Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone class, used to treat various bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication and repair. Ciprofloxacin is effective against both Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria, but its use should be guided by susceptibility patterns due to increasing antibiotic resistance. It's important to use ciprofloxacin only under medical supervision to minimize potential side effects and complications.