As a second-line antibiotic, Ciprofloxacin comports many drug interactions with various substances in your body. The wide list of indexed interactions makes doctors very careful when prescribing this drug. Here is a list with the most common substances that interact with this antibiotic. The list is intended for informational purposes only and it should be regarded as such.

• Caffeine. Limit the amount of daily coffee intake when taking Ciprofloxacin. If you’re not sure about the limit, ask your physician. He or she may advice you to completely restrain from drinking coffee or from consuming coffee-related products during the treatment.
• Iron supplements. Inform your doctor if you take iron supplements prior to taking Ciprofloxacin. It has been reported that some of these supplements (i.e. ferrous gluconate) interact with the substance.
• If you suffer from arrhythmia and you take QT-prolonging drugs, beware. Ciprofloxacin has a similar effect on your system.
• Corticosteroids. Don’t combine it with any corticosteroids like Cortisone or Dexamethasone.
• Ciprofloxacin interacts with non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs (such as common pain killers: Ketoprofen, Ipuprofen, Diclofenac). Don’t take any of these drugs if you’re under treatment with this antibiotic without asking your physician.

And the list goes on. If you want to be on the safe side and still benefit from taking this antibiotic, you need to make sure you don’t consume substances which can affect it. This includes two days prior to starting the treatment and, if possible, five days after. If you’re not sure whether you can take something or not, don’t take it and call your physician for further advice.

The list with possible interactions is so complicated that it should be interpreted by professionals only. Remember this drug affects your heart, your blood circulation, your digestive system, and your kidneys. As such, the effects of drug interaction are as diverse as their references.