What it does
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
Commonly used for: urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, skin infections …
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 20:47:26 · updated 2026-07-26 11:37:55
About this medicine
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
What it treats
- urinary tract infections
- respiratory infections
- gastrointestinal infections
- skin infections
- bone and joint infections
How it works
Ciprofloxacin works by stopping the growth of bacteria, helping the body to fight off the infection.
Who it's for
It is for adults and children over the age of 1 year who have certain types of bacterial infections.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: ciprofloxaxin
Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic effective against a variety of gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria. It is commonly used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. Ciprofloxacin works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes critical for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair.
Indications
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Bone and joint infections
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Intra-abdominal infections
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing guidelines based on age and weight.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing; adjustments may be necessary based on the type and severity of infection, renal function, and patient characteristics.
Mechanism of action
Ciprofloxacin exerts its antibacterial effect by interfering with bacterial DNA replication. It specifically targets DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, leading to the inhibition of DNA supercoiling, which is essential for bacterial cell division and survival. This action ultimately results in bacterial cell death.
Pharmacodynamics
Ciprofloxacin exhibits concentration-dependent killing, meaning the effectiveness of the drug increases with higher concentrations. It has a rapid onset of action against susceptible pathogens and demonstrates post-antibiotic effects, allowing for extended bacterial suppression even after the drug levels have decreased.
Pharmacokinetics
Ciprofloxacin is well-absorbed orally, with bioavailability of approximately 70%. It is distributed widely throughout body tissues and fluids, including bile, urine, and lung tissue. The drug is metabolized primarily in the liver and is eliminated mainly through the kidneys. The half-life of ciprofloxacin is approximately 4 hours in healthy adults, but this may vary based on renal function.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or any other quinolone
- History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use
- Concurrent use of tizanidine
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Rash
- Tendon rupture
- QT interval prolongation
- Phototoxicity
Interactions
- Antacids and supplements containing magnesium, aluminum, or iron may reduce absorption
- Concurrent use with warfarin may increase anticoagulant effect
- Cationic drugs may interfere with absorption
- Corticosteroids may increase the risk of tendon damage
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures
- Caution in patients with renal impairment
- Monitor for signs of tendon damage, especially in the elderly or those on corticosteroids
- Avoid in patients with myasthenia gravis due to risk of exacerbation
Pregnancy
Ciprofloxacin is classified as Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Ciprofloxacin is excreted in breast milk, and caution is advised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Tablets
- Oral suspension
- Injectable solution
- Eye/ear drops
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.