Taking or using ciprofloxacin with other medicines and herbal supplements
Cautions with other medicines
Some medications can have an effect on how ciprofloxacin works. They can also increase your chances of experiencing side effects.
Before taking ciprofloxacin, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
- antacids for heartburn or indigestion – take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before antacids or at least 4 hours after
- methotrexate, a medicine used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- phenytoin, a medicine for epilepsy
- steroids, such as prednisolone
- theophylline or aminophylline for asthma
- tizanidine, a medicine used for muscle stiffness
- warfarin, a medicine to help prevent blood clots
Mixing ciprofloxacin with herbal remedies and supplements
Ciprofloxacin can be affected by iron tablets (such as ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate), calcium, and zinc supplements. Allow 2 hours between taking supplements and taking your ciprofloxacin tablets or liquid.
There is insufficient evidence to say whether other complementary medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements are safe to take alongside ciprofloxacin. They are not subjected to the same rigorous testing as pharmacy and prescription medications. They are rarely tested for the impact they have on other medications.
