What Is Ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic first approved for use in 1987. It is used to treat skin, joint, bone and respiratory infections, and it may be recommended for individuals exposed to anthrax. The medication is available as a tablet and oral solution, and it can also be given as an injection. Patients who take ciprofloxacin may experience side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Some individuals could develop tendon issues while taking this medication. Patients should let their doctor know about all of the side effects they develop during treatment with ciprofloxacin, and they should also inform them of all of the medications they take.

The uses, side effects, precautions, and potential medication interactions associated with ciprofloxacin are outlined below.

How It Works

This medication belongs to a group of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. Levofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and moxifloxacin are some examples of antibiotics in this group. Fluoroquinolones destroy bacteria by interfering with replication and repair and by blocking certain enzymes. Medicines in this class are considered broad-spectrum antibiotics, and ciprofloxacin is particularly useful in the treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Legionella pneumophila, Proteus mirabilis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Ciprofloxacin is considered less effective for the treatment of Gram-positive bacterial infections than newer antibiotics, and there are growing concerns about rising antibiotic resistance to ciprofloxacin as well.

Get more information on the uses and benefits related to ciprofloxacin now.