Ciprofloxacin: efficacy and indications.

Ciprofloxacin's strength is in 'below-the-diaphragm' indications. Information about the efficacy of the new fluoroquinolones in this indication is currently limited. Ciprofloxacin is effective in both uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections, but is probably best reserved for complicated, hospital-acquired or recurrent infections. Ciprofloxacin is effective in complicated and severe lower respiratory tract infections, including those in patients with infective exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis, and pseudomonal infections. Ciprofloxacin is effective in the treatment of serious, non-self-limiting intra-abdominal infections, peritonitis in CAPD, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis and gall-bladder infections. Ciprofloxacin is effective in the treatment of a range of serious, non-self-limiting gastrointestinal infections (e.g. Salmonella and typhoid fever). Ciprofloxacin is effective in the empirical treatment of febrile neutropenic episodes, and prophylaxis of gram-negative bacteraemia in neutropenia and bone marrow transplantation. Ciprofloxacin is also effective in a range of other indications (e.g. eye infections, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and gonorrhoea).