Antibiotics Home > What Type of Drug Is Ciprofloxacin HCL?
The active ingredient ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (ciprofloxacin HCl) is found in several prescription medications. It comes in several strengths and forms, and is used to treat a wide variety of infections. But what type of drug is ciprofloxacin and how does it work to treat infections?
Belonging to a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones, or "quinolones" for short, ciprofloxacin HCL works by killing certain bacteria that cause infections. It does this by interfering with two enzymes bacteria need to copy and repair DNA, important steps required for the bacteria to multiply.
This antibiotic is not appropriate for everyone; your healthcare provider needs complete information on your medical history and what medications you are taking before prescribing this drug.
(For more information on this antibiotic, click Ciprofloxacin. This article provides details on what type of drug ciprofloxacin HCl is and how it works, lists potential side effects, and offers some safety precautions to be aware of before beginning treatment.)