This document provides information on the proper use and potential side effects of three common medications: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), an antibiotic; Fexofenadine (Allegra), an antihistamine for allergies; and Dextromethorphan (Robitussin), a cough suppressant. For each medication, the summary describes its intended uses, dosage instructions, potential side effects, and important warnings.

1. Drug PrescriptionsKamisha LewisBio 120Kennedy King College

2. Cipro

3. Ciprofloxacin-Brand name: CiproCiprofloxacin is used to treat or prevent certain infections caused by bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat or prevent anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack) in people who may have been exposed to anthrax germs in the air. Ciprofloxacin extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used only to treat certain types of urinary tract infections. Ciprofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

4. How should this medication be used?Ciprofloxacin comes as a tablet, a suspension (liquid), and an extended-release tablet to take by mouth. The tablet and suspension are usually taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, with or without food. The extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day. Cipro XR brand extended-release tablets may be taken with or without food. Proquin XR brand extended-release tablets should be taken with a main meal of the day, preferably the evening meal. Take ciprofloxacin at around the same time(s) every day. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have. Your doctor will tell you how long to take ciprofloxacin. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ciprofloxacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.One brand or type of ciprofloxacin cannot be substituted for another. Be sure that you receive only the brand or type of ciprofloxacin that was prescribed by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the type of ciprofloxacin you were given.Do not take ciprofloxacin with dairy products or calcium-fortified juices alone. However, you may take ciprofloxacin with a meal that includes these foods or drinks.Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, crush, or chew them. If you cannot swallow tablets whole, tell your doctor.

5. Side effectsTell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: nauseavomitingstomach painheartburndiarrheafeeling an urgent need to urinateheadachevaginal itching and/or discharge

6. Serious side effectssevere diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)rash or blistershivesitchingtingling or swelling of the face, neck, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legsdifficulty breathing or swallowinghoarseness or throat tightnesswheezingrapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeatfaintingfeverjoint or muscle painunusual bruising or bleedingextreme tirednesslack of energyloss of appetitepain in the upper right part of the stomachyellowing of the skin or eyes

7. Serious side effects cont’ddark urineflu-like symptomsseizuresdizzinessconfusionnervousnessrestlessnessanxietydifficulty falling asleep or staying asleepnightmares or abnormal dreamsnot trusting others or feeling that others want to hurt youhallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)depressionthoughts about dying or killing yourselfuncontrollable shaking of a part of the bodypain, burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in a part of the body

8. Allegra

9. Fexofenadine- Brand name: AllegraFexofenadine is used to relieve the allergy symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis ('hay fever'), including runny nose; sneezing; red, itchy, or watery eyes; or itching of the nose, throat, or roof of the mouth in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It is also used to relieve symptoms of urticaria (hives; red, itchy raised areas of the skin), including itching and rash in adults and children 6 months of age and older. Fexofenadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms.

10. How should this medication be usedFexofenadine comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with water once or twice a day. Fexofenadine will work better if it is not taken with fruit juices such as orange, grapefruit, or apple juice. Take fexofenadine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take fexofenadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.Fexofenadine controls the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and urticaria but does not cure these conditions. Continue to take fexofenadine even if you feel well and are not experiencing these symptoms. If you wait too long between doses, your symptoms may become worse.Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

11. Side effectsFexofenadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: headachedizzinessdiarrheavomitingpain in the arms, legs, or backpainpain during menstrual periodcoughSome side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately: hivesrashitching difficulty breathing or swallowingswelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legshoarsenessdifficulty swallowing or breathingFexofenadine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

12. Robitussin

13. Dextromethorphan-Brand name:RobitussinDextromethorphan is used to temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions. Dextromethorphan will relieve a cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or speed recovery. Dextromethorphan is in a class of medications called antitussives. It works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.

14. How should this medication be used?Dextromethorphan comes as a liquid-filled capsule, a chewable tablet, a dissolving strip, a solution (liquid), an extended-release (long-acting) suspension (liquid), and a lozenge to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 4 to 12 hours as needed. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.Dextromethorphan should only be used according to the label or package directions. Do not take more than the recommended amount of dextromethorphan in a 24-hour period. Refer to the package or prescription label to determine the amount contained in each dose. Taking dextromethorphan in large amounts can cause serious side effects or death.

15. Usage ContinuedDextromethorphan comes alone and in combination with antihistamines, cough suppressants, and decongestants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which product is best for your symptoms. Check nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before using 2 or more products at the same time. These products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and taking them together could cause you to receive an overdose. This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child.Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including products that contain dextromethorphan, can cause serious side effects or death in young children. Do not give these products to children younger than 4 years of age. If you give these products to children 4-11 years of age, use caution and follow the package directions carefully.If you are giving dextromethorphan or a combination product that contains dextromethorphan to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age. Do not give dextromethorphan products that are made for adults to children.Before you give a dextromethorphan product to a child, check the package label to find out how much medication the child should receive. Give the dose that matches the child's age on the chart. Ask the child's doctor if you don't know how much medication to give the child.If you are taking the liquid, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. Use the measuring spoon or cup that came with the medication or use a spoon made especially for measuring medication.

16. Side effectsDextromethorphan may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: dizzinesslightheadednessdrowsinessnervousnessrestlessnessnauseavomitingstomach painIf you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: rashDextromethorphan may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

17. Sourcehttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/