Ciprofloxacin | An Antibiotic | Quinolones | Fluoroquinolone

Introduction
Ciprofloxacin (Ciproxin, Novidat, Axcin, Cycin) is a fluoroquinolone of the second generation that is used to treat a variety of bacterial illnesses.
Ciprofloxacin has created a slew of antibiotic derivatives. It’s designed to treat a variety of bacterial illnesses via oral, intravenous.

Class of Medicine
Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as quinolones. This antibiotic is used to treat a number of different bacterial infections. It won’t work if you have a viral infection (such as common cold, flu)

Mode of Action
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone of the second generation that is effective against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. It works by inhibiting the enzymes bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Ciprofloxacin has a 100-fold affinity for bacterial DNA gyrase compared to mammalian DNA gyrase. Fluoroquinolones have no cross resistance with other antibiotic classes, hence they may be useful in situations where other antibiotics are no longer effective. Ciprofloxacin inhibits topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV in bacteria. Ciprofloxacin targets DNA gyrase’s alpha subunits, preventing it from supercoiling bacterial DNA and thereby preventing DNA replication.

How should this medicine be used?

Ciprofloxacin is available in tablet, suspension (liquid), and extended-release tablet forms for oral use with or without food. The extended-release tablets are normally taken once a day, whereas the tablets and suspension are normally taken twice a day. The tablets and suspension can be administered as a single dosage to treat gonorrhoea. Ciprofloxacin should be taken at the same time(s) every day. Your treatment time will be determined by the sort of illness you have. The length of time you should take ciprofloxacin will be determined by your doctor. Ciprofloxacin should be taken exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more frequently than your doctor has suggested.

Ciprofloxacin of one type cannot be used in place of another. Ensure that you only get the sort of Ciprofloxacin that your doctor prescribed.
Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with dairy products or calcium-fortified liquids on their own. You can, however, take Ciprofloxacin with a meal that contains these foods or beverages.
Do not split, crush, or chew the tablets or extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. Tell your doctor if you can’t swallow the tablets whole.
If you’re taking the suspension, give the bottle a good 15-second shake before each usage to ensure that the drug is equally distributed. Chew the granules in the suspension before swallowing the precise dose.

During the first several days of your Ciprofloxacin medication, you should start to feel better. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen. If you have a urinary tract infection and develop a fever or back pain during or after treatment, contact your doctor. These symptoms could indicate that your infection is getting worse.

Even if you feel better, keep taking Ciprofloxacin until the prescription is finished. Unless you encounter certain serious adverse effects indicated in the IMPORTANT WARNING under SIDE EFFECTS sections, do not discontinue taking Ciprofloxacin without consulting your doctor.

Common Side Effects

nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
heartburn
diarrhea
vaginal itching and/or discharge
pale skin
unusual tiredness
sleepiness

Important Warning
Some of the side effects may be serious, but they are quite rare. If you develop any of the symptoms listed below, stop taking Ciprofloxacin and contact your doctor right away.
Rash, hives, and itching, blistering or peeling of the skin
Eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs swelling
Hoarseness or stiffness in the throat, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing. Cough that isn’t going away or is becoming worse
Having pale skin or eyes is a sign that something is wrong with you. Urine that is dark in colour, or stool that is light in color
Feeling uneasy or shaking, a racing or fluttering heartbeat, sweating; frequent urination, trembling, impaired vision, or extreme worry; fainting or loss of consciousness; sudden chest, stomach, or back pain

Available Brands (list can be updated in future)

Ciproxin (Bayer)
Axcin (Novartis)
Cycin (HIGH-Q)
Novidat (Sami)
Suprox (Platinum)
Cyrocin (Highnoon)