Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which medication is considered first-line treatment for anthrax according to the CDC?

1. Clindamycin (Cleocin)

2. Fluconazole (Diflucan)

3. Penicillin G injection

4. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

The correct answer is: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Ciprofloxacin is recognized as a first-line treatment for anthrax according to the CDC guidelines due to its effectiveness against the Bacillus anthracis bacteria, which causes the disease. Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, which have broad-spectrum activity and are particularly effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including those involved in inhalational anthrax. In cases of anthrax exposure, particularly inhalational anthrax, timely administration of ciprofloxacin is critical as it can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this serious infection. The choice of ciprofloxacin aligns with public health recommendations because it has been shown to penetrate well into tissues and reach effective concentrations to combat the bacteria. Other antibiotic options exist, such as penicillin G, which is also a viable treatment option for anthrax and particularly useful for those who are not allergic to penicillin. However, ciprofloxacin is preferred in many situations due to its broad application and safety profile, especially in scenarios where there may be drug-resistant strains of the organism. Thus, recognizing ciprofloxacin as the first-line treatment is crucial in managing and preventing the serious complications associated with anthrax infections.