Drug Information

Cipro (Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride)
for Inhalation Anthrax

Cipro (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It does not work for viral infections (for example, the common cold). Cipro is approved for the inhaled form of anthrax after an individual has been exposed.  Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients and adolescents less than 18 years of age have not been established, except for use in inhalational anthrax (post-exposure).  

• Information on Cipro for Consumers:  Questions and Answers  (11/14/2001)

• Cipro (Ciprofloxacin): Use by Pregnant and Lactating Women (10/31/2001)

• Message to Physicians and Health Practitioners on Cipro

• Scientific and Regulatory Information (Approval Letter, Label, and Scientific Reviews)

• Advisory Committee Meeting Transcripts and Other Information on Cipro Date: 7/28/2000

• FDA Issues Cyber-Letters to Web Sites Selling Unapproved Foreign Ciprofloxacin (November 1, 2001) 

  • Cyber Letters to Web Sites Selling Cipro  (11/1/2001)

• Search the National Library of Medicine's database, MEDLINE, for journal references on Cipro.  This link automatically searches the MEDLINE database for reference to articles from medical journals.

• Questions and Answers about Anthrax Prevention and Treatment from the Department of Health and Human Services

• Information on Anthrax from the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINEplus.  Selected links to consumer information about anthrax.

• Information on Fluoroquinolones (Systemic) from the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINEplus.  Fluoroquinolones (flu-roe-KWIN-a-lones) are used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. They work by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, these medicines will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

• Antibiotic Resistance.  Disease-causing microbes that have become resistant to drug therapy are an increasing public health problem. Tuberculosis, gonorrhea, malaria, and childhood ear infections are just a few of the diseases that have become hard to treat with antibiotic drugs. Part of the problem is that bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections are remarkably resilient and can develop ways to survive drugs meant to kill or weaken them. This antibiotic resistance, also known as antimicrobial resistance or drug resistance, is due largely to the increasing use of antibiotics.

• FTC Consumer Alert.  Offers to Treat Biological Threats:  What You Need to Know.

• Buying Prescription Medicines Online: A Consumer Safety Guide

• Buying Medicines Online: Tips and Warnings for Consumers

For more information about Cipro, please contact the Division of Drug Information at druginfo@cder.fda.gov or 1-888-INFOFDA (463-6332).