ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is a second-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic with broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. It acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV—enzymes essential for DNA replication and cell division—thereby disrupting bacterial DNA synthesis and leading to cell death. Ciprofloxacin is effective against a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria (including Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (notably strong activity), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (penicillin-resistant strains), Haemophilus influenzae (beta-lactamase producing strains), Moraxella catarrhalis as well as some Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. Its efficacy against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis is moderate; it has limited effect on anaerobes. Indications include urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory tract infections (excluding community-acquired pneumonia due to S. pneumoniae resistance in some regions), skin/soft tissue infections, bone/joint infections, gastrointestinal/abdominal infections including infectious diarrhea and typhoid fever. It can be administered orally or intravenously; ophthalmic and otic formulations are also available[1][2][3][5][6]. Common side effects include nausea/vomiting/diarrhea; more serious risks are tendon rupture/tendinitis/peripheral neuropathy/CNS effects/photosensitivity[1][3][4]. Use in pregnancy should be cautious due to animal data suggesting fetal risk but limited human evidence of harm; generally considered safe during breastfeeding[1]. Developed by Bayer in the 1980s; now widely available as a generic drug[1].

Brand names

CiproCiproxinCiprobayCiprofloxCifranProquin XR

Other names

环丙沙星ciprofloxacin hydrochloride环丙氟沙星环丙氟哌酸悉复欢希普欣曼舒林恩普乐特美力环福星