Fluoroquinoloness

Fluoroquinolones (fluoridated quinolones) are the newest class of antibiotics. Their generic name often contains the root "floxacin". They are synthetic antibiotics, and not derived from bacteria. Fluoroquinolones belong to the family of antibiotics called quinolones. The older quinolones are not well absorbed and are used to treat mostly urinary tract infections. The newer fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum bacteriocidal drugs that are chemically unrelated to the penicillins or the cephalosporins. Because of their excellent absorption fluoroquinolones can be administered not only by intravenous but orally as well.

Fluoroquinolones are used to treat most common urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections (such as sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis).

Fluoroquinolones inhibit bacteria by interfering with their ability to make DNA. This activity makes it difficult for bacteria to multiply. This effect is bacteriocidal.

Fluoroquinolone grope includes:

·         ciprofloxacin

·         levofloxacin

·         lomefloxacin

·         norfloxacin

·         sparfloxacin

·         clinafloxacin

·         gatifloxacin

·         ofloxacin

·         trovafloxacin

Fluoroquinolones side effects

Fluoroquinolones are well tolerated and relatively safe. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Other more serious but less common side effects are central nervous system effects (headache, confusion and dizziness), phototoxicity (more common with lomefloxacin and sparfloxacin). All drugs in this class have been associated with convulsions. Fluoroquinolones are classed as pregnancy category C.