What is pill Y102 used for?: A Comprehensive Guide to Ciprofloxacin

October 7, 2025 •

2 min read

The white, oval pill with the imprint Y102 has been positively identified as Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride 500 mg. It is a powerful fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a wide array of serious bacterial infections in different parts of the body.

Quick Summary

The pill with the imprint Y102 contains Ciprofloxacin 500 mg, an antibiotic that works by killing bacteria. It is prescribed for various bacterial infections, including those of the urinary tract, skin, bones, and joints. Patients must understand its potential serious side effects, such as tendon problems and nerve damage, and adhere strictly to dosage guidelines.

Key Points

Identity: The pill with the imprint Y102 is Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride 500 mg, a powerful antibiotic.
Function: It belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics and works by killing bacteria that cause infection by inhibiting essential DNA enzymes.
Uses: Ciprofloxacin is used to treat serious bacterial infections, including those affecting the urinary tract, skin, bones, joints, and respiratory system, among others.
Risks: There are significant warnings associated with its use, including serious and potentially permanent side effects like tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system effects.
Administration: It is crucial to follow a doctor's instructions, finish the full course of treatment, and avoid taking the medication with dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, or certain antacids.
Photosensitivity: Ciprofloxacin can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight and UV light, so sun protection is necessary while taking this medication.

Identifying Pill Y102

The imprint code 'Y102' on a white, oval pill indicates Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride in a 500 mg dosage. Ciprofloxacin is the generic name and is also known by the brand name Cipro. Correct identification is important for safe medication use.

What is Ciprofloxacin?

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It works by inhibiting bacterial enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) necessary for DNA processes, thus killing bacteria or preventing their growth. It is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Uses of Pill Y102 (Ciprofloxacin)

Ciprofloxacin (pill Y102) treats a range of bacterial infections and is often used for severe infections or when other antibiotics are unsuitable due to potential serious side effects. These include infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, skin and skin structure, bones and joints, as well as intra-abdominal and infectious diarrhea. It is also approved for post-exposure inhalational anthrax and for treating and preventing plague.

Important Precautions and Warnings

Ciprofloxacin carries a risk of serious adverse reactions, with a boxed warning from the FDA. Potential side effects include tendon inflammation and rupture, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), central nervous system (CNS) effects, QT prolongation (affecting heart rhythm), and exacerbation of myasthenia gravis.

Comparison of Antibiotics for UTIs


Feature	Ciprofloxacin (Y102)	Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
Drug Class	Fluoroquinolone	Sulfonamide antibiotic
Mechanism of Action	Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV	Blocks bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid
Primary Use (UTIs)	Often reserved for complicated or severe UTIs	Common first-line treatment for uncomplicated UTIs
Typical Duration	3 days for uncomplicated cystitis	Typically 3 days for uncomplicated UTIs
Interaction with Calcium	Avoid dairy and calcium-fortified juices 2-6 hours around dosing	No major interaction with calcium
Common Side Effects	Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
Serious Side Effects	Tendon rupture, nerve damage, CNS effects	Severe skin reactions (SJS), blood disorders

Proper Administration of Pill Y102

Follow prescribed guidelines for optimal effectiveness and minimal side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions. Take at the same time daily, with or without food. Avoid dairy products or calcium-fortified juices within 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking the pill. Complete the full course of medication, drink plenty of fluids, and limit sun exposure due to increased sun sensitivity. Separate doses from antacids and products containing magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc by 2 to 6 hours.

Conclusion

Pill Y102 is Ciprofloxacin 500 mg, a potent antibiotic for various bacterial infections. It is effective but carries serious risks like tendon rupture and nerve damage. Following dosage and administration instructions is vital for safety and efficacy. Always consult a healthcare provider to confirm Ciprofloxacin is appropriate and to understand all risks. For more detailed information, refer to the {Link: DailyMed label https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=ab16bacd-f73f-462e-82b2-b0abb1c49cec} from the National Library of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the pill Y102, which is Ciprofloxacin 500 mg, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and is not a controlled substance.

If you experience serious side effects such as tendon pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or mood changes, you should stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

You should avoid taking Ciprofloxacin with dairy products like milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juices, as these can interfere with the medication's absorption. Take the pill at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after consuming these items.

The duration of Ciprofloxacin treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. For example, an uncomplicated UTI might require 3 days, while a bone and joint infection can last for several weeks. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

Ciprofloxacin is not typically the first-choice antibiotic for children and is generally used only for serious infections like anthrax or complicated UTIs due to potential adverse effects on joints.

Ciprofloxacin works by inhibiting two key bacterial enzymes, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are necessary for bacteria to replicate and repair their DNA. This ultimately leads to the death of the bacterial cells.

Ciprofloxacin is an antibacterial drug and is not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold, the flu, or other viruses.