What is commonly prescribed for emergency treatment of inhalation anthrax?

The emergency treatment for inhalation anthrax typically involves the use of ciprofloxacin, which is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. This medication is effective against the Bacillus anthracis bacteria that causes anthrax and is specifically recommended due to its ability to penetrate well into the tissues and provide adequate coverage for various strains of the bacteria. The rapid administration of ciprofloxacin, often in conjunction with other supportive therapies, is crucial because inhalation anthrax can progress quickly and become life-threatening.

Ciprofloxacin works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase, an enzyme critical for DNA replication, effectively stopping the growth of the bacteria. This makes it a vital option in the immediate management of suspected or confirmed cases of inhalation anthrax, particularly in an emergency setting where other treatment options may not be as effective.

The other choices, while they are effective for different medical conditions (for example, acyclovir for viral infections, oseltamivir for influenza, and zidovudine for HIV), are not appropriate for the treatment of inhalation anthrax and do not have the required spectrum of activity against Bacillus anthracis.