Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin. Manufactured by Bayer. Sold under the names Cipro, Ciproxin and Ciprobay. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a group called fluoroquinolones. It is a bacteriocide. A broad-spectrum antibiotic, it is active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It functions by inhibiting DNA gyrase, a type II topoisomerase, which is an enzyme necessary to separate replicated DNA, thereby inhibiting cell division. According to Wikipedia, "its mode of action depends upon blocking bacterial DNA replication by binding itself to an enzyme called DNA gyrase, thereby causing double-stranded breaks in the bacterial choromosome." In effect, the DNA can no longer uncoil, and can cannot, therefore, reproduce.
It was initially reserved as a final line of defense against resistant bacteria, but is increasingly a common prescription. It is now fed to livestock which in turn show increased weight gain, though it is not know why. It was once thought to be effective against chlamydia, though it has been shown recently to be ineffective in treating this disease.
Ciprofloxacin was stockpiled internationally during the anthrax scare in 2001 (though the Soviets have reported created a strain of anthrax that is resistant to cipro). Since this scare and subsequent stockpilling, cipro has been widely prescribed.
It was discovered in the 1960s as scientists at Bayer sought a cure for malaria. 19 years ago the drug was made available to the public in an oral form. According to www.cipro.com, it has been prescribed to over 340 million patients.
Ciprofloxacin can cause photosensitivity and can elevate plasma theophylline levels to toxic values. It can also cause constipation and sensitivity to caffeine, and general gastrointestinal irritation. It is also known to cause swelling of joints and cartilage, and cause tendon rupture and chronic pain. It should not be taken with antacids or dairy, and heavy exercise should be avoided.
Ciprofloxacin is my friend.