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Will cutting Cipro in half relieve side effects?

The other morning my urine looked a little bloody.  No other symptoms.  My doctor wasn't available so I was seen by an FNP.  She diagnosed a mild UTI and prescribed Cipro 250 mg 2x a day for five days.  After taking the third tablet all hell broke loose:  my vision got so blurred I couldn't see, I couldn't urinate for fifteen hours, and I had diarrhea for nine hours straight.  I stopped taking the medicine(missed one dose so far). It's the weekend and the office is closed for the Monday holiday so it will be four days before I can talk to the doctor. I'm afraid the infection will spread to my kidneys by then.  Could I cut the tablet in half?  Would taking a lower dose for a longer length of time work cure the infection and relieve the side effects?   Thanks for any advice.
3 Responses
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5801192 tn?1389200487
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Chypre:

Your condition sounds serious. Please seek medical attention immediately.

You are bleeding, taking warfarin (Coumadin), having diarrhea and cannot urinate for 15 hours. Please seek medical attention right away!

Sincerely,
Carrie Fu, Pharm.D.
Helpful - 1
5801192 tn?1389200487
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Chypre:

I am glad you are feeling better and your INR of 2.1 was within range.

However, there is a major drug-drug interaction with warfarin (Coumadin) and Bactrim. Please follow up closely with signs and symptoms of bleed and check your INR again.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Went to an urgent care clinic. Was switched to Bactrim, a drug I've never had any trouble with.  He also  tested my INR which was 2.1, within range.  Feel much better.  Thanks for your advice.
Helpful - 0

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