Adsorption studies of ciprofloxacin: evaluation of magnesium trisilicate, kaolin and starch as alternatives for the management of ciprofloxacin poisoning.

In vitro experiments were performed to investigated the extend of adsorption of ciprofloxacin to kaolin, magnesium trislilicate and to a starch obtained from the tubers of Tacca involucrata (Tacca starch) and to explore the effect of varying pH on this adsorption. Activated charcoal, a standard adsorbent and antidote in the management of poisoning due to a variety of chemical agents was employed as a comparing standard. The results of the study indicate that kaolin and magnesium trisilicate adsorbed ciprofloxacin effectively while the adsorption of the drug on the starch was relatively low. Adsorption was dependent upon the quantity of the adsorbed used. Kaolin or magnesium trisilicate could serve as an effective antidotal alternative to activated charcoal in the management of ciprofloxacin poisoning. Except in cases of poisoning due to ciprofloxacin, the concurrent administration of the drug with kaolin or magnesium trisilicate may be contraindicated. Tacca starch, however, may not really be recommended for the management of ciprofloxacin poisoning.

In vitro adsorption of ciprofloxacin on activated charcoal and Talc.

The in vitro adsorption of ciprofloxacin, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial with actions against a wide variety of microorganisms on activated charcoal (AC) and talc (TC), was investigated at various pH values that simulate the pH of most regions of the gastrointestinal tract. The results of the study indicate that AC and TC adsorbed ciprofloxacin effectively. Adsorption depended on the quantity of the adsorbents used, and for AC adsorption was complete within 2 hours and for TC it was complete within 1 hour with 0.5 g of either of the adsorbents. AC exhibited higher adsorptive capacity for ciprofloxacin than TC. Overall, AC and TC could be used as effective antidotes in poisoning resulting from ciprofloxacin.