💊 Drug of the Day – 5 : Ciprofloxacin

📅 Series: Drug of the Day (PharmaEasyNotes)

📖 Category: Pharmacology | Antibiotics

🔹 Introduction

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic widely used for treating Gram-negative bacterial infections. It is especially effective in urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, and respiratory infections.

🔹 Structure 🔹 Mechanism of Action (MOA)

• Belongs to 2nd generation fluoroquinolones

• Contains a fluorine atom at C-6 that enhances antibacterial activity

🔹 Mechanism of Action (MOA)

• Inhibits DNA gyrase (Topoisomerase II) and Topoisomerase IV

• Prevents bacterial DNA replication & transcription

• Leads to bacterial cell death

👉 Bactericidal in action

🔹 Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Good oral bioavailability

• Distribution: Penetrates well into tissues and fluids

• Metabolism: Partially hepatic

• Excretion: Mainly via kidneys (renal excretion)

🔹 Uses / Indications

✅ Urinary tract infections (UTI)

✅ Gastrointestinal infections (e.g., traveler’s diarrhea)

✅ Respiratory tract infections

✅ Bone & joint infections

✅ Anthrax post-exposure prophylaxis

🔹 Adverse Effects

⚠️ Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

⚠️ CNS effects: dizziness, headache

⚠️ Tendon rupture (rare but serious)

⚠️ Photosensitivity

⚠️ Contraindicated in children & pregnant women

🔹 Dose (General)

• Adults: 250–750 mg orally every 12 hours (depending on severity & type of infection)

• Dose adjustment required in renal impairment

🔹 Key Points for Students

• Fluoroquinolone class antibiotic

• MOA: Inhibits DNA gyrase & Topoisomerase IV

• Bactericidal → fast-acting

• Not first-line in children (risk of cartilage damage)

🔹 Quick Memory Trick 🧠

👉 “Cipro fixes DNA” (Ciprofloxacin → blocks DNA replication).

📌 Summary

Ciprofloxacin is a powerful broad-spectrum antibiotic mainly used for urinary, gastrointestinal, and respiratory infections.

It is highly relevant for both clinical practice and B.Pharm exams.

🔗 Related Blogs

• Drug of the Day #1 – Paracetamol

• Drug of the Day #2 – Ibuprofen

• Drug of the Day #3 – Aspirin

• Drug of the Day #4 – Amoxicillin

🚀 Coming Next → Drug of the Day #6 – Metformin (Antidiabetic drug).