💊 Drug of the Day: Ciprofloxacin

 📅 Day 5 – PharmaEasyNotes | Your Daily Dose of Drug Knowledge

🔹 Introduction

Ciprofloxacin is a second-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic widely used to treat bacterial infections.

It’s powerful against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and is often prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory infections, and skin infections.

💬 Quick Fact:

Ciprofloxacin was discovered in the 1980s and remains one of the most prescribed antibiotics worldwide!

🧪 Chemical Information

Parameter	Details
Generic Name	Ciprofloxacin
Chemical Name	1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-7-(1-piperazinyl)-3-quinoline carboxylic acid
Drug Class	Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic
Molecular Formula	C₁₇H₁₈FN₃O₃
Molecular Weight	331.34 g/mol
IUPAC Name	1-Cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-7-(piperazin-1-yl)-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid

⚙️ Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Ciprofloxacin inhibits the bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes — both are essential for DNA replication, transcription, and repair.

➡️ Without these enzymes, bacterial DNA cannot coil or uncoil properly, leading to cell death.

🧠 In short: It kills bacteria by stopping their DNA from working!

💉 Therapeutic Uses

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

• Respiratory Tract Infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia)

• Gastrointestinal infections (e.g., typhoid fever, traveler’s diarrhea)

• Bone and joint infections

• Skin and soft tissue infections

• Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

⚠️ Adverse Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea, vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness or headache

• Joint pain

• Rare: tendon rupture (especially in elderly or steroid users)

🚫 Avoid in:

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 18 (unless specifically prescribed).

💊 Dosage

Infection Type	Typical Adult Dose
Mild infections	250 mg twice daily
Severe infections	500–750 mg twice daily
Typhoid fever	500 mg twice daily for 7–14 days

(Always follow doctor’s prescription.)

🧫 Drug Interactions

• Antacids (with aluminum or magnesium) ↓ absorption

• Theophylline and Caffeine — increased levels

• Warfarin — enhances anticoagulant effect

• NSAIDs — may increase seizure risk

💡 Tip: Take Ciprofloxacin 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking antacids.

📦 Brand Names

• Cifran

• Ciplox

• Cipro

🧠 Quick Revision (1-Min Notes)

Topic	Key Point
Drug Class	Fluoroquinolone
Target	DNA gyrase & Topoisomerase IV
Action	Bactericidal
Major Uses	UTIs, Typhoid, Respiratory infections
Caution	Avoid with antacids; may cause tendon injury

🎯 Student Tip

Ciprofloxacin = Cipro = Circles around DNA → Remember it blocks DNA coiling!

Perfect mnemonic for quick recall in exams.

💬 Engage with Us

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💡 Next up: Drug of the Day #6 – Amoxicillin–Clavulanic Acid (Augmentin)