Final answer:
Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug, inhibits bacterial DNA replication by blocking the activity of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. This helps to prevent bacterial growth and treat infections. However, ciprofloxacin can have side effects such as phototoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, glucose metabolism dysfunction, and an increased risk for tendon rupture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug ciprofloxacin, commonly known as cipro, works by inhibiting the activity of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. These enzymes are required for DNA replication. By blocking DNA unwinding, ciprofloxacin effectively prevents bacterial replication. As a result, ciprofloxacin is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and is commonly prescribed to treat various infections.
However, like other fluoroquinolones, ciprofloxacin can have side effects. Some of the side effects include phototoxicity (increased sensitivity to sunlight), neurotoxicity (damage to the nervous system), cardiotoxicity (effects on the heart), glucose metabolism dysfunction (disruptions in blood sugar regulation), and an increased risk for tendon rupture. It is important to note that these side effects are relatively rare but can occur in some individuals.