Description
Mechanism of Action
Ciprofloxacin promotes breakage of double-stranded DNA in susceptible organisms and inhibits DNA gyrase, which is essential in reproduction of bacterial DNA.
Absorption: Rapidly and well absorbed from the GI tract with peak plasma concentrations after 2 hr (oral); may be delayed by the presence of food.
Distribution: Bile (high concentrations), CSF (10% of those in plasma in the absence of meningitis); crosses the placenta and enters the breast milk. Protein-binding: 20-40%.
Metabolism: Converted to oxociprofloxacin, sulfociprofloxacin and other active metabolites.
Excretion: Mainly via the urine by active tubular secretion and glomerular filtration (as oxociprofloxacin and 15% metabolites, 40% unchanged after oral dose; 70% as unchanged, 10% as metabolites after IV dose); hepatic, biliary and transluminal secretion (non-renal excretion). Via the faeces (as sulfociprofloxacin; 35% after oral dose, 15% after IV dose); 3.5-4.5 hr (elimination half-life). Removed by haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (small amounts).
MIMS Class
Eye Anti-Infectives & Antiseptics / Quinolones / Ear Anti-Infectives & Antiseptics
ATC Classification
J01MA02 – ciprofloxacin; Belongs to the class of fluoroquinolones. Used in the systemic treatment of infections.;
S02AA15 – ciprofloxacin; Belongs to the class of antiinfectives used in the treatment of ear infections.;
S03AA07 – ciprofloxacin; Belongs to the class of antiinfectives used in ophthalmologic and otologic preparations.;
S01AE03 – ciprofloxacin; Belongs to the class of quinolone antiinfectives. Used in the treatment of eye infections.
