This type of exposure would most likely occur during a bioterrorist attack. This indication was granted under provisions of accelerated approval, on the basis of blood levels achieved in humans and the results of in vitro and animal testing. Since its introduction in 1987, Cipro, made by Bayer Corporation, has been extensively studied and is the most widely used fluoroquinolone antibiotic in the world. It has a proven track record of efficacy and safety and has been prescribed more than 250 million times. Cipro is now approved for 14 different uses including respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Inhalational anthrax is usually fatal.
In order to be effective, Cipro administration should begin as soon as possible after anthrax exposure and before symptoms appear. The recommended duration of Cipro administration is 60 days. On July 28, an FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended approval after listening to expert testimony, which included results of an animal study conducted by the Department of Defense. In addition, there are reports indicating that strains of the bacteria have been engineered to resist penicillin and doxycycline. Serious and fatal reactions have been reported in patients receiving concurrent administration of ciprofloxacin and theophylline.