Molecule

Drug Groups

approved; investigational

Description

A broad-spectrum antimicrobial carboxyfluoroquinoline. [PubChem]

Indication

For the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible organisms: urinary tract infections, acute uncomplicated cystitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, lower respiratory tract infections, acute sinusitis, skin and skin structure infections, bone and joint infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections (used in combination with metronidazole), infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever (enteric fever), uncomplicated cervical and urethral gonorrhea, and inhalational anthrax (post-exposure).

Pharmacology

Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antiinfective agent of the fluoroquinolone class. Ciprofloxacin has in vitro activity against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms. The mechanism of action of quinolones, including ciprofloxacin, is different from that of other antimicrobial agents such as beta-lactams, macrolides, tetracyclines, or aminoglycosides; therefore, organisms resistant to these drugs may be susceptible to ciprofloxacin. There is no known cross-resistance between ciprofloxacin and other classes of antimicrobials. Notably the drug has 100 times higher affinity for bacterial DNA gyrase than for mammalian.

Toxicity

The major adverse effect seen with use of is gastrointestinal irritation, common with many antibiotics.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Hepatic. Four metabolites have been identified in human urine which together account for approximately 15% of an oral dose. The metabolites have antimicrobial activity, but are less active than unchanged ciprofloxacin.

Absorption

Rapidly and well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. The absolute bioavailability is approximately 70% with no substantial loss by first pass metabolism.

Half Life

4 hours

Protein Binding

20 to 40%

Elimination

Approximately 40 to 50% of an orally administered dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged drug.

Clearance

* Renal cl=300 mL/min

References

External Links