Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is a synthetic antibiotic. This is a generic and international name for the compound that can have numerous brand names, including Cipro.
This antibiotic belongs to a wider group called fluoroquinoloness.

This drug is coded as J01MA in ATC classification.

Ciprofloxacin is bactericidal and its mode of action depends on blocking of bacterial DNA replication by binding itself to an enzyme called DNA gyrase. This enzyme is crucial for spatial conformation of DNA molecules. Notably the drug has 100 times higher affinity for bacterial DNA gyrase than mammalian one.

Ciprofloxacin is a wide spectrum antibiotic that is active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

• Enterobacteriaceae
• Vibrio
• Hemophilus influenzae
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Neisseria menigitidis
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Brucella
• Mycoplasma
• Campylobacter
• Helicobacter pylori
• Mycobacterium intracellulare
• Legionella sp.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Bacillus anthracis - that causes anthrax

Weak activity against :

• Streptococcus pneumoniae

No activity against:

• Bacteroides
• Pseudomonas cepacia
• Enterococcus faecium
• and others

The drug is available for oral and parenteral use. It is used in lower respiratory infections (pneumonias), urinary tract infections, STDs, septicemias, Legionellosis and atypical Mycobacterioses.

It is contraindicated in children, pregnancy, and epilepsia.

Ciprofloxacin can cause photosensitivity reactions and can elevate plasma theophylline levels to toxic values. It can also cause constipation and sensitivity to caffeine.

Dosage in respiratory infections 500-1500 mg a day in 2 doses.