Ciprofloxacin Tablets

Category: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Form: Oral tablets

Uses:

• Treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms.

• Common indications include:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)

  • Gastrointestinal infections (including infectious diarrhea)

  • Skin and soft tissue infections

  • Bone and joint infections

  • Certain sexually transmitted infections (like gonorrhea)

Mechanism of Action:

• Ciprofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes necessary for DNA replication and transcription.

• This prevents bacterial growth and replication, leading to bacterial death.

• Active against Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria.

Administration:

• Taken orally, usually once or twice daily, depending on infection type and severity.

• Can be taken with or without food, but absorption may be reduced by dairy products or calcium-fortified foods.

• Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve early.

Side Effects:

• Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness.

• Other: mild rash, insomnia, taste disturbances.

• Rare but serious:

  • Tendonitis or tendon rupture

  • Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness)

  • Severe allergic reactions

  • Heart rhythm disturbances (QT prolongation)

  • Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea

Precautions:

• Avoid in patients with allergy to fluoroquinolones.

• Use cautiously in elderly patients, those with kidney or liver disease, or a history of seizures.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure; may increase sensitivity to sunlight.

• Not recommended in children, pregnant, or breastfeeding women unless necessary due to risk of tendon damage.

• Maintain adequate hydration during therapy.

Summary:
Ciprofloxacin Tablets are a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including urinary, respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, and bone infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA replication, leading to bacterial death. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, headache, and dizziness, while rare but serious effects include tendon rupture, neuropathy, heart rhythm changes, and severe allergic reactions, requiring careful monitoring.