From the Guidelines
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections, as evidenced by its efficacy against gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, and Salmonella species 1.
Infections Treated by Cipro
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other gram-negative bacteria 1
- Respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1
- Gastrointestinal infections including traveler's diarrhea caused by Salmonella species, Shigella species, and E. coli 1
- Certain sexually transmitted infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections caused by gram-negative bacteria
Mechanism of Action and Dosage
Cipro works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication and ultimately killing the bacteria. The typical adult dose ranges from 250-750 mg twice daily, with treatment duration varying from 3 days for simple UTIs to 4-6 weeks for bone infections 1.
Important Considerations
Patients should take the full prescribed course, drink plenty of fluids, avoid antacids and dairy products within 2 hours of taking Cipro, and be aware of potential side effects including tendon damage, nervous system effects, and GI disturbances. Cipro is not recommended for children or pregnant women except in specific circumstances due to potential risks 1.
Key Pathogens
Cipro is particularly useful for treating infections caused by:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- E. coli
- Klebsiella
- Enterobacter
- Proteus
- Some Staphylococcus species
- Salmonella species It is essential to note that the effectiveness of Cipro against specific pathogens may vary depending on the region and the prevalence of antibiotic resistance 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Ciprofloxacin has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section of the package insert for Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 250mg, 500mg and 750mg. Aerobic gram-positive microorganisms Enterococcus faecalis (Many strains are only moderately susceptible.) Staphylococcus saprophyticus Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only) Streptococcus pyogenes Aerobic gram-negative microorganisms Campylobacter jejuni Proteus mirabilis Citrobacter diversus Proteus vulgaris Citrobacter freundii Providencia rettgeri Enterobacter cloacae Providencia stuartii Escherichia coli Pseudomonas aeruginosa Haemophilus influenzae Salmonella typhi Haemophilus parainfluenzae Serratia marcescens Klebsiella pneumoniae Shigella boydii Moraxella catarrhalis Shigella dysenteriae Morganella morganii Shigella flexneri Neisseria gonorrhoeae Shigella sonnei
Ciprofloxacin works for infections caused by the following microorganisms:
- Aerobic gram-positive microorganisms:
- Enterococcus faecalis
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only)
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Aerobic gram-negative microorganisms:
- Campylobacter jejuni
- Proteus mirabilis
- Citrobacter diversus
- Proteus vulgaris
- Citrobacter freundii
- Providencia rettgeri
- Enterobacter cloacae
- Providencia stuartii
- Escherichia coli
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Salmonella typhi
- Haemophilus parainfluenzae
- Serratia marcescens
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Shigella boydii
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Shigella dysenteriae
- Morganella morganii
- Shigella flexneri
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Shigella sonnei 2
From the Research
Infections Treated by Cipro
Ciprofloxacin is effective in treating a wide range of infections, including:
- Complicated urinary tract infections 3, 4, 5
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea and chancroid 3
- Skin and bone infections 3, 6
- Gastrointestinal infections caused by multiresistant organisms 3
- Lower respiratory tract infections, including those in patients with cystic fibrosis 3, 6
- Febrile neutropenia, when combined with an agent that possesses good activity against Gram-positive bacteria 3
- Intra-abdominal infections, when combined with an antianaerobic agent 3
- Malignant external otitis 3, 6
- Bacterial prostatitis 6
Bacterial Coverage
Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that is effective against: