You can usually still take ciprofloxacin (Cipro) if dairy is in your diet, but don't wash the pill down with milk, yogurt, or a calcium-fortified drink on its own — the calcium can bind the antibiotic and keep it from being fully absorbed, so separate them (or take the dose as part of a full meal).
This is an absorption interaction, not a dangerous reaction, and the "caution" verdict is what the sources support. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone, and NHS states that dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) and drinks with added calcium "stop ciprofloxacin entering the body from the stomach" when taken together, which can mean less antibiotic reaches your bloodstream to fight the infection. The key nuance all three sources agree on is that the problem is dairy or calcium-fortified juice taken by itself: MedlinePlus and the FDA/DailyMed Cipro Medication Guide both say Cipro should not be taken with dairy products or calcium-fortified juices alone, but may be taken with a meal that contains these products. All three also note Cipro can be taken with or without food. NHS adds a practical rule: leave a gap of at least 2 hours between the dose and dairy/calcium taken on its own, after which dairy or calcium as part of a balanced meal is fine.
Timing for dairy or calcium drinks on their own (NHS): leave a gap of at least 2 hours between your ciprofloxacin dose and milk, cheese, yogurt, or a calcium-fortified drink taken by itself; after that gap, and as part of a balanced meal, it's OK. Taking the dose with a mixed meal that contains dairy is acceptable per all three labels — just not with those products alone. Separate rule for supplements and antacids (MedlinePlus/FDA): take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids or products containing calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, or aluminum — including multivitamins, so check what's in yours. If your infection isn't improving, reduced absorption is one possible reason: NHS advises contacting your doctor if you don't feel better after 2 to 3 days or feel worse at any time — but do not stop the antibiotic on your own. This spacing guidance applies only to the tablets and liquid you swallow — NHS says you don't need to avoid any food or drink with the eye drops or ear drops. Anyone on daily calcium/iron/zinc supplements, antacids, or a multivitamin should ask their pharmacist how to space doses, and always confirm timing with your own pharmacist or doctor since it depends on your full medication list.
This is general reference, not medical advice, and not a guarantee of safety. Interactions depend on your doses, health conditions, and other medicines. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining products, and follow the dosing on each label.