ciprofloxacin reference
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(ciprofloxacin · DailyMed)
Registered Tanzania · TMDA

Ciprosol-200 Oral

Benzyl alcohol 10,5 mg/ml,Ciprofloxacin 200 mg/ml,Lactic Acid 106,5 mg/ml,Purified Water ad 1 ml

TAN 26 VM 0329 Oral Solution 200 dermatologicals INN generic

What it does

Alcohol is a substance that can affect your mood and behavior. It is important to use it carefully, especially if you are taking other medications.

Commonly used for: social enjoyment, anxiety relief, temporary relaxation

Read more in plain English ↓

Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

Ask about this medicine

Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.

Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.

Sourcing - Kenya only

Registration & product details

Registration no.
TAN 26 VM 0329
Registration date
2026-06-26
Expiry date
2031-06-25
Status
Registered/Compliant
Active ingredient
Benzyl alcohol 10,5 mg/ml,Ciprofloxacin 200 mg/ml,Lactic Acid 106,5 mg/ml,Purified Water ad 1 ml
Dosage form
Oral Solution
Strength
200
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
ATC class (WHO)
D08AX - Other antiseptics and disinfectants
Drug group
DERMATOLOGICALS
RxNorm RxCUI
448
Manufacturer / MAH
Interchemie
Country of origin
THE NETHERLANDS

Source: Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority · fetched 2026-07-06 03:14:19 · updated 2026-09-17 03:00:44

Drug Interactions

49
Check interactions

Pharmacodynamic Warnings

Alcohol appears in TABLE 1: Drugs that cause hepatotoxicity

Alcohol appears in TABLE 8: Drugs that cause hypotension

Alcohol appears in TABLE 11: Drugs with CNS depressant effects

Severe (2)

Quinolones - decreases absorption

Strontiumispredictedtodecreasetheabsorptionof quinolones.Avoid.oTheoretical

Severe Theoretical

Tizanidine - increases exposure

Ciprofloxacin increases the exposure to tizanidine. Avoid.

Severe Study

Moderate (16)

Aminophylline - increases exposure

Ciprofloxacin is predicted to increase the exposure to aminophylline. Adjust dose.

Moderate Theoretical

Antiepileptics - affects concentration

Ciprofloxacin affects the concentration of antiepileptics (fosphenytoin, phenytoin). Monitor concentration and adjust dose.

Moderate Study

Antipsychotics, Second Generation - increases concentration

Ciprofloxacin increases the concentration of antipsychotics, second generation (clozapine). Monitor adverse effects and adjust dose.

Moderate Study

Antipsychotics, Second Generation - increases exposure

Ciprofloxacin is predicted to increase the exposure to antipsychotics, second generation (olanzapine). Adjust dose.

Moderate Anecdotal

Clozapine - increases concentration

Ciprofloxacin increases the concentration of antipsychotics, second generation (clozapine). Monitor adverse effects and adjust dose.

Moderate Study

Unknown (31)

Acitretin - increases concentration

Alcohol potentially increases the concentration of retinoids (acitretin). Avoid and for 2 months after stopping acitretin.

Unknown Study

Agomelatine - increases exposure

Ciprofloxacin is predicted to increase the exposure to agomelatine.

Unknown Study

Anaesthetics,local - increases exposure

Ciprofloxacin is predicted to increase the exposure to anaesthetics, local (ropivacaine).

Unknown Theoretical

Anagrelide - increases exposure

Ciprofloxacinispredictedtoincreasetheexposureto anagrelide.oTheoretical

Unknown Theoretical

Antiarrhythmics - increases exposure

Ciprofloxacin slightly increases the exposure to antiarrhythmics (lidocaine).

Unknown Study

Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: class

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (Tanzania). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About alcohol

Alcohol is a substance that can affect your mood and behavior. It is important to use it carefully, especially if you are taking other medications.

What it treats

  • social enjoyment
  • anxiety relief
  • temporary relaxation

How it works

Alcohol affects the brain and central nervous system, leading to changes in mood and behavior.

Who it's for

Adults who consume alcohol in moderation for social or relaxation purposes.

Cautions

  • • Be cautious if taking medications that can harm the liver.
  • • Use with care if you have low blood pressure.
  • • Avoid combining with medications that can cause drowsiness.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About benzyl

Benzyl is an ingredient used in various treatments, often in topical formulations.

What it treats

  • skin infections
  • eczema
  • scabies

How it works

Benzyl helps to kill bacteria or parasites on the skin, promoting healing.

Who it's for

This treatment is for individuals with skin conditions requiring antibacterial or antiparasitic action.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

What it treats

  • bacterial infections of the lungs (pneumonia)
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • skin infections
  • gastrointestinal infections

How it works

It works by stopping the growth of bacteria in the body.

Who it's for

Ciprofloxacin is for adults and children who need treatment for bacterial infections.

Drug class

Quinolones

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About lactic

Lactic acid is a substance that helps in various body functions and can be used in treatments.

What it treats

  • muscle soreness
  • lactic acidosis
  • skin conditions

How it works

Lactic acid helps to improve the acidity level in certain body fluids, supporting better metabolism and skin health.

Who it's for

Lactic acid can be used by individuals experiencing muscle soreness or specific skin issues.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About purified

Purified ingredients are often used in various medicines to ensure safety and effectiveness by removing impurities.

What it treats

  • various medical conditions

How it works

Purified ingredients help in delivering the intended effects of the medicine without the risk of contaminants.

Who it's for

People who need medications with safe and effective ingredients.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: Ciprofloxacin

BNF-referenced

Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone class, effective against a wide range of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. It works primarily by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes crucial for DNA replication and transcription. This inhibition leads to the death of susceptible bacteria, making ciprofloxacin a valuable option in treating various bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections.

Indications

  • Bacterial infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Acute pyelonephritis
  • Severe diabetic foot infections
  • Anthrax (treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis)
  • Disseminated gonococcal infection (unlicensed)

Mechanism of action

Ciprofloxacin acts on bacterial topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV. It binds to the alpha subunits of DNA gyrase, preventing the supercoiling of bacterial DNA, which is essential for DNA replication. This inhibition leads to bacterial cell death. Ciprofloxacin exhibits bactericidal activity during both logarithmic and stationary growth phases, particularly against organisms like Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pharmacodynamics

Ciprofloxacin is characterized by its potent activity against many Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria, achieved through its mechanism of action on DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. It binds with significantly higher affinity to bacterial DNA gyrase compared to mammalian enzymes, thus minimizing potential side effects. There is no cross-resistance between ciprofloxacin and other antibiotic classes, which enhances its use in cases of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, ciprofloxacin is under investigation for potential effects against malaria, cancers, and AIDS.

Pharmacokinetics

Ciprofloxacin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with bioavailability around 70-80%. It is widely distributed in body tissues and fluids, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, and prostate. The drug undergoes hepatic metabolism and is primarily excreted via the kidneys, with a half-life of about 4 hours. Dosing adjustments may be necessary in renal impairment. Ciprofloxacin's pharmacokinetic profile supports its efficacy in treating systemic infections.

Contra-indications

  • Hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or other quinolones
  • Concurrent use with tizanidine

Adverse effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Tendon rupture
  • QT interval prolongation
  • Photosensitivity
  • Rash
  • Superinfection

Interactions

  • Severe: ciprofloxacin + tizanidine (increases exposure)
  • Moderate: ciprofloxacin + aminophylline (increases exposure)
  • Moderate: ciprofloxacin + antiepileptics (affects concentration)
  • Moderate: ciprofloxacin + fosphenytoin (affects concentration)
  • Moderate: ciprofloxacin + phenytoin (affects concentration)
  • Moderate: ciprofloxacin + antipsychotics (increases concentration)
  • Moderate: ciprofloxacin + clozapine (increases concentration)
  • Moderate: ciprofloxacin + olanzapine (increases exposure)
  • Moderate: ciprofloxacin + dopaminereceptor agonists (increases exposure)

Precautions

  • Risk of arthropathy in children
  • History of tendon disorders
  • Concurrent use of drugs that prolong the QT interval
  • Ensure adequate hydration to prevent crystalluria
  • Monitor for signs of superinfection

Pregnancy

Avoid in pregnancy due to potential risk of arthropathy in animal studies; safer alternatives should be considered.

Breast-feeding

Ciprofloxacin is excreted in breast milk; caution is advised when administered to nursing mothers.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Protect from light.

Formulations

  • Oral tablet: 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg
  • Intravenous infusion: 400 mg/200 mL
  • Eye drops: concentration may vary
BNF 85 (British National Formulary) p.636 BNF 85 (British National Formulary) p.1306 BNF 85 (British National Formulary) p.1332 BNF for Children 2019-2020 p.383 BNF for Children 2019-2020 p.722 BNF for Children 2019-2020 p.736 PubChem / pathway

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: Alcohol

BNF-referenced

Alcohol is a volatile, flammable liquid used primarily as an antiseptic for skin disinfection and preparation before injections. It is commonly employed in medical settings to cleanse the skin and reduce the risk of infection.

Indications

  • Skin disinfection
  • Preparation of skin before injections
  • Cleansing minor wounds

Dosage

Children: Apply to the skin as required; consult product literature for specific guidance.

Adults: Apply to the skin as required for disinfection.

Mechanism of action

Alcohol exerts its antiseptic effect by denaturing proteins, disrupting cell membranes, and dehydrating microbial cells, leading to cell lysis and death.

Pharmacodynamics

Alcohol has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Its efficacy is influenced by concentration, with higher concentrations generally being more effective.

Pharmacokinetics

Alcohol is rapidly absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes. It is metabolized primarily in the liver, with a half-life that varies based on the individual's metabolic rate and the amount consumed.

Contra-indications

  • Concomitant use with lithium
  • Regular use in neonates
  • Patients with severe burns when diathermy has been preceded by application of alcoholic skin disinfectants

Adverse effects

  • Eye erythema
  • Punctate keratitis
  • Cytotoxicity
  • Eye discolouration

Interactions

  • Increases risk of visual disturbances with antiepileptics
  • Increases concentration with methylphenidate
  • Increases risk of facial flushing and skin irritation with topical pimecrolimus
  • Increases concentration with retinoids
  • Increases concentration with acitretin
  • Increases risk of facial flushing and skin irritation with topical tacrolimus
  • Decreases antidiuretic effect with vasopressin

Precautions

  • Avoid regular application to inflamed or broken skin or mucosa
  • Avoid broken skin
  • Flammable

Pregnancy

Sufficient iodine may be absorbed to affect the fetal thyroid in the second and third trimester.

Breast-feeding

Avoid regular or excessive use.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.

Formulations

  • Betadine 2.5% dry powder spray
  • Industrial methylated spirit
  • Povidone-Iodine 25 mg per 1 gram
BNF for Children 2019-2020 p.806 PubChem / pathway

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: benzyl

BNF-referenced

Benzylpenicillin, a member of the penicillin class of antibiotics, is primarily used to treat infections caused by susceptible microorganisms. It is effective against a range of Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria, making it a valuable agent in the treatment of various infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and syphilis.

Indications

  • Bacterial infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Meningitis
  • Syphilis
  • Endocarditis
  • Skin and soft tissue infections

Dosage

Children: Paediatric dosing for benzylpenicillin is determined by the child's weight and the severity of the infection. Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines.

Adults: The usual adult dose for benzylpenicillin varies based on the type and severity of the infection. It is generally administered via intramuscular or intravenous routes. For severe infections, doses may range from 1 to 4 million units every 4 to 6 hours.

Mechanism of action

Benzylpenicillin exerts its antibacterial effects by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, disrupting the transpeptidation process, which is crucial for cross-linking peptidoglycan layers. This inhibition leads to cell lysis and death of the bacteria.

Pharmacodynamics

Benzylpenicillin demonstrates time-dependent bactericidal activity, meaning its effectiveness is related to the duration of time the drug concentration remains above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the target bacteria. It has a narrow spectrum of activity, primarily targeting Gram-positive cocci and some Gram-negative rods.

Pharmacokinetics

Benzylpenicillin is typically administered parenterally due to poor oral absorption. It is rapidly distributed throughout the body and can penetrate various tissues, including the central nervous system during inflammation. The drug is primarily eliminated by renal excretion, with a half-life of approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour in healthy individuals. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal impairment.

Interactions

  • leflunomide+benzylpenicillin: Unknown (increases exposure)
  • nitisinone+benzylpenicillin: Unknown (increases exposure)
  • teriflunomide+benzylpenicillin: Unknown (increases exposure)

Pregnancy

Benzylpenicillin is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, as it is a penicillin antibiotic and has a long history of use.

Breast-feeding

Benzylpenicillin is excreted in breast milk in small amounts, but it is not expected to have adverse effects on a nursing infant.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light. Reconstituted solutions should be used promptly or stored in a refrigerator and used within a limited time frame.

Formulations

  • Benzylpenicillin injection

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: lactic

Lactic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid involved in various metabolic processes, particularly in anaerobic respiration. It is a byproduct of glycolysis, the process of converting glucose to energy in the absence of oxygen. Lactic acid is commonly used in clinical settings, particularly in the management of metabolic acidosis. It is also studied for its role in muscle metabolism and exercise physiology.

Indications

  • Metabolic acidosis
  • Lactic acidosis
  • Support in shock or severe dehydration
  • Exercise physiology research

Dosage

Children: Refer to clinical guidelines for specific dosing recommendations based on the clinical condition being treated.

Adults: Refer to clinical guidelines for specific dosing recommendations based on the clinical condition being treated.

Mechanism of action

Lactic acid primarily functions by contributing to the acid-base balance in the body. It can serve as a substrate for gluconeogenesis in the liver and is utilized in the Cori cycle, where it is converted back to glucose. Furthermore, lactic acid can act as a signaling molecule in various physiological processes, influencing metabolism and cellular responses during hypoxic conditions.

Pharmacodynamics

Lactic acid dissociates into lactate and hydrogen ions in solution, which can lead to a decrease in pH (acidosis) when produced in excess. Its accumulation in the body is indicative of anaerobic metabolism, often observed during intense exercise or in conditions of oxygen deprivation. The body can buffer the effects of lactic acid through bicarbonate and other mechanisms, maintaining homeostasis.

Pharmacokinetics

Lactic acid is rapidly absorbed and distributed throughout the body. It is metabolized primarily in the liver, where it can be converted to glucose or further metabolized to carbon dioxide and water. The elimination half-life of lactate varies depending on the metabolic state of the individual and the presence of underlying conditions. Renal function also plays a role in the clearance of lactate from the body.

Adverse effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Hypersensitivity reactions

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
  • Monitor for signs of metabolic acidosis
  • Caution in patients with liver disease

Pregnancy

Lactic acid is generally regarded as safe, but clinical use should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Considered safe for use during breastfeeding, but consult healthcare provider for individual cases.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Formulations

  • Lactic acid injection
  • Lactic acid oral solution

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: purified

Purified refers to a substance that has been processed to remove impurities, contaminants, or unwanted substances, resulting in a more concentrated and effective form of the original compound. In pharmacology, purified compounds are often used to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse effects. The purification process can apply to a variety of substances, including drugs, biological products, and chemical compounds.

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific drug formulations and product labels as purified substances can vary widely in their use and dosing.

Adults: Refer to specific drug formulations and product labels as purified substances can vary widely in their use and dosing.

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action for purified compounds varies widely depending on the specific substance. Generally, purified drugs exert their effects by interacting with specific biological targets, such as receptors, enzymes, or ion channels, leading to a desired therapeutic effect. This interaction can involve binding to receptors to activate or inhibit signaling pathways, modulating enzymatic activity, or altering physiological processes.

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics describes the effects of a drug on the body and the relationship between drug concentration and effect. For purified drugs, this can involve dose-response relationships and the time course of their action. The purified form often enhances potency and reduces variability in response among patients, which can lead to more predictable therapeutic outcomes. The overall effect is determined by the drug's affinity for its target, the efficacy of the drug-receptor interaction, and the downstream signaling pathways activated as a result of this interaction.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics involves the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of a drug. For purified substances, absorption can be more efficient due to the absence of impurities that may affect solubility or stability. Distribution may also be enhanced, leading to higher bioavailability. Metabolism can be influenced by the structure of the purified compound, as it may be metabolized more readily by liver enzymes. Excretion typically occurs through the kidneys or liver, depending on the molecular characteristics of the purified drug.

Pregnancy

Consult with a healthcare professional, as the safety of purified forms of medications during pregnancy may vary depending on the specific substance.

Breast-feeding

Consult with a healthcare professional, as the safety of purified forms of medications during breastfeeding may vary depending on the specific substance.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture, and keep out of reach of children.

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Molecular reference: Alcohol

PubChem CID 702

Molecular formula: C2H6O

Mechanism of action

Ethanol affects the brain’s neurons in several ways. It alters their membranes as well as their ion channels, enzymes, and receptors. Alcohol also binds directly to the receptors for acetylcholine, serotonin, GABA, and the NMDA receptors for glutamate. The sedative effects of ethanol are mediated through binding to GABA receptors and glycine receptors (alpha 1 and alpha 2 subunits). It also inhibits NMDA receptor functioning. In its role as an anti-infective, ethanol acts as an osmolyte or dehydrating agent that disrupts the osmotic balance across cell membranes. ... Ethanol is known to affect a large number of membrane proteins that participate in signaling pathways such as neurotransmitter receptors, enzymes, and ion channels, and there is extensive evidence that ethanol interacts with a variety of neurotransmitters. The major actions of ethanol involve enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABAa receptors and blockade of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate, an excitatory amine acid (EAA) receptor. Animal studies indicate that the acute effects of ethanol result from competitive inhibition of glycine binding to NMDA receptor and disruption of glutamatergic neurotransmission by inhibiting the response of the NMDA receptor. Persistent glycine antagonism and attenuation of glutamatergic neurotransmission by chronic ethanol exposure results in tolerance to ethanol by enhancing EAA neurotransmission and NMDA receptor upregulation. The latter appears to involve selective increases in NMDA R2B subunit concentrations and other molecular changes in specific brain loci. The abrupt withdrawal of ethanol thus produces a hyperexcitable state that leads to the ethanol withdrawal syndrome and excitotoxic neuronal death. GABA-mediated inhibition, which normally acts to limit excitation, is eliminated during ethanol withdrawal syndrome and further intensifies this excitation. In addition, NMDA receptors function to inhibit the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens and mesolimbic structures, which modulate the reinforcing action of addictive xenobiotics such as ethanol. By inhibiting NMDA receptor activity, ethanol could increase dopamine release from the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area and could thus create dependence. Chronic ethanol administration also results in tolerance, dependence, and an ethanol withdrawal syndrome, mediated, in part, by desensitization and or downregulation of GABAa receptors. The development of alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA) requires that a combination of physical and physiologic events occur. The normal response to starvation and depletion of hepatic glycogen stores is for amino acids to be converted to pyruvate. Pyruvate can serve as a substrate for gluconeogenesis, be converted to acetyl-CoA, which can enter the Krebs cycle or can be utilized in various biosynthetic pathways (eg, fatty acid, ketone bodies, cholesterol, and acetylcholine) ... Ethanol metabolism generates NADH, resulting in an excess of reducing potential. This high redox state favors the conversion of pyruvate to lactate, diverting pyruvate from being a substrate for gluconeogenesis. To compensate for the lack of normal metabolic substrates, the body mobilizes fat from adipose tissue and increased fatty acid metabolism as an alternative source of energy. This response is mediated by a decrease in insulin and an increased secretion of glucagon, catecholamines, growth hormone, and cortisol. Fatty acid metabolism results in the formation of acetyl-CoA and it combines with the excess acetate that is generated from ethanol metabolism to form acetoacetate. Most of the acetoacetate is reduced to beta-hydroxybutyrate due to the excess reducing potential or high redox state of the cell. Volume depletion interferes with the renal elimination of acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate, and contributes to the acidosis. An elevated lactate concentration may result from shunting from pyruvate or

Pharmacodynamics

Alcohol produces injury to cells by dehydration and precipitation of the cytoplasm or protoplasm. This accounts for its bacteriocidal and antifungal action. When alcohol is injected in close proximity to nerve tissues, it produces neuritis and nerve degeneration (neurolysis). Ninety to 98% of ethanol that enters the body is completely oxidized. Ethanol is also used as a cosolvent to dissolve many insoluble drugs and to serve as a mild sedative in some medicinal formulations. Ethanol also binds to GABA, glycine, NMDA receptors and modulates their effects. Ethanol is also metabolised by the hepatic enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

Molecular reference: Ciprofloxacin

PubChem CID 2764

Molecular formula: C17H18FN3O3

Mechanism of action

Ciprofloxacin acts on bacterial topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV. Ciprofloxacin's targeting of the alpha subunits of DNA gyrase prevents it from supercoiling the bacterial DNA which prevents DNA replication. The mechanism by which ciprofloxacin's inhibition of DNA gyrase or topoisomerase IV results in death in susceptible organisms has not been fully determined. Unlike beta-lactam anti-infectives, which are most active against susceptible bacteria when they are in the logarithmic phase of growth, studies using Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa indicate that ciprofloxacin can be bactericidal during both logarithmic and stationary phases of growth; this effect does not appear to occur with gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus). In vitro studies indicate that ciprofloxacin concentrations that approximate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the drug induce filamentation in susceptible organisms; high concentrations of the drug result in enlarged or elongated cells that may not be extensively filamented. Although the bactericidal effect of some fluoroquinolones (e.g., norfloxacin) evidently requires competent RNA and protein synthesis in the bacterial cell, and concurrent use of anti-infectives that affect protein synthesis (e.g., chloramphenicol, tetracyclines) or RNA synthesis (e.g., rifampin) inhibit the in vitro bactericidal activity of these drugs, the bactericidal effect of ciprofloxacin is only partially reduced in the presence of these anti-infectives. This suggests that ciprofloxacin has an additional mechanism of action that is independent of RNA and protein synthesis. Ciprofloxacin usually is bactericidal in action. Like other fluoroquinolone anti-infectives, ciprofloxacin inhibits DNA synthesis in susceptible organisms via inhibition of the enzymatic activities of 2 members of the DNA topoisomerase class of enzymes, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV have distinct essential roles in bacterial DNA replication. DNA gyrase, a type II DNA topoisomerase, was the first identified quinolone target; DNA gyrase is a tetramer composed of 2 GyrA and 2 GyrB subunits. DNA gyrase introduces negative superhelical twists in DNA, an activity important for initiation of DNA replication. DNA gyrase also facilitates DNA replication by removing positive super helical twists. Topoisomerase IV, another type II DNA topoisomerase, is composed of 2 ParC and 2 ParE subunits. DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV are structurally related; ParC is homologous to GyrA and ParE is homologous to GyrB. Topoisomerase IV acts at the terminal states of DNA replication by allowing for separation of interlinked daughter chromosomes so that segregation into daughter cells can occur. Fluoroquinolones inhibit these topoisomerase enzymes by stabilizing either the DNA-DNA gyrase complex or the DNA-topoismerase IV complex; these stabilized complexes block movement of the DNA replication fork and thereby inhibit DNA replication resulting in cell death. ... Ciprofloxacin is cytotoxic to a variety of cultured mammalian cell lines at concn that deplete cells of mtDNA. The IC50 values for ciprofloxacin varied from 40-80 ug/ml depending on the cell line tested. Cytotoxicity required continuous exposure of cells to drug for 2-4 days, which corresponded to approx three or four cell doublings. Shorter times of drug exposure did not cause significant cytotoxicity. In addition, cells became drug resistant when they were grown under conditions that bypassed the need for mitochondrial respiration. Resistance was not due to a decr in cellular drug accumulation, ... /indicating/ that ciprofloxacin cytotoxicity is caused by the loss of mtDNA encoded functions. Analysis of mtDNA from ciprofloxacin treated cells revealed the presence of site specific, double stranded DNA breaks. ... Exonuclease protection studies indicated that the 5'-, but not the 3', ends of the drug induced DNA breaks were tightly assoc

Pharmacodynamics

Ciprofloxacin is a second generation fluoroquinolone that is active against many Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. It produces its action through inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Ciprofloxacin binds to bacterial DNA gyrase with 100 times the affinity of mammalian DNA gyrase. There is no cross resistance between fluoroquinolones and other classes of antibiotics, so it may be of clinical value when other antibiotics are no longer effective. Ciprofloxain and its derivatives are also being investigated for its action against malaria, cancers, and AIDS.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

Molecular reference: benzyl

PubChem CID 123147

Molecular formula: C7H7

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

This drug in other countries

The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.