Ciprofloxacin

It is a new fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent with potent activity against a broad spectrum of gram-positive&gram-negative bacteria including Ps. acruginosa, Enterobacteriaceae and Staph aureus. Ciprofloxacin does not disturb normal anaerobic intestinal flora and, has significant post-antibiotic effect & thus prevents regrowth of bacteria. Its antibacterial spectrum is wider than that of aminoglycosides, third generation cephalosporins and other fluoroquinolones.

Indications

Respiratory tract, Urinary tract, E.N.T., skin and soft tissue, Gastro intestinal tract, Intra- abdominal Gynaecological. Bone and joint and Severe systemic infections, Gonorrhoea. Ciprofloxacin 400 mg/200 ml IV infusion 12 hourly is indicated for systemic infection, lower respiratory tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, typhoid fever, severe/complicated urinary tract infections, surgical procedure.

Dosage

The dosage of Ciprofloxacin is determined on the basis of severity of infection, type of infecting organism and age, weight and renal function of the patient. The recommended dosage schedule of oral ciprofloxacin is as follows: i) Uncomplicated UTI: 250 mg every 12 hours. ii) Prostatitis and complicated UTI in patients with severe underlying structural abnormalities: 500 mg every 12 hours. iii) Lower respiratory tract infections: mild-250 mg; moderate to severe-500 mg; all every 12 h

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or any other quinolone derivative. Not recommended for use in children and adolescents.

Special Precautions

Use with caution in patients of renal impairment, cerebal arteriosclerosis or epilepsy. Keep patient well hydrated to prevent crystalluria. Paediatrics: Safety not established. Pregnancy: Contraindicated. Lactation: Drug passes in to breast milk may affect the infant adversely. Elderly: No special problem.

Side Effects

Diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain headache, restlessness and arthralgia.

Drug Interactions

Magnesium, aluminium calcium, iron and zinc antacids decrease ciprofloxacin absorption. Potentiates oral anticoagulants. Rifampicin reduces serum concentration of Ciprofloxacin . CNS excitation occur with concurrent administration of quinolones and NSAIDs.