|  | Conditions Treatments | Prescription Drugs

Dietary Tips to Offset the Side Effects of Cipro

Doctors prescribe Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) to treat bacterial infections, such as anthrax. If you make small dietary changes while taking the antibiotic you can lower the potential side effects of Cipro by choosing the appropriate foods, supplements and beverages. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions.

  1. Actions of Cipro

    • Ciprofloxacin or Cipro, treats, and, in some cases, prevents certain bacterial infections. Doctors prescribe this powerful antibiotic to treat urinary tract infections and bioterror attacks from anthrax. If contact with anthrax is suspected, then doctors prescribe Cipro to prevent infection. Similarly, patients with anthrax receive this antibiotic and others, usually for 60 days of treatment. The anthrax spores' slow incubation time requires a long course of antibiotics. Unfortunately, public health officials raise concerns about Ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria strains, such as meningococcal disease, and advise doctors to judiciously use antibiotics.

    Side Effects of Cipro

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, Cipro potentially causes many side effects. Among them are tendinitis, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, and vaginal itching or discharge. Other side effects are more severe, including rapid heartbeat, nervousness, seizures, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Doctors weigh the potential benefits compared to the risks before prescribing the drug. Some patients may not be able to take this drug.

    Food and Beverage Interactions

    • Because of these potential side effects, the manufacturer of Cipro warns doctors and patients about certain foods and beverages to avoid. For example, you should not take Cipro with dairy products and foods containing calcium, because they decrease its effectiveness. Similarly, do not take vitamin and mineral supplements containing calcium at the same time as Cipro. In addition, do not drink or eat a lot of caffeinated items, because they make the side effects worse. Drink plenty of water while taking this drug.

Prescription Drugs - Related Articles