Name: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Class: Fluorinated quinolone
Mechanism: Inhib bact. DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II). Bactericidal.
Absorption: Rapid absorption after oral admin.
Distrib.: Good tissue penetration. Poor CSF.
Metabolism.: Partial hepatic Metabolism.
Excretion, t½: Glomerular filtration, secretion. Also feces, bile, sputum. 4 hr.
Toxicity/S.E.s: Usu. not severe. GI, CNS, arthropathy. Not for pregnant or nursing women or prepubertal children.
Utility: Upper and lower UTIs, DOC for Pseudomonas UTIs. Active against aerobic gram- bacilli, H. influenzae, Neisseria. Good for several causes of infectious diarrhea, osteomyelitis, and patients w/CF.
Special Features: Broader spectrum than nonfluorinated quinolones. For diarrhea, treat until symptoms resolve, or no longer than 3 days.