Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is a fluoroquinolone (or quinolone ) antibiotic. It works by blocking certain enzymes (proteins) that bacteria use to grow and repair their genetic material (DNA) in order to survive. Ciprofloxacin (generic name), Cipro, Cipro XR (brand names) is an antibiotic prescribed for the treatment of many skin, lung, airway, bone, and joint infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat a wide variety of infections, including infections of bones and joints, endocarditis, bacterial gastroenteritis, malignant otitis externa, bubonic plague, respiratory tract infections, cellulitis, urinary tract infections, prostatitis, anthrax, and chancroid. Ciprofloxacin is a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as chest infections, urine infections, prostatitis, infections of the digestive system, bone and joint infections, and some sexually transmitted infections. Ciprofloxacin — sold under the brand name Cipro — is a powerful broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat over a dozen serious bacterial infections. It works by disrupting bacterial DNA replication, stopping the infection from spreading. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic, it is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. It is also used to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague. Ciprofloxacin extended-release is only approved for use in adults. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. Ciprofloxacin oral liquid and tablets are also used to treat anthrax infection after inhalational exposure. This medicine is also used to treat and prevent plague (including pneumonic and septicemic plague). Ciprofloxacin was approved by the FDA in 1987 as the latest addition to the class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. Doctors hailed it as a breakthrough — a broad-spectrum antibiotic capable of treating both routine and resistant bacterial infections. Find out how ciprofloxacin treats serious infections and how to take or use it. NHS medicines information on ciprofloxacin – what it's used for, side effects, dosage and who can take it. What is ciprofloxacin used for? Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is commonly used for the following infections caused by certain bacteria. Ciprofloxacin may not be appropriate for some of.