blood artery of the body. This could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

Also, stop using Proquin XR and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);

• any skin rash, no matter how mild;

• muscle weakness, breathing problems;

• little or no urination;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); 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:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

• headache; or

• abnormal liver function tests.

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.

What other drugs will affect Proquin XR?

Some medicines can make ciprofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your Proquin XR dose 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take the other medicine.

• the ulcer medicine sucralfate, or antacids that contain calcium, magnesium, or aluminum (such as Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Tums, and others);

• didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets;

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

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• clozapine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, phenytoin, probenecid, ropinirole, sildenafil, or theophylline;

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

• heart medication or a diuretic or "water pill";

• oral diabetes medicine;

• products that contain caffeine;

• medicine to treat depression or mental illness;

• steroid medicine (such as prednisone); o

• 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 ciprofloxacin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Proquin XR only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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