The Synergy of Ciprofloxacin and Carvedilol against -Prospects of a New Treatment Strategy?

infections are common and difficult to treat. The increasing number of drug-resistant staphylococcal infections has created the need to develop new strategies for the treatment of these infections. The synergistic antimicrobial activity of different pharmaceuticals seems to be an interesting alternative. The aim of this study was to assess the synergistic activity of ciprofloxacin and carvedilol against strains. The antibacterial potential of ciprofloxacin and carvedilol was evaluated according to the CLSI guidelines. The calcium content in cells was measured using flow cytometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Moreover, confocal and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the mechanism of antibacterial synergy of ciprofloxacin and carvedilol. The antibacterial effect of ciprofloxacin was higher in the presence of carvedilol than in cultures containing the antibiotic only. A significant increase in membrane permeability was also observed. The simultaneous administration of the tested compounds caused damage to cells visualized by SEM. Enhancement of the antimicrobial action of ciprofloxacin by carvedilol was correlated with an increase in free calcium content in cells, morphological changes to the cells, and a reduction in the ability to form bacterial aggregates.