The antibiotic Cipro is commonly prescribed to treat certain bacterial infections and it also can treat or prevent anthrax exposure. Psyllium husk, on the other hand, is an over-the-counter supplement most commonly used to help improve certain digestive conditions. While both Cipro and psyllium husk can interact with other drugs and supplements, taking the two together poses no risks. However, you should always tell your doctor about all the medicines and supplements you use, to avoid dangerous interactions.
How to Use Cipro
Doctors typically prescribe Cipro or its generic equivalent ciprofloxacin to be taken twice a day, in the morning and at night. Extended-release tablets taken once a day also are available, so make sure you know how to use your medicine correctly before taking it. How long you need to take the medicine will depend on what type of infection you have. You will likely see an improvement in your symptoms within a few days or starting on Cipro. However, you should always take the medicine for as long as the doctor prescribes to prevent developing resistance to the medication and not fully treating the infection, MedlinePlus reports.
How to Use Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk comes in many forms, including pills, tablets and powders that can be added to water or other liquids. When you first start taking psyllium husk, you should consider starting with a smaller dose, such as a 1/2 tsp. added to 1 cup of water, and then gradually increase to a higher dose such as 2 tsps. added to 2 cup of water, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises. Depending on the condition you use it to treat, your doctor may suggest higher doses. If so, ask about how to gradually increase the dose so you body can adjust. Psyllium typically is taken either in the morning or before bed. When used to help promote weight loss, you can use it a half-hour before meals.
Cipro Interactions
Cipro is safe to take with psyllium husk, but it may interact with many other drugs and in some cases these may be serious. Do not take Cipro without informing your doctor if you also take injectable or oral steroids such as prednisone, methylprednisone or dexamethasone. You also should not take Cipro with tizanidine, MedlinePlus reports. Other drugs that can interact with Cipro include warfarin and similar blood thinners; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam, indomethacin, and celecoxib; phenytoin; probenecid; cyclosporine; clozapine; methotrexate; ropinirole; and glyburide. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist and about drugs and supplements you use -- including over-the-counter products -- before taking Cipro.
Psyllium Interactions
Several prescription medications can interact with psyllium husk, and people should avoid these combinations to prevent dangerous effects on their health or changes in the effectiveness of their medications. You should not use psyllium husk if you also take tricyclic antidepressants such as doxepine, imipramine, and amitriptyline; cholesterol-lowering drugs classified as bile-acid sequestrants; the seizure drug carbemazepine; digoxin; and lithium, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Also, because psyllium can affect blood sugar levels, people with diabetes who take medicine to control glucose levels should not use psyllium unless they have first consulted with their doctor. Always tell your doctor about the drugs and supplements you use before taking psyllium husk so you can avoid interactions.
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