Paper II
2013 April (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Ciprofloxacin

Q73 marksShort Notes

Answer

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Mechanism of action

  • Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV
  • Prevents DNA supercoiling/replication → bactericidal

Spectrum

  • Broad-spectrum, especially potent against Gram-negative organisms (E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shigella, Neisseria)
  • Moderate activity against some Gram-positive organisms; poor against anaerobes and streptococci

Uses

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Typhoid fever
  • Gastroenteritis/bacillary dysentery
  • Respiratory tract infections (including Pseudomonas in cystic fibrosis)
  • Gonorrhoea (where not resistant)
  • Anthrax (prophylaxis/treatment)

Adverse effects

  • GI upset (nausea, diarrhoea)
  • Tendinitis/tendon rupture (especially Achilles)
  • Arthropathy in growing cartilage — avoided in children and pregnancy
  • CNS effects (headache, dizziness, rarely seizures)
  • QT prolongation
  • Photosensitivity

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