Ciprofloxacin
Generic Details
Generic Name
Ciprofloxacin
Other Names
- Cipro
Drug Class
- Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic
Chemical Formula
C17H18FN3O3
Molecular Weight
331.349 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes
Indications
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Bone and joint infections
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Suspension
- Injection
- Eye/Ear drops
Typical Dosage
- 250-750 mg every 12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection
Pediatric Dosage
- 10-20 mg/kg every 12 hours
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower doses may be required due to decreased renal function
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Photosensitivity
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics
- Tendon inflammation or rupture
Pregnancy Category
- C - Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks
Lactation Safety
- Compatible with breastfeeding
Drug Interactions
- May interact with antacids, sucralfate, and iron supplements, reducing ciprofloxacin absorption
Overdose Symptoms
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Tremors
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, management is supportive
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed orally
- Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues
- Metabolism: Partially metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged in urine
Precautions
- Avoid in patients with myasthenia gravis
- Monitor for signs of tendonitis or tendon rupture
Warnings
- May cause C. difficile-associated diarrhea
- May increase the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in all ages